Nasolabial Fold Filler: Benefits, Risks, and Procedure

Nasolabial folds are sometimes referred to as laugh lines or grin lines. They are deep wrinkles that run from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These folds are a common sign of ageing and make people appear older than their age. Nasolabial folds, a typical aspect of the ageing process, includes the loss of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins for keeping skin healthy.

Even Though it is sometimes considered as a symbol of maturity, some people find them unappealing due to cultural conceptions of beauty and youthfulness, hence they seek cosmetic treatments like dermal filler.

Dermal fillers are now gaining popularity as they are an effective approach to minimise ageing markers such as nasolabial folds. They work beneath the skin surface to restore volume lost over time, smoothing out creases and plumping up sagging areas, resulting in a rejuvenated complexion and a dramatically younger-looking face without the need for surgery.

Since more than 28,000 cosmetic surgeries treatments were carried out in the UK in 2018 alone, according to BAAPS, many people find that depth and exaggerated presence negatively affect their sense of attractiveness and self-confidence on an emotional and aesthetic level. These operations are quick and painless ways to reduce the visible effects of ageing while simultaneously improving one's own appearance and self-esteem.

Dr. Magdalena Atta-Motte, a qualified aesthetic specialist based in London, highlights the revolutionary nature of this non-surgical therapy, noting, "Filler treatment completely changes facial dynamics, giving immediate results with little or no downtime."

A meta analysis published in NIH showed that Tissue fillers used for nasolabial fold area treatment allow achieving a satisfying and sustainable improvement. It is always important to consider both the benefits and risks associated with the procedure and discuss those issues before going forward with the procedure.

What Are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are visible creases or lines that run from the side of the nose to the corners of the lips. They are commonly referred to as smiles or laugh lines as they appear as a parenthesis like around our mouth and at times extending to our cheeks.

The nasolabial folds become more noticeable for a variety of reasons. Some of which include:

• Ageing: Wrinkles like nasolabial folds might occur because people's skin loses its elasticity as they age. The skin becomes less elastic overall and has more pronounced creases as a result of the depletion of the proteins collagen and elastin, which maintain the skin taut.
• Volume Loss in Cheeks: As we age and experience gravity, the cheek's diminished volume pushes fat downward, resulting in deeper nasolabial folds.
• Environmental Factors: Collagen is harmed by exposure to harmful environmental elements including pollution and sun damage, which facilitates the ageing process and may make these fold lines more obvious.
• Genetics: genetic predisposition plays a major role in defining an individual's vulnerability, developing them at a very early onset than do environmental and age-related physical indicators.

What is Nasolabial Fold Filler?

Nasolabial fold filler is a cosmetic treatment that aims to hide the nasolabial folds. The process involves the injections of dermal fillers to the wrinkles located between the nose and the lips so that they are plumped out, thereby reducing the depth and softening the appearance.

The most commonly used fillers for this procedure contain hyaluronic acid(HA). Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body and it retains water and adds volume; consequently, their safe application fills out wrinkle contours, restoring youthful fullness.

Depending on the type of filler used and personal factors including metabolism, lifestyle, and skin health, the average lifespan of nasolabial fold fillers ranges from six months to two years. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, are the most often used for this area and typically last six to twelve months. Results from other fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite (e.g., Radiesse), can last anywhere from 18 months to two years. To maintain the effects, routine maintenance procedures are frequently advised.

Dr. Rajiv Grover, former president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), explains that "filler treatments replenish lost skin volume instantly while stimulating natural collagen production over time."

When compared to surgical procedures like facelifts or implants, nasolabial fold filler is seen to produce quicker effects without requiring recovery time. This makes it a preferable option for those seeking noticeable changes rapidly and non invasively. Generally speaking, depending on the situation, the effects last anywhere from six months to two years.

In an effort to foster a safer, more responsible aesthetics culture, renowned London aesthetician Dr. Tapan Patel warns prospective patients about possible adverse effects and ensures they are fully informed before proceeding. According to him, although being less invasive than surgery, there are still risks involved, including the potential for inconsistent outcomes, bruising, oedema, allergic reactions, and infections.

Benefits of Nasolabial Fold Filler

The numerous benefits that Nasolabial fold fillers offer illustrate their allure:

• Dermal filler therapy is a non-surgical solution that eliminates the need for cuts or incisions. This is more accessible because it drastically reduces risk and recovery time when compared to surgical alternatives.
• Immediate Results Minimal Downtime: One of the great qualities is that it has low downtime and immediately creates obvious benefits. Patients are usually able to return to their regular activities soon after therapy with minimal interruption to their daily routine.
• Enhances Facial Contours Restores Volume: nasolabial fold filling effectively restores volume lost as a result of ageing by enhancing facial contours and reducing the depth of nasolabial creases, giving the face a more youthful appearance.
• Boosts Self-confidence: A smoothed-out look often leads to more confidence, self-worth, and satisfaction with one's appearance, all of which improve one's general quality of life.

The procedure

Pre-Treatment

The first step in the nasolabial fold filler procedure is a pre-treatment consultation. Here, clients and professionals discuss goals, concerns, and expectations. Examining the client's medical history is also essential to ensure that no treatments, such as allergies, dermal fillers, or particular medications, could impede the procedure.

Treatment Process

• Numbing: To reduce injection-related pain, topical anaesthetics are commonly utilised.
• Injection spots and Filler Placement: the practitioner carefully lines the skin at the precise locations where injections will be administered. Then, using a fine needle or cannula, the practitioner carefully injects tiny amounts of filler into these areas.

Duration Of The Procedure

The actual injecting part takes another 10 to 15 minutes, excluding the first numbing time, which often takes around 15 minutes. The complete session often lasts 30 minutes, depending on the amount of treatment required. This is small enough to accommodate most hectic schedules, nevertheless results in notable aesthetic benefits.

Post-Treatment Guidelines

There is often a short healing period after the non-invasive nasolabial fold filler operation. To reduce the risk of bruising or swelling, it is advised to stay away from hot, muggy circumstances and physically demanding activities for one day after the treatment. Even though these side effects are uncommon, they should not be ignored in order to guarantee the best possible health results, particularly considering the delicate facial region that is affected.

It's usually okay to resume your usual skincare regimen the next day, but for a few days, be sure to handle treated areas carefully to prevent extreme distortion and give them time to settle. This makes the most of the benefits of this cosmetic innovation, which has been shown by science to help people age gracefully while retaining their poise and beauty.

Risks and Side Effects

After the procedure, patients may have 

• bruising, 
• swelling, or 
• redness at the injection sites. 

Most of the time, these symptoms are temporary and disappear within a few days.

It is important to let your physician know if there are any unexpected discomfort after your nasolabial fold filling so they can be managed in time. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as infection, allergic reactions, lumps, or unequal outcomes have been documented.

How Much Do Nasolabial Fold Filling Cost?

Depending on the type and quantity of filler needed, nasolabial fold fillers in the UK typically cost between £250 and £600 per session.

Factors that affect pricing:

• Location: Compared to clinics in smaller towns, those in London and other major cities typically charge higher fees.
• Expertise of the Injector: Prominent or highly skilled individuals frequently demand more fees for their services.
• Amount of Filler Needed: More filler may be required for deeper or more noticeable nasolabial folds, which would raise the total cost.​

In the UK, dermal fillers are commonly available. To guarantee safety and the best outcomes, it is imperative to get treatment from a trained and certified professional. Seek out clinics that are affiliated with reputable associations such as the General Medical Council (GMC) or British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM).

Takeaway

Nasolabial folds or "smile lines" are common signs of ageing. Their prominence can be diminished using dermal fillers, a quick, non-surgical procedure that effectively restores volume loss using substances like hyaluronic acid (HA) or calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres. Despite the rarity of post-procedure complications, it is crucial to address possible concerns prior to starting therapy. The cost of a session in the UK usually varies from £250 and £600, depending on the location, experience level, and quantity of filler needed. To promote ethical aesthetics practices nationwide and for convenience, all procedures are carried out by certified professionals recognised under BAAPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of nasolabial fillers?

Risks associated with nasolabial fillers include the potential for infections, allergic reactions, bruising or swelling, and uneven results, albeit their rarity.

What is the procedure for nasolabial folds?

Following a pre-treatment consultation, a numbing medication is used. The injector next adds small amounts of filler to the targeted locations using tiny needles or cannulas; this is often finished in 30 minutes and offers quick, noticeable results with no recovery period following the procedure.

How long does filler in nasolabial folds last?

Depending on the patient's situation and the type used, the advantages of nasolabial fold fillers consisting of calcium hydroxylapatite or hyaluronic acid (HA) often last six months to two years.

What is the best non surgical treatment for nasolabial folds?

Because of its ability to produce instant results, minimum downtime, and flexibility, dermal fillers are now the best non-surgical therapies for treating nasolabial folds. Nowadays, HA-based fillers are preferred by many patients due to their ease of reversion in case of need.