How to Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds: Treatment Options and Risks

By Tseng Plastic Surgery

Nasolabial folds are a normal part of facial expression, but they can become more visible as the cheeks change with age. If you’re researching how to get rid of nasolabial folds, hyaluronic acid filler may soften the crease by restoring volume; results may last nine to 12 months or longer, depending on the injection site. Treatment can soften folds, but the right approach depends on what’s contributing to their appearance.

It’s understandable to want a clearer picture before considering a cosmetic treatment, especially when results, recovery, and risks all matter. This guide explains what nasolabial folds are, how fillers may help, and what to expect from nonsurgical and surgical options, including potential side effects and downtime. You’ll also learn why a personalized assessment by a qualified medical professional helps match treatment to the depth of the folds and your goals.

Does hyaluronic acid work for wrinkles?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers can soften nasolabial folds by adding volume beneath the skin. Rather than resurfacing the skin, filler supports facial tissue where volume loss or shifting contributes to a crease. This distinction matters: fillers restore facial volume, while energy devices do not. The result may be a smoother transition between the cheek and upper lip, not the removal of every expression line.

Nasolabial fold filler results typically last from six months to two years, depending on the filler and other factors. HA filler results may last nine to 12 months or longer, depending on the injection site. These are different ranges, not a promise of a set duration. Product choice, placement, and individual response all influence how long the visible effect remains.

In the United States, filler cost depends on the product, amount used, treatment area, and whether additional sessions are planned. Pricing is specific to the treatment plan and its cost factors.

For people considering how to get rid of nasolabial folds, HA fillers may be an option when diminished facial volume makes a crease look deeper. They can temporarily fill the depression, but they don’t stop the underlying changes that shape the fold. A clinician considers the surrounding cheek and overall facial proportions, rather than treating the line as an isolated mark. This helps guide placement and avoid adding volume where it may not suit the face as a whole.

HA filler adds volume, but doesn’t directly improve skin texture or laxity. If rough texture or surface changes are the main concern, resurfacing may be more relevant than filler. Laser resurfacing and chemical peels address the skin’s surface; they don’t replace lost facial volume. A treatment plan may prioritize one concern or combine approaches, depending on whether the fold reflects volume, texture, or both.

Calcium hydroxylapatite is another dermal filler material. Its results may last 12 months or more. The choice between it and HA depends on the area being treated, the desired correction, and the clinician’s assessment of facial anatomy. For nasolabial folds, filler results generally fall within the six-month-to-two-year range, though the specific product and injection site affect duration.

If an existing HA filler needs to be reduced or removed, a clinician may use hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves HA filler. Treatment may involve one or more sessions. This option applies to HA filler, not calcium hydroxylapatite, so knowing which material was injected is useful when discussing correction. The appropriate approach depends on the existing filler and the concern being addressed.

Choosing how to get rid of nasolabial folds starts with identifying the main concern. Consider filler when a volume-related crease is your priority, and resurfacing when texture is more prominent. Assessing the fold, cheek volume, and skin surface helps distinguish these concerns and guide a tailored treatment choice.

What are the nasolabial folds?

Nasolabial folds are the creases running from each side of the nose toward the corners of the mouth. They’re visible in facial expressions, especially smiling, and can be present when someone smiles at age twenty. The crease itself isn’t a flaw; its depth and surrounding facial changes are what often prompt aesthetic questions. Marionette lines are different: they extend downward from the mouth corners toward the chin, so they affect the lower face rather than the nose-to-mouth area.

These folds are always present, but their visibility can change. They often become more apparent between ages 35 and 45 as the cheek starts to sag, and may look more pronounced after age 50. With less support in the cheek, tissue can settle downward, making the transition beside the mouth appear deeper. The fold may stand out more in some expressions and soften when the face is relaxed.

Age is only one influence. Repeated smiling and talking crease the skin around the mouth, which is why nasolabial folds are also called smile lines or laugh lines. Changes in facial volume and skin elasticity can make these expression-related creases more noticeable over time. Weight changes may also alter facial fullness and affect how the cheek meets the mouth area. These factors work together, so people of the same age can have folds of different depths.

