Nasolabial Folds: Causes & Effective Treatment Options

About the author

Evelyn Reed, M.S.

Health Science EducatorCertified Wellness Coach

Evelyn Reed, M.S., is a Health Science Educator and Certified Wellness Coach specializing in evidence-based, at-home wellness solutions. With a Master's degree in Health Science, she focuses on translating complex scientific research on cellular health and light therapy into practical, accessible protocols. Evelyn is dedicated to empowering individuals to manage pain, improve sleep, and enhance skin vitality. Her science-first, empathetic approach makes her a trusted advocate for achieving long-term health goals.

When someone sits down across from me and gently pulls at the lines from their nose to the corners of their mouth, they often whisper the same question: “How do I make these go away?” Nasolabial folds, sometimes called smile lines or laugh lines, are one of the first aging changes people notice. They are also one of the most emotionally charged, because they sit right in the center of your expression.

As a practitioner who focuses on at-home light‑based care and targeted wellness, I look at nasolabial folds through two lenses. The first is structural: what is happening with fat pads, ligaments, muscle, and bone under the skin. The second is behavioral: how you live, protect, and care for your skin day after day. In this article, we will walk through evidence‑based options ranging from lifestyle and skincare to injectables, threads, and surgery, and we will also place at-home devices, including light‑based tools, into that larger picture.

Throughout, I will highlight what the research and major medical centers say, what each option can and cannot do, and how to make choices that respect both your health and your sense of self.

What Nasolabial Folds Really Are

Nasolabial folds are the paired creases that run from the sides of your nose down toward the corners of your mouth. Anatomically, some authors even prefer the term “melolabial fold” to describe the crease separating the cheek from the upper lip, but in everyday language, nasolabial folds, smile lines, or laugh lines all refer to the same area.

These folds are not an illness. Medical News Today emphasizes that nasolabial folds are normal anatomical lines present in almost everyone and are not a sign of poor health. A dermatology review cited by Westlake Dermatology notes that everyone except newborns and people with facial paralysis has them. They tend to deepen with age as the skin becomes thinner and less supported.

Beneath the surface, several structures shape these lines. A board‑certified dermatologist quoted by Byrdie points out that the cheek area contains seven fat pads that shift and descend over time. A detailed anatomical review in PubMed Central explains that changes in fat pads, ligaments, and muscles around the fold create three main contributors: loss of volume next to the nose, sagging of cheek fat over a relatively fixed area below, and the pull of upper lip elevator muscles that attach right along the fold. Most real faces show a mix of all three.

That anatomy matters because no single cream, injection, or device can “erase” every kind of fold. The most effective plan depends on whether your lines are mostly about volume loss, sagging, muscle pull, or a combination.

Diagram of nasolabial folds on neutral and smiling faces, highlighting their natural facial functions.

Why Your Smile Lines Deepen With Age

Several overlapping processes make nasolabial folds more visible over time.

Skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin as you age. Articles from Blissy and Westlake Dermatology both highlight collagen loss as a key driver of sagging and deeper folds. With less collagen, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient, so creases that used to appear only when you smile can remain visible at rest.

Fat pads and bone structure change. The PubMed Central review describes how the fat above the fold often enlarges and sags downward, while fat just below the crease can diminish. This creates a step between the bulging fat above and the hollow area below, which reads as a deeper line. With age, underlying bone may also remodel and recede, reducing structural support.

Sun exposure quietly accelerates all of this. Aesthetics by Stephanie cites the Skin Cancer Foundation in noting that up to 90% of visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are actually caused by the sun. Chronic ultraviolet exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, making nasolabial folds more pronounced much earlier than they otherwise would be.

Lifestyle choices matter as well. Multiple sources, including CareCredit, Medical News Today, and Westlake Dermatology, link smoking, environmental pollutants, and rapid weight loss to more dramatic folds. Smoking restricts blood vessels and damages collagen. Sudden weight loss reduces facial volume faster than skin can tighten, leaving extra slack that gathers into lines. Sleep position also plays a role: both Aesthetics by Stephanie and Blissy note that habitual side or stomach sleeping can deepen folds on the “down” side of the face due to constant compression.

