Nasolabial fold excision before or after face lift?

Excision of the nasolabial fold can occasionally cause an unsightly scar and that is the reason it is mostly avoided these days. Instead, volume replacement and proper lifting can be quite effective in addressing the age related changes of the fold. It should be noted that rejuvenation of the melolabial fold is classically considered one of the more challenging areas in facial rejuvenation.

Nasolabial fold excisions are usually done in severely indented folds, not likely to respond to a facelift. They do not affect other facial aging issues.The facelift indications are usually droopy cheeks and saggy necks. If these 2 issues are present in your case a face lift would probably be indicated to correct these issues if important for your final results. I would wait a minimum of 3 months before undertaking a lift. 
Christian Drehsen, M.D.

Excision of nasolabial folds can be a useful addition to a facelift.  I perform it only occasionally and perform it at a secondary procedure.  Most of the patients I perform this on are older men.