Does having filler placed in the upper nasolabial fold (the part that's up beside the nose) look unnatural?

Hi @upsidedowntown. Filler in the piriform fossa can look very natural when placed correctly.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Filling in the nasolabial grooves are easy and do look very natural. It can really help one look younger in some cases.

NLF injections, if done properly, help soften their appearance. Recently the move has been to lessen NLF's with filler injection above in the lateral cheek area, which tends to pull up areas below the injection. This can improve NLF deepening. Voluma is especially useful for this. I still inject the NLF area with HA fillers in many patients. It looks natural. Best Wishes, Maurice Vick MD

This is a very popular area for filler treatment and generally very satisfying for the patient. The area you're asking about can be particularly effective - filling the piriform aperture lifts the base of the nostril and even the upper lip a bit while giving a foundation for the nasolabial fold. In my opinion, this is necessary in most people asking for improvement in the nasolabial folds! Coupled with more superficial fill to lift the fold itself, the results are very natural. Make sure you find an injector who understands the anatomy of the area next to the nose because blood vessels run there and injecting improperly can lead to tissue necrosis! I hope this helps. - Dr. Leong

It would be easier to answer your question if you attached some photos, but generally speaking NLF fillers are performed very often and provide a good benefit in achieving great aesthetic results. But just like with anything , it is possible to overdo it as well. So see a good and experienced aesthetic provider who would listen to your concerns and who would have a good eye for a most natural result. Good luck, Dr. Daniyar

The best filler for this is a long term filler like radiesse.lasts 1-2 y and stimulates collagen so you get some permanent results

Absolutely not!  It really looks nice and it takes about 30 minutes to do.  Usually one vial per fold is needed and it can last up to 2-3 years!  Complications are low (I have seen one allergic reaction) and not severe in nature.  I hope this helps.
Dr. Dillon

Fillers in the hands of an experienced injector will look natural.  I recommend hylaluronic acid fillers (HA). HA is a naturally-occurring sugar molecule that is already in your body, so it looks smooth and natural.  After injections, there may be some swelling and bruising. Avoiding medications that thin your blood will reduce the risk of bruising. I often use blunt-tipped cannulas to avoid bruising. For first-time filler patients, I recommend a 2 week follow up to ensure to see how the filler "settled". 

without a photo it is difficult to evaluate. If done tastefully, not over corrected, it can be fine. because you and your friends are used to seeing this area any change can cause an appearance change that may seem odd at first for you. That will quickly pass. Only have a hyaluronic based filler injected. In case you are not happy you can be assured that it will dissipate over time or be reduced with an enzyme.
Good luck