Finally, muscle activity contributes. The PubMed Central review describes how certain upper lip elevator muscles attach directly to the skin along the fold. Over years of smiling, those attachments pull the skin into a groove that can remain etched in, especially once collagen and elastin decline.

None of these are “your fault,” and none mean you must treat your folds. They simply explain why smile lines deepen and why different treatments target different levels of the problem.

Infographic on aging factors deepening nasolabial folds: collagen loss, repeated expressions, thinning skin.

When Treatment Makes Sense (And When It May Not)

Nasolabial folds are primarily a cosmetic concern. Medical News Today notes that they do not increase the risk of health conditions and do not require treatment. Many people choose to embrace them as a record of a life full of expression.

Treatment makes sense when the lines are affecting how you feel about your face, how you show up at work or in relationships, or when other aging signs like sagging cheeks and jowls make you look more tired or stern than you feel. Some are bothered mainly by the lines themselves; others care more about the overall mid‑face shape or skin texture and discoloration around them.

It is also important to be realistic. Skincare, lifestyle, devices, and many non‑surgical treatments can soften folds and improve overall radiance, but volume‑driven, deep folds usually need volumizing treatments or surgery to change dramatically. Westlake Dermatology and Medical News Today both emphasize that fillers and procedures can make folds less noticeable but rarely remove them completely.

From my perspective, the healthiest goal is not to erase every line, but to restore harmony: soften harsh shadows, support sagging tissue, and improve skin quality so your face reflects how you feel inside.

Foundational Care: Skincare, Lifestyle, and At‑Home Techniques

Even if you are considering injections or surgery, your day‑to‑day habits have enormous influence on how quickly nasolabial folds deepen and how long professional results last.

Skincare That Supports Collagen and Hydration

Several dermatology and aesthetics sources converge on a similar topical strategy.

Retinoids and retinol are repeatedly recommended by Aesthetics by Stephanie and Westlake Dermatology because they stimulate collagen production and improve texture. Prescription‑strength tretinoin is more potent but also more irritating; over‑the‑counter retinol is gentler but slower. Used consistently and buffered with moisturizer, retinoids can help thicken the skin slightly and reduce fine lines, which makes the edges of nasolabial folds less stark.

Peptides are small chains of amino acids that signal the skin to produce more collagen. Aesthetics by Stephanie suggests looking for peptide‑containing products to support elasticity. While peptides will not fill a deep groove, they can be part of a skin‑quality regimen that supports any other treatment you choose.

Hyaluronic acid, in topical serums and moisturizers, attracts and holds water in the skin. Multiple sources, including Aesthetics by Stephanie, Skin Company, and CareCredit, highlight hyaluronic acid as a key hydrating ingredient. Well‑hydrated skin looks plumper and reflects light better, so shadows around folds appear softer even if the underlying structure has not changed.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C and other botanical compounds help protect collagen from oxidative stress. Blissy and Westlake Dermatology both mention vitamin C for brightening and collagen support. Used in the morning under sunscreen, antioxidants can help slow the progression of aging signs.

Barrier‑repair moisturizers with ceramides and lipids, as described by Skin Company, protect the outer layer of skin so it can better tolerate active ingredients like retinoids or acids without chronic irritation. This is especially important around the mouth, where the skin is thin and mobile.

It is crucial to keep expectations honest. Aesthetics by Stephanie explicitly calls out the misconception that skincare alone can completely erase nasolabial folds. These products can refine texture, soften etched lines, and improve overall radiance. They are a foundation, not a substitute for volume‑restoring treatments when folds are deep.

Lifestyle Habits That Protect Your Mid‑Face

Prevention and slowing progression start with how you live.

