Nasolabial Filler: How Is It Done, Who Is It For and What Are Its Limits?

Nasolabial lines are the folds that run from the sides of the nostrils down to the corners of the mouth, also commonly known as smile lines. Everyone has these lines to some degree, and they may look deeper with age. Nasolabial filler is a filler procedure that aims to make these folds look softer. This article explains how nasolabial filler is done, who it is suitable for and what its limits are.

Why Do Nasolabial Lines Become More Visible?

With age, volume decreases in the middle part of the face, the cheek tissues shift downwards and the skin loses its elasticity. These changes make the fold between the side of the nose and the corner of the mouth look deeper. Sun exposure, smoking and rapid weight loss can also affect this process.

How Is Nasolabial Filler Done?

The doctor first assesses the face as a whole. If the deepening of the fold is caused by volume loss in the cheek area, in some people supporting the cheek area rather than only filling the line itself may give a more natural result. The procedure is usually performed with an anaesthetic cream or local anaesthesia. A filler containing hyaluronic acid is placed in small amounts at the planned points with a fine needle or cannula.

Who Is It Suitable For?

It can be considered in adults whose nasolabial fold has become more visible, who are in good general health and who have realistic expectations. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection in the treatment area, or if there is a history of allergy to the filler material, the procedure is postponed or not performed. Blood thinners or other regular medicines should not be stopped without asking a doctor, and the doctor performing the procedure should be told about them beforehand.

Limits and Realistic Expectations

The nasolabial fold is a natural part of the face; the aim is not to erase it completely but to make it look softer. Overfilling the line can lead to an unnatural appearance when smiling. In marked skin sagging, filler may not be enough; in this case, surgical options such as a facelift may be considered.

Recovery and How Long It Lasts

Swelling, redness and bruising may occur for a few days after the procedure. In the first days, it is recommended not to press on or massage the area, and to wait for the period recommended by the doctor before saunas and intense exercise. Fillers containing hyaluronic acid are broken down by the body over time, so the result is temporary; how long it lasts depends on the filler used, the amount and the person.

Possible Risks

Swelling, bruising and tenderness are usually temporary. Less commonly, infection, irregularity or asymmetry, an allergic reaction and the filler material blocking a blood vessel may occur. The area next to the side of the nose is close to important blood vessels of the face, so it requires care with regard to vascular occlusion. If increasing pain, whitening or purplish discolouration of the skin, or a vision disturbance is noticed, a doctor should be contacted immediately. For more information, see our fine line filler and cheek filler pages.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın