Will E Matrix Treatments Help Fill in Nasolabial Lines over Time?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nasolabial folds are typically fairly deep - any resurfacing technique will create some collagen production but it is highly unlikely it would banish your nasolabial folds.

One option to discuss with your doctor and consider is the use of a dermal volumizer "above" the nasolabial fold in the cheek area. Often what makes the NLF more pronounced is the loss of volume in the areas of the cheek. A volumizing product like Radiesse or Sculptra can provide a very nice cheek enhancement and often this makes treating the nasolabial fold a non-issue...or a lesser one.

The lines around your mouth should improve with eMatrix as it does create collagen response, though unless the lines are very shallow, you will most likely see an improvement instead of a complete correction.

Many lines above the lip are a result of lip pursing - either unconscious or as part of muscle movement in your speech pattern. So expect them to return at a certain level even after the resurfacing.

Some patients consciously attempt to lessen the upper lip action in speaking - one old time help is the use of "frownies" - pasted paper that is glued to the skin overnight (or when you are at home alone) that make habitual lip pursing more difficult.

Thank you for your question as it guides patients who are considering treatments for nasolabial folds.eMatrix is great when it is used appropriately for the treatment of acne scars - atrophic acne scars, certain types of ice pick scars (Dr Raffy's criteria), rolling acne scars, boxed scars, among others. eMatrix is also used for burn scars and some surgical scars. Fortunately, there are great treatments for nasolabial folds, which is related to volume loss in the face. They can be treated with fat graft injections, dermal fillers like Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane and so on.

The eMatrix uses fractionated bipolar radiofrequency energy which is called sublative rejuvenation. Sublative rejuvenation with the eMatrix is a very effective procedure to tighten and rejuvenate photoaged skin. It is used for patients with mild to moderate wrinkles and acne scars. It is also effective for the delicate skin around the eyes and on the neck. It does not work, however, for deeper lines like the nasolabial folds. Fillers such as Radiesse are my preferred choice for treating that area.