How much does a facelift help nasolabial folds?

This is only partly true. A traditional facelift that mainly focuses on the lower face and neck may have a limited effect on pronounced nasolabial folds. However, the type and extent of the facelift make a significant difference.
A properly performed deep-plane facelift can address the midface as well as the lower face. By releasing the retaining ligaments and repositioning the descended cheek/malar tissues, it can soften nasolabial folds more directly than a conventional skin or SMAS-focused facelift.
That said, I would not promise that a facelift will completely erase nasolabial folds. Their appearance can also be influenced by volume loss, skin quality and underlying facial anatomy. In some patients, restoring volume with fat grafting or addressing the midface/cheek separately may be appropriate.
So if your main concern is deep nasolabial folds together with cheek descent, I would make sure you are being evaluated for the midface as well, rather than choosing a facelift that only tightens the lower face.

Yes. A facelift can improve the nasolabial folds, but usually does not eliminate them, and they should not be the main reason to undergo a facelift.
A deep-plane facelift generally has more effect on this area than a traditional skin-only lift because it repositions the descended cheek tissues. This can soften the fold, particularly its upper portion. However, the nasolabial fold is a normal anatomical feature, and aggressively trying to flatten it completely can create an unnatural appearance.
For deeper folds, additional treatments such as fat grafting may sometimes be combined with the facelift when appropriate.
So the realistic expectation is: noticeable softening, not complete removal.

Thank you for your question. The answer is it depends on the type of facelift. A Deep Plane Facelift will have more effect on the nasolabial folds than a SMAS plication facelift as the vector of pull is higher and the retaining ligaments of the cheek are released. A skin only facelift would have minimal to no effect.

It is partially true, but requires an important anatomical distinction.
Traditional or superficial facelifts (and skin-only pulls) do have a minor or short-lived effect on nasolabial folds because pulling the skin sideways only masks the fold temporarily before gravity pulls it back. However, a modern deep-plane facelift addresses the root cause of nasolabial folds. By releasing the retaining ligaments and lifting the SMAS vertically (upward, rather than just sideways), it redistributes descended midface tissue and significantly softens deep nasolabial folds. While it softens them, a facelift rarely erases them completely, as nasolabial folds are also natural expression creases. We often combine a facelift with fat grafting or fillers for optimal smoothing.

Yes, that is generally true. A facelift can soften the nasolabial folds, but it usually does not erase them completely.
Nasolabial folds are caused by several factors: cheek descent, facial volume loss, skin quality, and the natural attachment between the cheek and upper lip. A facelift mainly improves sagging in the lower face, jawline, and neck. It can lift some descended cheek tissue, but the fold itself often remains to some degree.
If the nasolabial folds are mainly from heavy, descended cheek tissue, a facelift or midface lift may help more. If they are mainly from volume loss, deep anatomy, or skin quality, then fat grafting or conservative filler may be needed to soften them.
Trying to pull the face too tightly just to remove the nasolabial folds can create an unnatural look. A good facelift should improve overall facial balance, jawline, and laxity rather than chase one line too aggressively.
My advice would be to think of a facelift as a procedure that improves facial sagging and contour. It may improve nasolabial folds, but if the folds are your main concern, you may need a combined plan with volume restoration for the most natural result.

Yes, that's generally true. A facelift is designed to lift and reposition the deeper tissues of the face, which can improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds, but it won't eliminate them completely. The degree of improvement depends on what's causing the folds. If volume loss is the primary issue, additional treatments such as fat grafting or dermal fillers may be recommended to achieve a more comprehensive result. It's important to evaluate your facial anatomy and customize a treatment plan based on your goals.

This all depends on what kind of facelift is being performed.
The skin only facelift is usually great at "removing" NLF in the immediate short-term because eswentially the surgeon stretches the skin until there physically are no longer any folds and then closes it at that new location. However, these facelifts tend look pretty awful in the beginning and because the skin relaxes, the folds will likely re-form.

Then there are the deeper style of facelifts (SMAS/deep plane/etc.). These will physically reposition the tissue that often exacerbates the nasolabial fold area, but it does NOT erase it. By lifting it back and supporting the deeper bone structure in front of it, you can get significant effacement of the fold. However, it's not going to erase it completely, and it doesn't look nearly as smooth as a fully stretched tight skin only facelift. But you will get more longevity with it too.

Yes, it is true. A standard facelift (rhytidectomy) primarily targets the jawline, jowls, and neck. While it can soften the upper portion of the nasolabial fold (the crease running from the side of the nose down to the corners of the mouth), it rarely eliminates it—and attempting to do so using skin tension alone leads to unnatural surgical results.

Below is an anatomical explanation of why facelifts have a limited impact on nasolabial folds and what techniques actually work best to soften them.
Dr. Luis Mejia
Let's make it better

Yes, that is generally true. A standard lower facelift is designed mainly to improve the jowls, jawline, and neck. By repositioning the cheek tissues it may soften the upper part of the nasolabial fold, but it usually will not erase a deep fold because that crease is partly fixed by facial anatomy and skin changes.

The amount of improvement depends on where the facial tissues have descended and on the surgical technique. A procedure that includes meaningful midface or cheek elevation may affect the fold more than a lower facelift alone. If the fold remains a concern, conservative fat grafting or filler may be considered, although injections in this area require an experienced medical injector because of the nearby blood vessels.

An in-person examination should separate cheek descent from volume loss and skin texture, then match the treatment to the main cause. It is best to judge a facelift by its effect on the overall face rather than choosing it primarily to remove the nasolabial folds.

Hello. Yes, that is partially true.
A facelift can improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds by lifting and repositioning the facial tissues, but it does not completely eliminate them. These folds are also influenced by facial volume loss and skin quality, so they may still be visible after surgery.
Depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals, Botox or hyaluronic acid fillers may be recommended to further soften the nasolabial folds and enhance your overall facial rejuvenation. These treatments can complement the results of a facelift and provide a more balanced outcome.
A personalized evaluation is the best way to determine which treatment or combination of treatments is most appropriate for your facial anatomy.