Facial exercises and massage can move the muscles and skin, but they don’t restore lost cheek support or change the underlying structure that contributes to deeper folds. Cleveland Clinic describes a mouth-corner exercise that holds the stretch for 10 seconds and repeats it 10 to 25 times. This is an exercise routine, not a method shown here to remove the folds.

Marionette lines and nasolabial folds can appear together, but their positions distinguish them. A crease running from the nose to the mouth corner is a nasolabial fold; a line continuing from the corner toward the chin is a marionette line. Changes in cheek support can emphasize the upper crease, while the lower line draws attention to the mouth corners. Looking at both areas gives a clearer picture than judging one wrinkle alone.

Daily skin care can support overall skin quality, though it won’t replace facial volume. Cleveland Clinic recommends sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapplying it every two hours, or more often when sweating or swimming. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer used at least twice a day can also help reduce the risk of laugh lines, and boutique retailers like BÆR. curate modern skincare essentials designed to support overall skin health. These habits address skin care, while the fold’s depth can reflect age-related changes in facial support.

To understand what shapes a particular crease, compare your face at rest and while smiling. Note whether the line begins beside the nose, follows the mouth corner, or continues toward the chin. This distinction separates nasolabial folds from marionette lines and helps describe the concern accurately.

Treatment duration, downtime and potential side effects

Dermal fillers can soften nasolabial folds by restoring volume, but they don’t erase every crease or prevent future facial changes. Results generally last from six months to two years, depending on the filler and other factors. Another reported range for fillers treating nasolabial folds and marionette lines is six months to a year. Product choice, injection site, and individual response all affect how long results remain visible.

Recovery varies by procedure. After filler treatment, temporary swelling or bruising may affect the treated area; the degree and duration vary. A rare but serious concern is reduced blood flow to the skin. One case series described 12 cases of skin ischemia after nasolabial fold filler injections; necrosis affected the fold and the entire nose in 75% of those cases. Prompt medical attention is important if skin changes occur after an injection.

Laser resurfacing addresses skin texture rather than replacing facial volume. Ablative lasers remove outer skin layers, while non-ablative treatments target deeper tissue without removing the surface. These approaches may be considered when surface changes are prominent, but they address a different concern from volume-restoring filler. Treatment choice depends on whether texture, laxity, or fold depth is the main issue.

Recovery also differs between resurfacing procedures. Chemical peel healing can take from a few days to two weeks, depending on peel type. For laser treatments, the skin response and recovery depend on the procedure selected and its intensity. Microneedling is typically recommended as a series of 3–6 treatments, rather than one session. These examples show why downtime and treatment frequency can’t be compared without considering the specific procedure.

The severity and likely cause of a fold help guide treatment. A shallow line that appears mainly with facial movement differs from a deep fold linked to cheek descent or tissue laxity. Filler may address a volume-related depression; resurfacing focuses on skin texture. A facelift is a surgical option, while nonsurgical treatments may suit different concerns. The key comparison is what is shaping the fold, not simply how visible it looks in one photograph.

Duration varies across procedures. Botox results for nasolabial folds typically last three to four months, while PDO threads used in thread lifts dissolve within six to eight months, and results can last as long as a year. Nonsurgical skin-tightening results may emerge gradually over the 2–3 months after treatment, with sessions spaced 18–24 months apart. These options work differently, so their timelines aren’t interchangeable.

Ask how the proposed treatment addresses your fold, what recovery may involve, and which side effects need attention. These details help you compare options by purpose, duration, and effect on daily activities.

What nasolabial folds are

A nasolabial fold is the crease running from the side of the nose toward the corner of the mouth. It follows the border between the cheek and upper lip, creating a visible transition across the middle of the face. The fold is part of facial anatomy, not a separate growth or skin condition. It may appear as a subtle fine line or a more defined crease across the cheek-to-mouth area.

