Are these nasolabial folds? (Photo)

Question

I'm only 22 and trying to model so this is important to me. Why is this happening to me? I look at other people and no one seems to have this. I have suffered from acne for most of my life (was on Accutane twice). My skin is always dry now, is that why? It's also the way they fold, they are very straight and downward, no curve. HELP!!

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear samelizabeth1819, It is hard to determine your concerns from your photo. Nasolabial folds are the "parentheses" that surround your mouth. They are "smile lines" that run from the sides of your nose to corners of your mouth. Some people have more defined lines than others. This is likely unrelated to your dry skin, but keeping your skin moisturized is always helpful. I would recommend seeing a medical aesthetician to review your skin care routine, be sure to note that you were on accutane. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Nasolabial folds are the smile lines that look like parenthesis on the side of the mouth extending up towards the nose,. It is normal to have them.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Nasolabial folds are the lines/creases that begin at the nostrils and go down to the jowls.  Your photo, which has the lower part of your face covered by a scarf, is no help whatsoever. These are familiarly determined. If you want to model and believe that they are a limiting factor, you could consider filler. Dry skin and acne are entirely different issues which could be treated by a board certified dermatologist.

Are these nasolabial folds? (Photo)

Answers (3)