Consistent sun protection is non‑negotiable. The Skin Cancer Foundation statistic quoted by Aesthetics by Stephanie and Skin Company—that up to 90% of visible aging changes are due to the sun—underlines why dermatologists and beauty editors alike keep returning to sunscreen. Broad‑spectrum SPF used daily, plus hats and shade when possible, protects collagen and elastin. Harper’s Bazaar emphasizes that sunscreen is the core prevention strategy for nasolabial folds and other aging signs.

Smoking cessation is one of the most powerful pro‑skin decisions you can make. CareCredit, Medical News Today, and other sources highlight smoking as a major accelerator of skin aging, partly by restricting blood flow and depleting nutrients.

Balanced, plant‑centered nutrition supports skin structure from within. Skin Company and Harper’s Bazaar encourage diets rich in leafy greens, berries, and other antioxidant‑rich foods. Some practitioners also suggest collagen peptides, although specific supplementation data were not detailed in the material we reviewed.

Weight management pace matters. Blissy and Westlake Dermatology both warn that rapid weight loss can deepen nasolabial folds by stripping facial fat too quickly. A more gradual approach gives skin and connective tissue time to adapt.

Sleep position and pillow choice are underrated factors. Aesthetics by Stephanie, Blissy, and Luvly all mention back sleeping as more “face friendly,” while side or stomach sleeping can fold and compress one side of the face, worsening lines there. Silk pillowcases are promoted by Blissy and Skin Company to reduce friction and help skin stay hydrated.

Managing stress and jaw tension supports a calmer mid‑face. Luvly and face‑yoga practitioners point out that chronic clenching and tension can etch lines and contribute to a “tight” look. Relaxation techniques and gentle jaw massage can help, especially when paired with the exercises below.

Facial Exercises, Face Yoga, and Massage

Facial exercises and face yoga are low‑cost, at‑home methods that many people try before or alongside clinical care. Luvly describes specific routines targeting nasolabial folds and reports that practitioners often see changes in about four to six weeks. Importantly, they note a 2018 face‑yoga study in which the biggest visible impact was on the nasolabial area.

The idea is simple: because facial muscles attach bone to skin (rather than bone to bone as in the body), toning and lifting these muscles can elevate the overlying skin. A Facebook‑based educator emphasizes that correctly performed exercises do not create wrinkles when paired with proper relaxation afterward; instead, “tension wrinkles” arise when people hold residual tension.

Examples described across Luvly, Clarins, and other sources include resistance presses along the folds, “fish face” cheek‑lifting, and “mouthwash” movements that move air inside the cheeks while supporting the outer skin with the fingers. Luvly also describes a “nasolabial press” massage and intraoral massage techniques that target the fold from both inside and outside the mouth to stretch and relax tissues.

Massage and tools like gua sha can complement exercises. Skin Company and Harper’s Bazaar both highlight regular facial massage with upward and outward strokes to encourage lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and support a more lifted appearance in the mid‑face. Luvly’s “butterfly lymph drainage” and Clarins’ cheek‑sculpting exercises follow similar principles.

Evidence for facial exercises remains limited, and Medical News Today notes that claims are still being studied. That said, the risk is generally low when you work with clean hands, avoid aggressive tugging, and prioritize relaxation after each set. In my experience, these practices are most effective when viewed as part of a broader self‑care routine rather than a stand‑alone “cure.”

At‑Home Devices: Microneedling Rollers and Light‑Based Tools

At‑home devices are increasingly popular for people who want to support skin quality between professional treatments. Harvard Health describes home microneedling rollers and lower‑power laser, LED light, and ultrasound devices as options that can help deliver retinols, moisturizers, and other compounds into the skin and improve minor flaws. They emphasize that these devices require frequent, consistent use over many weeks or months and that results are less dramatic than in‑office procedures.

Home microneedling rollers create very superficial channels in the skin. When used carefully on clean skin with a sterile device, they can enhance penetration of hydrating and collagen‑supporting products. However, improper technique or poor hygiene can cause irritation or infection, so I encourage clients to follow manufacturer directions closely and avoid overuse.

