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Nasolabial Folds

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Nasolabial folds are a common age-related concern that can gradually affect the mid-face and lower facial contours. These lines, which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, may deepen over time as the skin loses elasticity and underlying support structures change. This can contribute to a more tired or aged appearance, even when the rest of the face appears relatively youthful.

At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, nasolabial folds treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of your facial structure, skin quality and underlying causes. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Mr Wilson carefully evaluates whether volume loss, tissue descent or a combination of factors is contributing to your concerns, ensuring the most appropriate treatment strategy is selected.

About

What are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are the natural lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. While these folds are present in all individuals, they tend to deepen with age due to changes in skin quality, volume distribution and facial support structures.

As the mid-face loses volume and tissues descend, these lines can become more pronounced, contributing to a heavier or more shadowed appearance around the mouth. In some cases, they may be accompanied by mid-face hollowing or changes in cheek contour.

Nasolabial Folds | Nasolabial Folds Treatment | What Causes Nasolabial Folds

Causes

What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

Several factors contribute to the deepening and development of nasolabial folds:

Mid-Face Volume Loss

With age, the cheeks gradually lose volume due to a reduction in fat and soft tissue support. This loss of volume reduces the mid-face’s natural “scaffolding,” causing the skin to drape more heavily and making nasolabial folds appear deeper and more pronounced.

Tissue Descent

As facial support structures weaken, the soft tissues of the mid-face begin to shift downward due to gravity. This descent increases fullness in the lower face and accentuates the fold between the nose and mouth, contributing to a heavier appearance.

Changes in Skin Quality

A decline in collagen and elastin leads to thinner, less resilient skin that is more prone to creasing and folding. As the skin loses its ability to bounce back, lines such as nasolabial folds become more noticeable and persistent.

Facial Movement Over Time

Daily facial expressions such as smiling, talking and laughing repeatedly use the muscles around the mouth. Over time, these repeated movements can contribute to the formation and deepening of nasolabial folds, particularly when combined with underlying structural changes.

Facial Structure and Proportions

Natural variations in bone structure, cheek projection and facial proportions can influence how prominent nasolabial folds appear. Individuals with less mid-face support or flatter cheekbones may notice these folds earlier or more prominently.

External and Lifestyle Factors

Environmental and lifestyle influences such as sun exposure, smoking, stress and weight fluctuations can accelerate the ageing process. These factors can further impact skin integrity and volume distribution, making nasolabial folds more visible over time.

Nasolabial Folds | Nasolabial Folds Treatment | Best Treatment for Nasolabial Folds

Treatment

When to Consider Professional Treatment for Nasolabial Folds?

Professional treatment may be appropriate when nasolabial folds become more noticeable, create unwanted shadowing around the mouth or affect overall facial balance. For some individuals, these changes may appear gradually, while for others, they may become more apparent over a shorter period.

While skincare can improve skin quality, it is often insufficient to address deeper structural changes, such as volume loss or tissue descent. A professional assessment allows for a more targeted approach, identifying the underlying cause and selecting a treatment that aligns with your anatomy and desired outcome.

Options

Nasolabial Folds Treatment at Paul Wilson Aesthetics

Treatment for nasolabial folds depends on the underlying cause, with options ranging from volume restoration to advanced surgical correction. Mr Paul Wilson offers a personalised approach, selecting the most appropriate treatment based on facial structure, degree of ageing and desired outcomes.

Deep Plane Facelift

For moderate to advanced nasolabial folds associated with tissue descent, a deep plane facelift is considered the most comprehensive solution. This technique repositions the deeper facial layers, lifting the mid-face and reducing the prominence of nasolabial folds. The result is a more natural, long-lasting improvement without an over-tightened appearance.

Mid-face Lift

A mid-face lift, or cheek lift, is highly effective at improving nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth) because it addresses the root cause of the fold rather than just filling it.
Here is how a mid-face lift helps:

  • Repositions Descended Fat Pads: Aging causes the malar fat pads in the cheeks to sag downward, deepening the creases beside the nose. A mid-face lift vertically elevates these fat pads back up onto the cheekbones, removing the weight that creates the fold.
  • Smoothes the Mid-Face: By lifting the cheek tissues higher, the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek becomes smoother, which softens the overall appearance of the nasolabial fold.
  • Restores Volume Naturally: Instead of relying on fillers, a mid-face lift uses your own natural tissue to restore fullness to the upper cheek, which directly reduces the shadow and depth of the nasolabial fold.
  • Provides Long-Lasting Results: Unlike dermal fillers, which typically last 6–18 months, a surgical mid-face lift provides lasting results, often for a decade or longer.

When a Mid-Face Lift is Recommended

This procedure is best suited for patients in their 40s to 60s who have noticeable cheek descent, hollowing under the eyes, and deepened smile lines, but minimal jowling or neck laxity. It is frequently performed in conjunction with a lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) to provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the central face.

HA Dermal Filler

Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler can soften nasolabial folds by restoring volume. Treatment is often focused on supporting surrounding structures to achieve a more natural result. This option is typically suited to mild to moderate folds and provides temporary improvement.

Microfat Grafting

Microfat grafting uses the patient’s own fat to restore lost volume and improve facial support. Fat is carefully harvested, purified and strategically reintroduced into areas such as the cheeks to enhance contour and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. This approach offers a more natural alternative to synthetic fillers, with results that can be longer-lasting depending on individual factors.

Choose Us

Why Choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics for Nasolabial Folds Treatment?

At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, your care is grounded in safety, expertise and surgical integrity. Surgeries are performed by Mr Paul Wilson, an accredited Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry.

His background in complex reconstructive surgery ensures a meticulous, anatomically driven approach, where patient safety and functional outcomes are always prioritised. Every treatment plan is personalised and carefully planned using advanced imaging technology to provide a clear, realistic understanding of what can be achieved.

From your initial consultation through to recovery, you are supported with a transparent, considered approach that focuses on realistic expectations rather than overpromising outcomes. Mr Wilson’s aesthetic philosophy centres on restoring and refining rather than altering, ensuring results that feel balanced and authentically you. Supported by a dedicated team, you can expect a seamless and attentive patient experience, where your concerns are heard, your questions are answered, and your care is tailored at every stage of your journey.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get rid of nasolabial folds?

The most appropriate treatment for nasolabial folds depends on the underlying cause. For mild to moderate folds, treatments such as HA dermal filler or microfat grafting can help restore volume and soften their appearance. For more advanced cases of tissue descent, a deep plane facelift may be recommended, as it repositions deeper facial structures and provides longer-lasting results. A consultation is essential to determine the most suitable approach.

Yes, nasolabial folds are a natural part of facial anatomy and are present in everyone to some degree. They tend to become more noticeable with age as skin elasticity decreases and facial volume shifts, but their depth and prominence vary between individuals.

Nasolabial folds can become more noticeable from the late 20s to the 30s, though this varies depending on genetics, facial structure, and lifestyle factors. They typically deepen over time as volume loss and tissue descent progress.

Dermal fillers can soften and improve the appearance of nasolabial folds, but they may not completely eliminate them, particularly in more advanced cases. Treatment is usually focused on restoring volume in the surrounding areas, such as the cheeks, to support the skin and reduce the depth of the folds.

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Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics for a combination of surgical expertise, honest guidance and a highly personalised approach to care. To get started, book a consultation where Mr Wilson will assess your concerns, discuss your goals and determine which treatment option is the most appropriate option for you.

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