Nasolabial Folds
Cosmetic surgery experts reveal that the most obvious sign of aging on the face is neither the eye bags nor the forehead wrinkles, but the nasolabial folds.
What is nasolabial folds
Nasolabial folds are the indentation lines that extend from the outer wings of the nose down to the outer corners of the mouth. These folds are the typical signs of aging with sagging and thinner skin. Faces with deeper nasolabial folds tend to show an impression of tiredness, seriousness and distance to others.
Causes
The causes of nasolabial folds formation can be complicated and varied by individuals. It could be formed from aging and sagging skin, and excessive facial expression constantly. It could also be natural nasolabial folds due to the underdevelopment of the bones of the upper jaw, leading to a dented nasal base or convex mouth.
1. Dented nasal base / convex mouth
Dented nasal base / convex mouth is the most common cause of nasolabial folds. Some people have a more dented nasal base due to the bone structure, the height difference between the nasal base and mouth can cause nasolabial folds, the more the difference, the deeper the folds it is. On the other hand, aging tends to lose bone tissue and soft tissue which will lead to a more dented nasal base and deeper nasolabial folds.
2. Skin sagging with aging
In addition to genetic factors, sagging skin is mainly caused by aging. As we age, the skin continues to lose collagen, its water holding capacity and fat content causing the sagging appearance on the skin surface. The sagging indicates a weak fascia that is not strong enough to hold the fat pad, as a result the fat will hang down and accumulate at the nasolabial area and eventually nasolabial folds are formed. This is an early indicator of the aging process involving weak fascia and hanging down fat without concern of Osteoporosis (loss of bone mass).
3. Repetitive facial expression
If you like smiling, raising your forehead or repeating a facial movement, you need to know this! The bigger the facial movement you made, the greater the muscle contraction, which is more likely to cause breakage of subcutaneous soft tissue, causing the dynamic nasolabial folds to become static nasolabial folds. Having repetitive laughs using nasal muscle over time, breakage will occur between upper face muscles and lower face muscle and hence deepen the nasolabial folds. Here is a quick self-check for your nasolabial folds (if you have one). If the nasolabial fold extends from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth, it is formed because you love to laugh too much. If the nasolabial fold extends from the side of the nose to the area below the mouth, then you may have pursed or curled the lips too much.
4. Air pollution, radiation from electronic devices and unhealthy lifestyle
Metallic dust in the air will become charged dust under UV light exposure and stimulate the generation of free radicals in the air. Once these free radicals contact our skin, it will accelerate the aging of our skin, resulting in dull and uneven skin tone. Sunlight radiation can cause yellowing appearing on the skin, reduction of cell tissue, resulting in loose skin, fine lines, and dry skin. Similarly when using electronic devices, because the electrostatic effect on the screen of the electronic device will attract charged dust and dirt in the air. When we get close to the screen during using it, it will accelerate the oxidation and aging process of the skin. On the other hand, an unhealthy lifestyle will also accelerate skin aging and the formation of nasolabial folds.
5. Sleeping positions
It is not a rumor that certain sleeping positions can cause lines, it is the truth! The lines formed during sleep (known as sleep wrinkles) are caused by the squeeze and stretch of the face, not by facial movement.
6. Lost weight too rapidly
You may have heard some celebrities complaining about their nasolabial folds formation after a rapid weight loss. Losing weight quickly will suddenly reduce the support of collagen, resulting in skin drooping and formation of nasolabial folds.
Symptoms
The nasolabial line is a line extending down from the outermost corner of the nose to and disappear at the corner of the mouth. The line slightly bends downwards and outwards.
1. Three types of nasolabial folds
(1) Concave type: the interior angle of the line is greater than 180°;
(2) Straight line type: the interior angle of the line is 180°;
(3) Convex type: the interior angle of the line is less than 180°;
2. Seriousness of nasolabial folds:
(1) No observable folds, only continuous skin lines seen;
(2) Mild: The folds are shallow, but visible, with slight dents and fine wrinkles;
(3) Moderate: Deeper folds, lines are clearer and visible, but they disappear when skin is stretched;
(4) Severe: Very long, deep and prominent folds. Visible lines (less than 2 mm) are seen even when skin is stretched;
(5) Extreme: Extremely long and deep folds. Visible lines (2-4 mm) are seen even when skin is stretched.