Light‑based home devices, including those using LED technology, are designed to gently stimulate the skin and sometimes to enhance product penetration. Harvard Health’s overview places these devices in the category of tools that can improve minor texture and tone issues when used regularly. They are not a replacement for professional lasers or injectables when significant volume loss is present, but they can be a helpful, noninvasive adjunct, especially for people committed to a consistent routine.

As someone who works in at‑home light‑based care, I see these tools as part of a “skin gym” rather than a one‑time fix. The clients who benefit most are those who combine them with diligent sunscreen use, thoughtful skincare, and, when needed, in‑office treatments rather than expecting a small device to reverse decades of structural change alone.

Skincare oil, yoga mat, plant, and herbs representing foundational anti-aging care.

In‑Office Non‑Surgical Treatments

When folds are moderate to deep, in‑office procedures offer more dramatic options without the commitment of surgery. Large medical centers, including Harvard Health, Utah Health, and major dermatology practices, generally group these into injectables, resurfacing procedures, and skin‑tightening technologies.

Injectable Fillers: Replacing Lost Volume

Dermal fillers are among the most widely used treatments for nasolabial folds. CareCredit notes that fillers are one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States. Utah Health and other academic centers describe them as injectable gels that add volume under the skin, plumping lips, cheeks, and folds.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are popular because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in skin and joints. CareCredit reports that hyaluronic acid fillers in the nasolabial area often last about nine to twelve months or longer, depending on the product and location. Utah Health mentions that some temporary fillers used for first‑time lip treatments last around three months and can be dissolved in about thirty minutes if a patient dislikes the result.

Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers are biocompatible, longer‑lasting options. CareCredit notes that calcium hydroxylapatite injections can provide results lasting twelve months or more and cites an average U.S. cost for a popular brand in the mid‑hundreds of dollars per treatment. Utah Health emphasizes that cheek fillers, often using long‑acting products, can soften nasolabial folds indirectly by restoring lift and contour to the mid‑face, with results frequently lasting one to two years.

The advantages of fillers include quick treatment, immediate improvement, and the ability to tailor where volume is placed. They also pair well with other treatments; Utah Health notes that “blockers” such as botulinum toxin injections are often combined with fillers because muscle relaxers alone cannot erase established creases.

However, fillers are not without risk. The PubMed Central review highlights that injecting fillers directly into nasolabial folds carries a small but serious risk of vascular complications, including skin tissue necrosis or even vision loss, because the facial artery runs very close to this area. The authors note that in more than 70% of Koreans studied, the facial artery crosses the nasolabial fold, and in over half of those cases, it runs within about 0.2 inches of the fold’s edge. This is why many experienced injectors prefer to restore volume in adjacent areas such as the cheeks or to use cannulas and careful technique when approaching the fold itself.

Fillers are best for folds driven primarily by volume loss (the “Type 1” pattern in the PubMed Central classification) and as part of a combined strategy for mixed patterns. They require ongoing maintenance treatments, so cost and comfort with repeat procedures should be part of your decision.

Botulinum Toxin: Softening Muscle‑Driven Lines

Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known by brand names such as Botox, relax specific muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles. CareCredit notes that these injections can soften nasolabial folds when muscle activity is a major contributor, particularly in people with mild to moderate lines. Results typically last three to four months and require repeated treatments to maintain.

Utah Health explains that wrinkle “blockers” like these are often combined with fillers because they smooth movement‑related wrinkles but cannot fully puff up deep, static creases on their own. For many patients, neuromodulators are more useful for nearby areas like crow’s feet or frown lines, with fillers or other approaches reserved for the folds themselves.

From a wellness perspective, I see neuromodulators as helpful when used conservatively to take the edge off overactive muscles, not to immobilize your smile. The goal is to work with your natural expressions, not erase them.

