Why the fold can look deeper even when the issue is not only in that line
Nasolabial folds require context. Filling the crease directly can sometimes help, but in many cases the better decision is to assess cheek support, volume distribution and lower-face balance.
Treatment options for nasolabial folds
The right option depends on what predominates in the concern, the skin or tissue quality, and the patient's expectations.
Why do nasolabial folds appear, and what can be softened
- Cheek support changes: reduced support can deepen the transition.
- Tissue descent: folds may become more visible as the midface changes.
- Local crease depth: in selected cases, the fold itself may need subtle correction.
Can nasolabial folds become more noticeable over time
Nasolabial folds often become more visible over time as support and skin quality change. A restrained plan avoids making the midface look heavy.
What types of nasolabial folds can appear
- Support-led folds: related to cheek or midface changes.
- Local folds: the crease itself is the main visible issue.
- Mixed folds: support, skin and expression overlap.
What kind of improvement can be expected
The aim is to soften the transition and improve facial balance without overfilling the line.
What results can be expected
When filler is used directly in the fold, improvement is immediate but may look unnatural if the cause is upstream. When midface support is addressed first, the fold softens as a secondary effect. The most natural results usually come from treating the structural cause rather than filling the crease alone.
What types of nasolabial folds are there
- Descent-related folds: deepened primarily because the cheek and midface have descended.
- Volume-related folds: appear when there is loss of midface and perioral volume, making the transition more abrupt.
- Combined cases: both descent and volume loss are present, requiring a layered approach.
Do nasolabial folds get worse over time
They tend to deepen as midface support decreases and tissue descends with age. In some cases the crease itself is not the primary issue — it is the loss of cheek volume above it that makes the fold look more pronounced. Treating only the fold without addressing the cause above it often gives temporary or incomplete results.
