Nasolabial folds - I want a more permanent solution, maybe stem cell lift? (Photo)

Thank you for your picture and question.Dermal fillers are the gold standard for temporary treatment of nasolabial folds, just like the ones you posted in your picture.At your young age, I would avoid a facelift procedure. The incisions for a facelift are way out by the ear and will provide a minimal change to your nasolabial fold.I think what you meant by "stem cells", was transferring fat. Fat transfer to the nasolabial fold is usually more expensive than dermal fillers, and the results can be unpredictable. With that being said, I perform fat grafting to the face and nasolabial fold frequently.The procedure is called a nasolabial subcision. The subcision procedure will release the tethering of the nasolabial fold from the underlying musculature. After wire subcision, I will "fill the gap" with fat. This provides a permanent improvement in the nasolabial fold. There are no scars on the face, and the procedure is done under local anesthesia in the office.Before any procedure, a one-on-one consultation is necessary.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD

Thank you for your question. I don't ever guarantee that facelifting improves nasolabial folds. In fact, some facelift techniques can make it worse. I tell patients that they will likely be better, but they may need filler after surgery as part of their maintenance routine. I am not sure what is meant by a stem cell lift, and that term is often misused to lure in patients. Fat cell transplantation is usually what is meant by this. I am not a great fan of fat cell injection into the face, but I do it on occasion. It theoretically has the potential to remain longer than hyaluronic acid fillers, but also runs the risk of scarring under the surface that may make future filler injection more difficult. I keep pictures of babies in my office to show patients that nasolabial folds are a normal feature of a human face, and we certainly don't find them unattractive. We just don't want the folds to be too deep. I suspect that by the time yours become really prominent, it will be time for a facelift, but that is at least a decade away. I would stick to Juvederm or Restylane for the time being as they are very reliable and forgiving, with few complications

The nasolabial fold is generated by muscular function. The temporary elimination by facelift will reemerge as the muscles the facial expression redevelop the nasolabial fold. Fillers, including fat grafting, are the best solution.

At this point, your best option may be to add filler to the cheeks that could last up to two years.  I would also encourage to schedule a consultation with a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon to determine which options will meet your desired results. 

The photos you posted do not show deep nasolabial folds, but there does appear to be a relative lack of volume in the cheeks. Adding volume in the right area will help that and will also lift the nasolabial fold a bit, so I would avoid using much filler directly in the folds. Voluma is a good option for the cheeks and it lasts about 2 years. Fat grafting is probably your best option, but the extra expense of enhancing it with stem cells does not make sense to me.

First of all,please move past stem cell lifts as they are unproven and unlikely to have any impact other than short term. Based on your facial anatomy, fillers are a good short term(approx. 1yr.) approach but I hear your frustration with fillers. Despite your younger age a type of minilift may be helpful but an in-person exam will be necessary to determine. 

There is no evidence that stem cells are superior than autologous fat transfer. You should consult with a PS who can show you examples of non surgical and surgical rejuvenation treatments so that you can make an informed decision as to whether to undergo facial rejuvenation. 

You have a very youthful face. You should be very conservative with anything you do. More photos would be needed, from many different angles to provide the best suggestions. Again, I would need to see more photos, but fat grafting or Voluma could possibly give you a nice result. The result you receive would depend upon the expertise of the provider. Too often people end up with faces too full, with material placed in an unnatural manner with both Voluma and Fat. Look at many many photos, check the background of your doctor, and then have consultations. Remember, be conservative!

Fat grafting can be a long lasting option. I typically recommend temporary filler for the first trial since if you DON'T like the way it changes your look you know it will go away.  Then, if you DO like the effect, it is more predictable to go with fat. "Stem cell" therapy has no proven special benefit thus far.

There is much nonsense written and posted about stem cells.  Be cautious of anyone touting their benefits.  You have options.  Fillers such a Perlane would make sense.  If you likes this temporary filler, a more long term option such as fat grafting or Artefill would be a logical progression.  Good luck.