Microneedling, Radiofrequency, and Ultrasound

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses devices with tiny needles to create controlled micro‑injuries in the skin. Aesthetics by Stephanie and Blissy describe microneedling as a way to stimulate the skin’s natural healing response and boost collagen, resulting in firmer skin and reduced fold depth. Blissy notes that numbing cream is typically used and that redness can last up to about forty‑eight hours after treatment. Repeat sessions are usually required for more dramatic results.

Radiofrequency treatments deliver heat to deeper layers of the skin to encourage collagen remodeling and tightening. Aesthetics by Stephanie notes that radiofrequency is non‑invasive and typically involves little to no downtime, while Blissy mentions that four to eight sessions are often needed for visible improvement. Blissy also points out that radiofrequency may not be ideal over areas with certain fillers, because heat can affect some filler materials, so coordination with your injector is important.

High‑intensity ultrasound treatments, such as HIFU, are another device‑based option. Blissy and Harper’s Bazaar describe ultrasound as using focused energy to heat tissue below the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen and tightening loose skin with long‑lasting results and without incisions. These treatments are especially helpful for mild to moderate sagging and can indirectly soften nasolabial folds by lifting the tissues that feed into them.

These technologies are ideal when skin quality and mild laxity are prominent concerns. They are less effective for severe volume loss or heavy jowls but combine well with fillers, skincare, and lifestyle measures.

Lasers, IPL, Microdermabrasion, and Chemical Peels

Resurfacing treatments target the skin’s surface and upper dermis to smooth fine lines and discoloration that make folds look deeper.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is highlighted by Skin Company as a foundational non‑invasive treatment that brightens pigmentation, evens tone, and gently stimulates collagen. While IPL will not lift a sagging cheek, it can make the skin around folds look clearer and healthier.

Laser resurfacing is more intensive. CareCredit describes ablative lasers that remove the outer layer of skin to stimulate significant collagen production and non‑ablative lasers that heat deeper layers while leaving the surface largely intact. Ablative treatments offer more dramatic smoothing of etched lines and texture but have longer downtime and higher cost; CareCredit cites an average U.S. cost for ablative resurfacing around $2,800.00 per session, with non‑ablative treatments averaging about $1,815.00 and requiring less downtime.

Harvard Health notes that laser therapy can reduce moderate to deep wrinkles and markedly improve tone, texture, and tightness. It is also used for scars and pigmentation issues.

Chemical peels use acids to dissolve the top layers of skin. CareCredit outlines light, medium, and deep peels, with deeper peels offering more significant wrinkle reduction but also requiring more healing time. They report average U.S. costs of about $249.00 for light peels, $656.00 for medium peels, and $2,708.00 for deep peels. Aesthetics by Stephanie and Harvard Health both position peels as tools to improve fine lines, sun damage, and texture rather than stand‑alone cures for structural folds.

Microdermabrasion, described by Harvard Health, gently sands the skin with fine crystals to smooth its surface. It is relatively inexpensive, requires no recovery time, and is helpful for minor texture issues.

In general, resurfacing treatments are excellent for fine lines, pigment, and overall radiance. For deep nasolabial folds, they are usually supporting players used alongside volume‑restoring and lifting treatments.

Thread Lifts: Lifting and Supporting Sagging Tissue

Thread lifts occupy a middle ground between injectables and surgery. CareCredit describes PDO thread lifts as minimally invasive procedures using dissolvable sutures that tighten sagging skin and stimulate collagen, with results that can last around a year and threads dissolving over six to eight months. Average U.S. costs are reported around $2,185.00.

The PubMed Central review goes into much more detail on thread techniques for nasolabial folds. It emphasizes that threads are particularly helpful for folds driven by sagging fat and skin above a relatively fixed area below (their “Type 2” pattern). By inserting barbed or “cogged” threads in a vector perpendicular to the fold and anchoring them in firm tissues near the temples or ears, practitioners can lift and redistribute the bulging fat that makes the fold look deep.

