More Than Just Smile Lines
Nasolabial folds are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Every face has them, and they are entirely normal during expression. The concern develops when they deepen and remain visible at rest, casting a shadow that can make the face look heavier or older than it feels. They rarely have a single cause, which is why understanding what is driving them in your individual case matters before any options are discussed.
Why Do Nasolabial Folds Deepen Over Time?
Several factors work together to deepen nasolabial folds, and most people are dealing with a combination of more than one.
What surprises many people is that the fat pad sitting directly within the fold tends to expand with age rather than reduce. So the fold is being pushed from below at the same time it is being pulled down from above.
Declining collagen and elastin mean the skin becomes less able to hold its position over the descended tissue, making the fold more defined at rest. Genetics and weight fluctuation also contribute, with significant facial fat loss sometimes revealing or accelerating folds considerably.
When Do Nasolabial Folds Start to Feel Like a Concern?
Folds visible only during expression are entirely normal at any age. The shift happens when they remain visible at rest and cast a shadow across the lower face.
For most people this becomes more apparent through the 30s and 40s, though genetics and weight changes can bring it forward considerably. Many people first notice it in photographs, where the camera captures shadow and depth in the lower face more sharply than a mirror does at eye level.
Others notice it after a period of weight loss, or become aware of it gradually as the fold deepens on one side more than the other. There is rarely a single moment. It is usually a slow accumulation of small observations that eventually prompts the question.
Treatments That May Assist With Nasolabial Folds
Because nasolabial folds are driven by multiple factors, the most considered approach looks at the face as a whole rather than focusing on the fold alone.
Dermal Enhancements for Nasolabial Folds
Dermal enhancements may be considered to soften the fold directly or to restore mid-face volume contributing to its depth, assessed individually in the context of overall facial balance.
PDO Thread Lifts for Nasolabial Folds
Where soft tissue descent is a contributing factor, PDO thread lifts may assist in repositioning and supporting descended tissue in appropriate cases.
Rejuran for Nasolabial Folds
Rejuran may assist in supporting cellular repair and collagen production in the skin of the nasolabial area, gradually improving tissue quality over time.
Skin Hydration Treatments for Nasolabial Folds
Skin hydration treatments may support tissue resilience and skin quality in the area overlying the fold.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Nasolabial Folds
PRP may help stimulate collagen and tissue repair in the area using the body's own growth factors.
Collagen-Stimulating Treatments for Nasolabial Folds
Collagen-stimulating treatments may assist in improving skin firmness in the area, which can influence how the fold presents at rest over time.
The Clinical Nuance Worth Knowing About Nasolabial Folds
The Fold Is Often a Symptom, Not the Source
Nasolabial folds are frequently a downstream consequence of mid-face volume changes rather than an isolated concern. Treating the fold directly without considering what is happening in the cheek and mid-face can sometimes produce a result that looks heavy or unnatural. In many cases, addressing mid-face structure is the more appropriate starting point. A whole-face assessment always comes before any conversation about specific options.
Asymmetry Is Normal Here
Most nasolabial folds are not the same depth on both sides. One side is almost always deeper or more prominent than the other, reflecting the natural asymmetry of the face. Any assessment takes this into account and works with the face's existing balance rather than against it.
Skin Quality Matters Too
The skin overlying the fold contributes to how visible and defined it appears. Where laxity and reduced collagen are significant factors, addressing skin quality alongside any structural approach tends to produce a more complete and balanced outcome.
Why Clients Seek Guidance for Nasolabial Folds
There is no clear point at which a nasolabial fold moves from a normal feature to something worth exploring, which is why many people sit with the concern for a while before raising it. Some notice it after weight loss. Others see it in a photograph where the fold makes the lower face look heavier than it does in the mirror. Some feel that smiling looks different now, that the fold has become more dominant. Others have simply been aware of it for years and want an honest conversation about their options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nasolabial Folds
Are nasolabial folds a normal part of the face?
Yes. Nasolabial folds are present in every face and are a normal feature of facial anatomy. The concern tends to develop when they deepen and become visible at rest, rather than appearing only during expression.
My folds look much deeper on one side. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily. Facial asymmetry is universal, and nasolabial folds are one of the most commonly asymmetrical features of the face. Differences in depth between sides are expected and are taken into account during any assessment.
How is a nasolabial fold assessment different from other facial assessments?
The fold itself is assessed alongside the cheeks, mid-face, and overall facial structure. Because the fold is influenced by what is happening in multiple surrounding areas, a nasolabial assessment cannot meaningfully happen in isolation.
My nasolabial folds deepen noticeably when I am tired or unwell. Why?
Dehydration, poor sleep, and illness can temporarily reduce facial tissue volume and skin quality, making existing folds appear more pronounced. The underlying structure remains the same, but the skin sits differently when the body is under stress.
Are nasolabial folds the same as marionette lines?
No. Nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines extend downward from the corners of the mouth toward the chin. Both are influenced by mid-face volume changes and skin laxity, but they are distinct in location, anatomy, and how they are assessed.
How do nasolabial folds relate to jowling?
Both nasolabial folds and jowling are often driven by the same underlying process: mid-face soft tissue descending with age. As cheek volume reduces and the supporting structure weakens, tissue slides downward, deepening the nasolabial fold and contributing to jowling in the lower face. They are frequently assessed together for this reason.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. All services are discussed following a consultation with a qualified practitioner, in accordance with TGA and AHPRA guidelines. Individual suitability, outcomes, and any potential risks will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and clearly communicated before any treatment is offered.