Nasolabial folds. Loose skin or fat loss? (Photo)

Question

I've seen two doctors. One said I have fat loss and recommended fillers in my cheeks and temples while the other said I have a bit of skin laxity and recommended skin tightening treatments. I don't know which one is more suitable. Do I look like I have fat loss or lax skin?

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. In the posted pictures, nasolabial folds are not very prominent. If you are referring to lower face heaviness, which can happen as we age, you could go either route with filler or potentially skin tightening procedures. Filler can be placed in the lateral cheek and in the lower face (jaw and chin) to help provide more structure and definition. Filler in the cheek can help soften nasolabial folds, while filler in the lower face can help with jowls and marionette lines. Skin tightening procedures can range but a possible one to try is Morpheus8. It can help rebuild collagen and tighten the skin over time, but this does require several treatment sessions. However, these are more lasting results compared to filler. I would recommend consulting with a provider who specializes in filler and skin tightening procedures to better determine your treatment options.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you have some volume loss.  Fillers can help replace this and improve facial contours.  HA fillers typically last 1 to 2 years.  If you are wanting more longevity you can also consider Sculptra which works differently than HA fillers.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Amelia Damse, DO · Answer

It looks like you have some volume loss in the central face (cheeks) which is causing your skin to appear more lax around the nose and mouth, and even in the undereye area. Adding some filler in the cheek will correct this and lead to some lift as well, decreasing the appearance of shadowing in this area.

Nasolabial folds. Loose skin or fat loss? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Volume loss that's easily correctable

Answer: Volume loss that's easily correctable

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Nasolabial folds. Loose skin or fat loss? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Volume loss that's easily correctable

Answer: Volume loss that's easily correctable

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.