Treatment
Nasolabial fold is one of the significant aging appearances on the face; it is difficult to eliminate once it is formed. Here are some treatments recommended by Prime Cosmetic Clinic.
A. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers at the Nasal Base
What is it?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronate, is naturally found in tissues and cells. In aesthetic treatment, hyaluronic acid can act as a filler and is injected into the dermis layer to fill up the folds/depressions or plump certain areas such as lips, cheeks, nose and chin. The injected hyaluronic acid will smooth and fill lines and wrinkles, and add volume to the face naturally. As hyaluronic acid can be naturally metabolised and will not remain in the body, there are no side effects of injecting HA. Also, having repeated courses of HA injection is safe and effective for long term results.
How does it work?
To smooth nasolabial folds, medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin at the nasolabial folds, the dented area at the outermost wings of the nose, and the corners of the mouth. The injected HA will group with the body hyaluronic acid to plump the nasal base and smooth the nasolabial folds. Hyaluronic acid injection is a safe treatment providing an instant effect of wrinkle removal and face rejuvenation.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Confirmation of a detailed plan of injection areas and dosage after fully understanding the client’s conditions and desired results.
2. Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the injection areas. Confirm the injection solution has not been opened.
3. Injection: Injecting hyaluronic acid at the assigned areas. Massage the injection areas while injecting to smooth the lines evenly.
4. Post-treatment care.
Duration: 30-45 mins
Who is it for?
√ People who have nasolabial folds caused by a dented nasal base;
√ People who have shown signs of aging, sagging face, or worsen nasolabial folds;
√ People who want to smooth and fill the nasolabial lines in a natural and quick manner;
B. Wrinkles Removal by Botulinum Toxin
What is it?
Botulinum toxin is a protein that can block the signal communication between nerves and muscles, and hence paralyses/relaxes the muscles temporarily, resulting in releasing the muscles pressure at the nasolabial folds and smoothing the folds. It is only suitable for eliminating dynamic wrinkles.
How does it work?
Botulinum Toxin paralyses the superficial muscles of both lip levator muscle and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle (the muscle connecting upper lips and wings of the nose), weakening their muscle contraction ability, and hence fill and smooth the nasolabial folds. Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers can be combined in one treatment.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Confirmation of a detailed plan of injection areas and dosage after fully understanding the client’s conditions and desired results.
2. Pre-treatment preparation:Clean and disinfect the injection areas. Confirm the injection solution has not been opened.
3. Injection: Injecting at the dynamic lines. Massage the injection areas while injecting to smooth the lines evenly.
4. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 30-45 mins
Who is it for?
√ People who have developed early dynamic nasolabial folds due to over facial movement/expression
√ People who want to eliminate both dynamic and static nasolabial folds with hyaluronic acid;
√ People who want to smooth and fill the nasolabial lines in a natural and quick manner;
C. MERZ ULTHERAPY
What is ULTHERAPY:
MERZ ULTHERAPY®is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment. It enables high-intensity ultrasound to precisely focus on the SMAS layer, stimulate the self-renewal mechanism of skin tissue, resulting in a series of rejuvenation effects such as tightening, increased elasticity, lifting, wrinkle reduction, whitening, and pigmentation reduction.
How does MERZ ULTHERAPY® work:
ULTHERAPY engages precise ultrasonic energy to go 4.5MM, 3.0MM and/or 1.5MM skin deep, triggering cellular friction to generate high thermal energy at pinpointed thermal focal points. The heat generated at these focal points will stimulate tissue self-renewal mechanism, collagen regrowth, and an increase in collagen fiber and elastic fiber. Providing instant reverse of signs of aging.
Procedure:
1.Face-to-face consultation: Confirmation of a detailed plan of ULTHERAPY after fully understanding the client’s conditions and desired results.
2. Anesthetic: Apply Anesthetic externally. Clean and disinfect the treatment areas.
3. Pre-treatment preparation: Draw markings on the face to define treatment areas. Adjust treatment parameters based on the client’s signs of aging on the face.
4. During treatment: Perform the MERZ ULTHERAPY treatment. Focus on the areas of the double chin and the jawline.
5. Post-treatment repair: Medical-grade facial repair mask to nourish and repair the skin.
6. Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 1.5-2 hr
Who is it for:
√ People who have shown severe aging nasolabial folds.
√ People who have deep nasolabial folds due to face sagging.