The authors introduce a “Reverse Technique,” in which the entry point for threads is placed in the loose nasolabial fat just outside the fold, and threads are inserted from bottom to top rather than from the top down. They argue that this direction maximizes traction on lax tissues and avoids pulling upper tissues downward. They also caution that threads should be inserted at the correct depth in the fat layer; if placed too superficially, they can create dimples or visible irregularities.

Importantly, they highlight vascular safety. Because the facial artery often crosses the nasolabial fold and can lie very close to the crease, they recommend placing entry points a few millimeters outside the fold to lower the risk of vascular injury. They also note that cannulas are generally safer than sharp needles in this area.

Threads are not right for everyone and require an experienced practitioner familiar with facial anatomy. For many people with moderate sagging who are not ready for surgery, however, they can provide visible lift with relatively short downtime.

Doctor and patient discuss in-office non-surgical treatments for aging skin.

Surgical Solutions for Advanced Nasolabial Folds and Aging Signs

When nasolabial folds are very deep and accompanied by marked jowling, neck laxity, and overall facial descent, surgical lifting is often the only option that can significantly change the underlying structure.

Mid‑Face and Short‑Scar Facelifts

Mid‑face lifts focus on the triangle defined by the inner and outer corners of the eye and the corner of the mouth. The Casey Eye Institute explains that early aging changes often appear here, as cheeks drift downward and create prominent folds along the sides of the nose. A mid‑face lift, sometimes using incisions inside the lower eyelids or mouth, elevates sagging cheek tissue to reduce labial folds and restore fuller‑looking cheekbones. It may be combined with lower eyelid surgery, brow lifts, or fillers.

Short‑scar facelifts, described by West County Plastic Surgeons, are designed to rejuvenate the central and lower face with a shorter incision that usually stops at the base of the ear instead of extending far behind it. This approach elevates the skin and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), the connective tissue layer that supports facial soft tissue. Short‑scar lifts are best for people with changes around the cheeks and jawline but less loose neck skin. Typical procedure time is one to three hours, with many patients returning to work in about five to fourteen days and bruising and swelling clearing within about a week to ten days.

Mini‑facelifts, performed through even shorter incisions in front of the ear, offer moderate improvements for early jowling and mid‑face descent, often under local anesthesia in an office setting. They can be combined with fractionated laser resurfacing and eyelid surgery for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Deep Plane and Lower Face Lifts

A detailed overview from Stanford’s facial plastic surgery division explains that modern facelifts have evolved beyond simply pulling skin tight. Deep plane and SMAS‑based techniques reposition the deeper support layers—particularly the SMAS and platysma muscles—to lift the cheeks, jawline, and neck in a more natural and longer‑lasting way.

In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon dissects and lifts the SMAS and sometimes the platysma, then secures these deeper tissues before trimming and redraping the skin. This approach is considered by many facial plastic surgeons to be a gold standard for surgical rejuvenation of the mid‑face, jowls, and neck. Stanford’s description notes that such procedures typically take about three to four hours and are often done under a light general anesthetic, with bruising and swelling peaking around day three and generally resolving over two and a half to three weeks.

Risks exist with any surgery. Stanford’s surgeons list potential complications such as prolonged bruising, poor scarring, numbness around the ear or cheek, and, more rarely, temporary or permanent weakness in parts of the face due to facial nerve injury, which they estimate at about one percent of patients. They note that most nerve issues, when they occur, resolve within a year.

Lower face and neck lifts, as described by the Casey Eye Institute, target the descent that turns a youthful oval face into a more square shape with jowls. By elevating jowls and tightening neck tissues, these surgeries can indirectly soften the lower portions of nasolabial and marionette lines.

Surgical lifting is the most invasive but also the most structurally powerful option. It is best suited to people with significant sagging, good overall health, and a willingness to accept downtime and scars in exchange for multi‑year improvement. Adjuncts such as fillers, Botox, and laser resurfacing are often used afterward to fine‑tune results and maintain them.

