Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial Folds: Causes, Treatments and Side Effects

Nasolabial folds are two skin folds that run from the corners of the mouth up to the side of the nose. They are often referred to as laugh or smile lines. Nasolabial folds are often one of the first areas ageing individuals will have treated as they are one of the first visible signs of ageing. They are often the most visible as well. Nasolabial folds make the skin look tired and rough, and may even cause an individual to look older than they are.

What causes Nasolabial folds?

When the skin starts to sag, nasolabial folds will develop. Collagen will be lost, which will cause the skin to lose its elasticity. This in turn make the skin sag, causing nasolabial folds to form.

What is a common treatment for Nasolabial folds?

One common treatment used for nasolabial folds include dermal fillers. When a dermal filler is injected into the nasolabial folds, the skin will be pushed outwards. Volume of the skin will be given. There will be no downtime with the treatment of dermal fillers when used to fill in nasolabial folds. An individual will be able to resume regular activities right after the dermal procedure is completed.

Dermal fillers take about half an hour to complete with results lasting 4 months up to a year.

Who is a good candidate for dermal fillers for Nasolabial folds?

Good candidates for dermal fillers to help plump up nasolabial folds include those that are physically healthy and those that do not smoke. Dermal fillers are great for individuals that have a realistic goal.

Are there any side effects when using dermal fillers for nasolabial folds?

Dermal fillers can give mild side effects. These side effects include mild swelling or bruising of the skin, redness, numbness of the skin that is temporary, and possibly an over-treated look to the treatment area. When using dermal fillers there is a risk of an allergic reaction, so it is best to talk to a skin specialist to determine what the best dermal filler for an individual. Dermal fillers offer a very rare chance of complications.

What is a dermal filler procedure like?

The face will first be evaluated, and points will be marked on the face as to where the dermal filler will be injected into the skin. Before photos may be taken at this point. The skin will then be cleansed to remove all bacteria, and the area to be treated will be numbed with either a cold instrument, an injection of a local anesthesia, or with an anesthesia cream.

After the skin has been numbed, the injections will begin. After the dermal fillers is injected into the nasolabial folds, the skin will be massaged. This process will continue until the folds have been filled in to the satisfaction of the dermatologist and the patient. Ice packs may be offered as a way to control the pain and alleviate swelling.

When looking for a skin specialist to fill the nasolabial lines, it is important that one finds a skin specialist that is trustworthy. An individual should find out if they are a good candidate for the procedure at hand, as well as find out how many procedures like this the skin specialist has personally performed. Find out if anyone will assist in the procedure, and if so, what training they have had. Always find out if there are any complications or risk with the procedure, and if a complication should arise, how it will be handled. Be sure to ask what the typical outcomes are for a said procedure. It is also a good idea to ask to see before and after photographs of procedures the skin specialist has done. At Advanced Dermatology all our injectable treatments are performed by a cosmetic doctor.