√ People who have shown signs of aging and deep nasolabial folds.
√ People who have experienced disappointing results from injection treatments and shown repeated appearance of lines.
√ People who want to eliminate nasolabial folds and remove wrinkles/lines in the long run.
√ People who do not rush into immediate results and are looking for long term treatment.
D. THERMAGE
What is THERMAGE:
Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to heat the dermis layer. The localised dermis layer will be damaged and hence stimulate the skin self-healing process. The healing process promotes the formation and remodeling of collagens that will tighten, smoothen and lift up the skin. Similar to ULTHERAPY, Thermage also has a face slimming effect, tightening drooping skin and restoring a better defined contour.
How does THERMAGE work:
Thermage is a radiofrequency treatment. The patented applicator will touch your skin and deliver the accurately set radiofrequency to the dermis layer, and heat it up to 65℃～ 75℃. The high temperature will stimulate the self-repair mechanism. A large amount of collagen in the dermis layer will be regenerated, and result in an instant firming effect.
Procedure:
1、Face-to-face consultation: Confirmation of a detailed plan of THERMAGE after fully understanding the client’s conditions and desired results.
2、Pre-treatment preparation: Clean and disinfect the treatment areas. Draw treatment areas on the face. Confirm the package of the new tip of the applicator has not been opened.
3、During treatment:Proceed the treatment based on the assigned treatment areas to remove wrinkles and tighten skin.
4、Post-treatment repair: Medical-grade facial repair mask to nourish and repair the skin.
5、Post-treatment caring.
Duration: 1.5-2 hrs
Who is it for:
√ People who have severe aging nasolabial folds.
√ People who have deep nasolabial folds due to face sagging.
√ People who have shown signs of aging and deep nasolabial folds.
√ People who have experienced disappointing results from injection treatments and shown repeated appearance of lines.
√ People who want to eliminate nasolabial folds and remove wrinkles/lines in the long run.
√ People who do not rush into immediate results and are looking for long term treatment.
E. Facial Thread Lift
What is thread lift:
Thread lift is currently the most effective face lifting technique. By embedding threads (that can be absorbed and degraded in the body) to the dermis layer, which lifts the face according to the direction and interval of the threads, it stimulates the skin, and further activates fibroblasts to produce collagen. Thread lift is suitable for people who want to restore skin’s lifting ability, reduce signs of sagging, and stimulate regrowth of collagen.
How does it work:
Thread lift treatment enables embedding threads in the skin to stimulate regeneration of collagen. These new collagen will contract naturally and lift cheek and sagging skin to create a youthful look. Also, embedding threads in a big V shape can lift the drooping skin at the lower part of the face to regain a tightened face. Doctors will customise treatment plans for individuals based on their condition and desired results.
Procedure:
1. Face-to-face consultation: Develop a unique treatment plan based on the client’s condition and desired results.
2. Apply anesthetic: Apply anesthetic externally. Clean and disinfect the areas to be embedded with threads.
3. Pre-treatment: Fully understand the treatment plan. Check the quality and quantity of the threads.
4. During treatment: Proceed with the treatment plan to embed threads.
5. Post-treatment precautions.
Duration: 45-60 mins
Who is it for:
√ People with nasolabial folds due to dented nasal base;
√ People who have shown signs of aging, sagging face, or worsen nasolabial folds;
√ People who want to smooth and fill nasolabial folds with hyaluronic acid;
√ People who want to smooth and fill the nasolabial lines in a natural and quick manner;
Which one suits me the most?
Young people who have mild problems with nasolabial folds, and have facial dent/depression can be treated by Fillers injections for an instant result. RF microneedling treatment can also be added to the regular skin conditioning routine to smooth nasolabial folds. On the other hand, for those who would like to invest long term on wrinkles removal and slowing down the aging process, it is commended to receive facial lifting treatments to tackle nasolabial folds. If financially available, a long term comprehensive treatment plan would be highly sustainable and effective for maintaining healthier and younger looking skin.
Needless to say, nasolabial folds can be caused by various reasons such as changes of facial fat deposition, relaxation of tissues, biomechanics, differences in tissue structure. Treatment for each individual could be different, and it is the best for practitioners to help customise a treatment specifically for you based on your condition and desired results. Prime Cosmetic Clinic welcomes everyone, book for a consultation with our practitioners now to see what your options are.