The term describes a location, not a single cause. A crease visible only during a smile, for example, differs from a deeper line that remains visible at rest. Facial expression moves the surrounding skin and tissue, while the cheek’s underlying support influences the contour. Together, these features shape how the fold appears in a mirror, in photographs, and during conversation.

It helps to distinguish the crease from the structures around it. The cheek sits above and beside the fold, while the mouth corner marks its lower endpoint. A change in cheek contour can alter the shadow beside the nose and mouth, making the fold look deeper without changing its basic path. Lighting matters too: overhead light can emphasize an indentation, while even, front-facing light can soften its appearance.

Nasolabial folds also differ from marionette lines. A nasolabial fold runs from the nose toward the mouth corner; a marionette line continues downward from the corner toward the chin. A line beside the nose, for instance, belongs to the upper facial crease, while a line below the mouth corner is part of the lower face. Naming the location accurately helps describe the concern during a clinical assessment.

Facial movement offers another useful distinction. Observe the area at rest, then smile naturally and speak. A fold that becomes more noticeable with movement differs from one that remains prominent in both expressions. This comparison doesn’t diagnose a cause, but it gives a plastic surgeon a clearer view of how the cheek, mouth, and surrounding tissue move together.

The way the whole face is viewed also affects how prominent a fold appears. A nasolabial fold may seem more noticeable beside a full or flatter cheek, or a changing mouth contour. The line can cast a shadow that draws attention even when the surface itself is smooth. Comparing photographs taken at the same angle and expression can help distinguish lighting differences from changes in facial contour.

During an aesthetic consultation, describing the fold’s path and when it appears is more useful than simply calling it a wrinkle. Mention whether it begins beside the nose, reaches the mouth corner, or continues toward the chin. These details clarify which facial area is involved and which effects matter most to you. That gives the treatment discussion a more precise starting point.

Consulting a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon

A useful consultation begins with the concern you want addressed: a crease visible at rest, a fold that deepens when you smile, or reduced cheek support. The clinician assesses the depth and severity of nasolabial folds and marionette lines before recommending dermal filler. This assessment helps distinguish a volume concern from skin texture or tissue laxity, which may call for a different approach.

Describe your goal clearly, such as softening the fold without changing the shape of your smile. Mention previous filler treatments and, if you know it, the material used, such as hyaluronic acid. This matters because hyaluronidase can dissolve existing hyaluronic acid filler, but not other filler materials. Photographs taken at rest and while smiling can also help show when the fold stands out.

Ask the surgeon or dermatologist to explain the proposed placement and how it relates to your cheek and mouth area. Correct placement matters for injectable treatment, and experience with facial anatomy is important. A considered plan accounts for the whole face, not just the deepest point of one crease. For example, adding volume directly into a fold may not address the cheek changes contributing to its appearance.

Discuss expected duration, recovery, and potential side effects before choosing a procedure. For hyaluronic acid fillers, results may last nine to 12 months or longer, depending on the injection site. Ask what temporary effects to expect and which changes need prompt medical attention. If resurfacing is proposed instead, clarify whether the goal is smoother skin texture, since resurfacing doesn’t replace lost facial volume.

Neurotoxins are typically not used alone for nasolabial folds and marionette lines; a doctor may combine them with dermal fillers. Ask why a combination is being considered and what each treatment is intended to address. A professional society affiliation can be one useful detail when reviewing a clinician’s background, but it doesn’t replace a direct discussion of training, experience, treatment rationale, and risk management.

Compare treatment options against your priorities. If you prefer a subtle change, say so; if you want to avoid repeat injectable treatments, include that in the conversation. A facelift addresses facial aging differently from hyaluronic acid filler. The surgeon can explain how each approach relates to your concerns, recovery preferences, and desired degree of change.

For a personalized discussion of facial rejuvenation options, explore treatment options for facial folds and bring your questions about placement, duration, and recovery.

Tseng Plastic Surgery: Facelift

Tseng Plastic Surgery offers facelift options for people whose nasolabial folds accompany broader changes in facial support and contour. While fillers add volume to a localized crease, a facelift addresses facial tissues more comprehensively, making it a consideration when concerns extend beyond one fold. The practice also offers the minimal invasive preservation face and neck lift as part of its facial rejuvenation procedures.

