Although natural, nasolabial folds can alter the look on your face, making you look sad sometimes. “Some people prefer their nasolabial folds to be less prominent, so, there are some treatment options for them”, dermatologist, Sarah Arron explains.
Nasolabial folds are not health-related skin conditions. They are rarely associated with any ailment. They may form during an illness, but they are not symptoms of any. The available treatment options include medical options and natural at-home remedies.
I believe you are reading this article because you’re bothered about those smile lines. Continue reading to see the available treatment options to help you remove nasolabial folds.
Medical Treatment Options for Nasolabial Folds
1. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers help to add volume to the areas of the nasolabial fold and give the skin a smooth, plump appearance. The filler injected into the skin may contain hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite which stimulates collagen production.
You should get dermal fillers from a dermatologist. It takes a few minutes to get it done and it requires a short recovery time. Although the effects do not last long, it is gratifying for up to 18 months.
2. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a skin therapy that uses short-pulsed laser lights to stimulate collagen synthesis. Moreover, it stimulates your skin to produce new skin cells.
Consequently, it replaces the old, worn-out, and wrinkled cells and adds to the depths of nasolabial folds.
3. Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is a treatment option that uses radiofrequency energy to revive saggy skin which makes nasolabial folds more prominent. This procedure takes hours and you’ll need up to five sessions to get gratifying results.
4. Skin Tightening
This procedure works with radiofrequency energy. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses heat to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Moreover, it triggers skin healing which helps to tighten the loose skin around the nasolabial fold and makes it firmer. This process is not so painful and requires less recovery time.
5. Microneedling
Microneedling is a procedure that makes use of microneedles which penetrate the skin and create micro-injuries. These injuries, in turn, stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin. This procedure helps to soften wrinkled skin, tighten saggy skin, and trigger skin rejuvenation.
Because of the injuries created on the skin, your skin may appear red after the procedure. You should give your skin some weeks to heal before you begin to look out for results.
6. Botox
Botox injections are given by doctors like dermatologists to soften the muscles underneath the folds. It relaxes the nasolabial folds that are a result of tight muscles.
When Botox injections are combined with fillers, they soften the skin, replenish volume, and fill in the deep lines.
7. Sutures
Sutures or thread lifts are minimally invasive. The doctor uses invisible stitches made under your skin to give your skin a lift.
While the stitches are made, your skin is triggered to begin the healing process. It begins to produce collagen elastin. Eventually, your skin tightens and looks taut.
8. Chemical Peels
Glycolic and azelaic peels stimulate cell turnover and increase collagen production. These processes are necessary for skin exfoliation which will help to reveal youthful, smoother skin. This improves the appearance of nasolabial folds as it reveals more vibrant skin.
9. Surgical Facelift
Surgical procedures like subcision and fat grafting can help fill up the folds of severe nasolabial folds. This treatment option, however, is not always recommended because it is not covered by insurance, it does not promise a long-lasting solution, and it has a long recovery time.
Natural Treatment Options for Nasolabial Folds
These natural treatment options for nasolabial folds do not permanently remove these smile lines. They can only help to reduce their appearance.
1. Gua Sha
Gua sha face massage can help improve the appearance of mild nasolabial folds. You can do this massage from the comfort of your house. It can help loosen the tight facial muscles which cause nasolabial folds.
Gliding the gua sha tool over your face is also beneficial for tightening sagging skin that sometimes characterizes nasolabial folds.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera supplements and topical aloe vera can help address the signs of aging. Nasolabial folds that form because of aging can be addressed with aloe vera. It can stimulate your skin to produce collagen and reduce the appearance of lines and folds.
3. Spices and Honey Face Mask
- Mix two teaspoons of cinnamon powder with 5-6 teaspoons of honey to make a paste
- Then, evenly coat your face with the paste and leave it on for 15-20 minutes
- Afterward, rinse it off with clean, lukewarm water
- Because masks can be quite drying, you should generously moisturize your skin afterward
4. Moisturizers
Always moisturize your face with heavy moisturizers or face oils to keep your skin looking youthful and supple. These heavy moisturizers should be a part of your nighttime routine so they have enough time to absorb into your skin and work while you sleep.
In addition, use moisturizers that contain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, & E. Massage the moisturizer into your skin, focusing on the areas of the smile lines.
5. Facial Patches
Facial patches are great overnight fixes for wrinkles and nasolabial folds. However, their effects are short-termed. Apply the patches on the lines on both sides of your cheek and leave them on overnight.
The patches will help redefine the affected area of your skin, and by the morning, you’ll find them looking better.
Do Facial Exercises Help Nasolabial Folds?
Facial exercises can help tone facial muscles. They are not a permanent treatment for nasolabial folds but they can help improve the appearance of the lines. Here are some facial exercises you can practice:
Pout to the ceiling
- Sit up in a chair and tilt your head so you’re facing the ceiling
- Then, pull your lips out in a pout
- Hold it in place for 15-20 seconds
- Repeat this up to 15 times
Pull out the laugh lines
- Use your middle and index finger to hold out your cheeks, focusing on the nasolabial folds
- Thereafter, pull the skin backward and hold your lips in a pout for about 10-15 seconds
- Repeat this a few more times and make a daily routine of it
Index finger in your mouth
- You should use clean hands for this exercise
- Place your index fingers inside your mouth
- Then, use your fingers to gently pull out both sides of your cheeks
- Keep still for about 15 seconds
- Repeat this a few more times. Do this every day to improve the appearance of the folds
Helpful Tips for Nasolabial Folds Treatment
- Be patient with your skin, especially if the folds become prominent as you age
- Always wear sunscreen before going out
- Use topical products that contain antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A
- Exfoliate your skin regularly
- Quit smoking
- Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation- artificial or natural
- Do not downplay moisturizing your skin
FAQs
At what age do nasolabial folds appear?
Nasolabial folds become more prominent anywhere around your twenties up to your thirties and into old age. You may notice them earlier if they are genetically inherited.
Other reasons why they appear earlier include rapid weight loss, collagen loss, and certain lifestyle habits.
Is microneedling better than Botox for nasolabial folds treatment?
No, microneedling is not better than botox. Microneedling and Botox are different medical procedures that give different results. Microneedling stimulates collagen synthesis while Botox freezes muscle movement.
Both are in a bid to prevent the formation of and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, the effects of Botox last longer than the effects of microneedling.
Is nasolabial folds filler treatment worth it?
Yes, they are. Although it is not a permanent fix for nasolabial folds, it can help make the folds appear smoother. It also restores the skin to youthfulness. Moreover, it takes less than an hour to get through the painless experience.
Can nasolabial folds be reversed naturally?
No, they cannot. Nasolabial folds do not have a permanent solution because they are a natural part of your face. The depths can be filled and the skin around the folds can be massaged to improve the appearance of the lines.
Conclusion
Nasolabial folds are natural. What makes anyone concerned about them is their depths on the face. However, because they pose a cosmetic concern and can affect one’s self-confidence, there are treatment options to help improve their appearance.
The treatment option you sign up for should be determined by how deep the folds are and what the doctor says. You should however bear in mind that they do not go away permanently. This is because they are a natural part of the skin.
Thanks for reading.
Check Serum101 for related articles on how to treat skin-related conditions.