Can I fix my nasolabial folds with filler or do I need surgery? (Photo)

Question

I want my nasolabial area to look like how it looked in the photo on the left. Can I achieve this with filler? If so, what kind, how much, and where should it be injected? The cheek, the fold itself, or both? If not, what surgery or other type of treatment do you recommend to approximate what I used to look like?

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

The look that you desire can be achieved with fillers and collagen stimulators and threads, but my favorite way to address this is by using your own fat. When performed correctly, a fat transfer can give you the most natural look that can last a long time. Plus the regenerative effects from the stem cells in your fat can help rejuvenate your skin. You don't need a face lift at this stage.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Restoring facial volume with dermal fillers can produce the results you’re looking for without requiring surgery. Though the exact formula, amount, and area should be determined by an in-person evaluation, these hyaluronic acid formulas can smooth your nasolabial folds and provide a subtle lift where needed to create a supple and youthful appearance.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced expert injector. They will be able to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with you to determine the best course of action.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced expert injector. They will be able to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with you to determine the best course of action.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a remarkable difference in two years. I would suggest beginning treatment with a dermal filler to enhance the collagen and volume in your nasolabial fold.

Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

This area is best treated with both support to the cheek and volume to the nasolabial fold itself. I like a more viscous filler such as Restylane contour and defyne for these areas or Juvederm Voluma.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The answer is yes, there is an excellent probability that HA fillers can help to improve the smile folds the way you wish. A bolus of an appropriately robust HA filler for the cheeks will help to provide lift to the cheeks and hence secondarily soften the smile folds below. The use of a malleable, cohesive, low density HA filler directly injected into the smile lines will further elevate and smooth them. You would be wise to make certain that you consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. S/he, after directly palpating and manipulating the skin of the cheeks and the smile folds will be able to then tell you specifically which fillers and how much of each will be necessary to get the job done. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the nasolabial folds themselves and also lift around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine Sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, Fractora, and Renuvion (J Plasma), thread lifting,  and peels to get the most conservative, natural look. I suggest seeing a facial sculpting expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Filler is a great tool to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds.  You can consider adding filler to the cheek area as well to enhance facial contours.  See an experienced injector near you to discuss your goals for treatment.

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

I most commonly treat naso labial folds with fat grafting
I use a layered approach , injecting deeply initially and then into the skin itself.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Personally, I do not believe that your nasolabial folds have changed in two years. I think that the difference in those photographs is that in the photographed  on the left, there’s more light hitting the face, making it look like there’s less of a nasolabial fold. At the same time if you want your nasolabial fold to be improved, you can definitely have fillers placed into it. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Gerald Wittenberg, MSc, DMD (retired) · Answer

The improvement and 'contour change' can be accomplished with tissue fillers placed deeper in the soft tissue; but the duration of filler in this region is not long. The alternative to 'consider' is to support the tissue / fold by placing a small implant 'on the bone' under the fold so the fold does not 'fall' into the weaker bone structure. That is a more long term solution