A consultation can clarify whether your concern is primarily a localized line or part of wider facial changes, and help you discuss an approach that aligns with your goals. Surgery may not suit someone seeking only a subtle, temporary change to one crease; an injectable treatment may be more relevant for that concern.

To discuss your facial rejuvenation goals, contact Tseng Plastic Surgery.

Choose a Next Step That Fits Your Goals

Deciding how to get rid of nasolabial folds starts with defining what you want to feel different when you look in the mirror. Is your priority a softer crease, a more refreshed appearance, or a broader change in facial contour? Naming that priority can focus the treatment discussion and help distinguish a small, localized concern from a desire for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

The next step depends on your anatomy, preferences, and comfort with treatment and recovery. A thoughtful consultation gives you space to discuss your priorities, understand the options, and decide whether a proposed approach aligns with your vision. You don’t need to rush the decision; clarity is an important part of choosing care.

If you’re ready to explore your options, contact Tseng Plastic Surgery to begin a conversation about your goals. A considered plan can support a result that feels personal, balanced, and true to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

And what about thread lifts?

Thread lifts use dissolvable threads to support facial tissue, but they don’t work like fillers or surgery. PDO threads used in thread lifts dissolve within six to eight months, while visible results can last as long as a year. They’re different from hyaluronic acid treatment for a fold. Discuss the intended effect, placement, and how the result may change as the threads dissolve.

Are smile lines common?

Yes. Smile lines are creases that appear beside the nose and mouth during expressions, and nasolabial folds can be visible when someone smiles at age twenty. Their visibility varies with facial structure, expression, and changes over time. A line that appears during a smile is not, by itself, evidence of a medical condition. Notice whether it remains visible when your face is relaxed.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Nasolabial folds are normal facial creases, not a disease with a set course or symptoms. You may notice them mostly while smiling, or see them at rest as facial contours change. Their appearance can also vary with expression and lighting. Comparing relaxed and smiling photographs taken from the same angle can help you describe the change you notice and what you’d like addressed.

What causes nasolabial folds and what makes them more noticeable?

Facial expression, changes in cheek support, and shifts in facial volume can all affect how visible the folds appear. Repeated smiling creates movement around the mouth, while changes in cheek contour can deepen the shadow beside the nose. Weight changes may also affect facial fullness. Compare the fold at rest and during a smile to distinguish a movement-related crease from one that remains prominent.

Can skincare products, retinoids, or sunscreen reduce nasolabial folds?

Skincare can support skin quality, but it doesn’t restore cheek volume or reposition facial tissue. Cleveland Clinic recommends using sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours, or more often when sweating or swimming. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer used twice a day can help reduce the risk of laugh lines. Retinoids may be part of a skin-care routine, but they won’t directly replace lost facial support.

What are the risks and side effects of nasolabial fold filler injections?

Temporary swelling or bruising may occur after filler injections, and a serious potential complication is reduced blood flow to the skin. A case series described 12 cases of skin ischemia after nasolabial fold injections; necrosis affected the fold and entire nose in 75% of those cases. This case series doesn’t establish the overall likelihood of the complication. New or concerning skin changes after injection need prompt medical attention.

How do laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels compare for nasolabial folds?

These treatments focus more on skin texture than on replacing facial volume. Ablative lasers remove outer skin layers, while non-ablative lasers target deeper tissue without removing the surface. Microneedling is typically recommended as a series of 3–6 treatments. Chemical-peel healing can take a few days to two weeks, depending on peel type. The main distinction is whether surface texture or a volume-related crease is your priority.

Can facelift surgery reduce nasolabial folds, and what is recovery like?

A facelift can address broader changes in facial tissues that contribute to the appearance of folds, rather than filling one crease alone. Recovery depends on the procedure’s extent and the areas treated, so the plan should explain what healing involves and when normal activities can resume. Ask how the proposed surgery relates to your facial concerns and discuss recovery expectations before deciding whether it fits your goals.