Comparing Options at a Glance

The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, tolerance for downtime, and budget. The following overview draws on data and descriptions from CareCredit, Harvard Health, and the clinical sources summarized above.

Category	Main Target	Typical Longevity	Downtime and Notes
Skincare and lifestyle	Skin quality and prevention	Ongoing with use	Essential foundation; cannot erase deep folds but slows progression.
Facial exercises/massage	Muscle tone, tension, lymph flow	Maintained with practice	Low cost; evidence limited but promising for mid‑face tone; best as a complement.
At‑home devices	Minor texture, product penetration	Maintained with use	Lower‑power microneedling and LED/light devices; modest results, require consistency.
Fillers	Volume loss and contour	About 6–24 months	Immediate improvement; maintenance needed; rare but serious vascular risks require expert injectors.
Neuromodulators	Dynamic wrinkles from muscle activity	About 3–4 months	Quick; limited effect on deep static folds; often combined with fillers.
RF, ultrasound, microneedling	Mild to moderate laxity and texture	Months to a couple of years	Series of treatments; gradual improvement; non‑surgical.
Lasers, peels	Fine lines, pigment, texture	Months to years	Downtime varies from none to weeks; stronger treatments give stronger results.
Threads	Sagging skin and fat	Around 12 months	Minimally invasive; lift without surgery; operator skill and anatomy are critical.
Facelifts	Significant sagging and jowls	Many years	Surgery with anesthesia, scars, and downtime; most powerful structural changes.

Comparison table for Options A, B, C outlining price, features, benefits, and drawbacks.

FAQ: Common Questions About Nasolabial Fold Treatments

Can skincare alone fix deep nasolabial folds?

Skincare is essential but not sufficient for deep structural folds. As Aesthetics by Stephanie points out, creams and serums can improve texture, hydration, and fine lines, but they cannot fully correct volume loss, sagging fat pads, or ligament changes. For mild folds, diligent skincare and sun protection may be enough to keep them soft and prevent rapid worsening. For more pronounced lines, best results usually come from combining skincare with volume‑restoring or lifting treatments such as fillers, devices, threads, or surgery.

Do facial exercises help or hurt?

The data we have suggest that facial exercises can be helpful when done correctly and consistently. Luvly notes that a 2018 face‑yoga study found the biggest impact in the nasolabial area, and many practitioners report tighter, more toned mid‑faces after several weeks. At the same time, experts caution that poor technique or holding tension can theoretically exacerbate wrinkles. The safest approach is to work gently, use clean hands, release tension after each set, and pair exercises with massage and relaxation, as advocated by face‑yoga educators.

When should I consider a facelift instead of injections or devices?

If your main concern is deep nasolabial folds in the context of substantial cheek descent, heavy jowls, and neck laxity, and if non‑surgical treatments no longer make enough difference, it may be time to consult a facial plastic surgeon. Casey Eye Institute and Stanford’s surgeons both emphasize that facelifts are designed to reposition deeper tissues, not just skin, and can reshape the overall facial contour in ways that fillers and devices cannot. On the other hand, surgery involves anesthesia, scars, higher cost, and healing time. It is not about age alone but about your anatomy, health, and personal priorities.

Closing Thoughts From a Light‑Focused Wellness Lens

Smile lines are a story written by time, expression, and biology. Whether you choose to soften them, lift them, or simply care for the skin around them, you deserve a plan that is honest, evidence‑based, and compassionate. In my experience, the most satisfying results come when at‑home habits, thoughtful use of devices, and targeted professional treatments work together, rather than competing as “miracle cures.”

If your nasolabial folds are weighing on you, consider this an invitation to start with the basics—sun protection, supportive skincare, and gentle daily practices—then sit down with a qualified dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon to explore the next layer. Your face is not a problem to be fixed; it is a living, changing part of you, and any treatment plan should honor that.