Surgery, skin tightening, and fillers may help to reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds. However, these remedies are not necessarily permanent.

Nasolabial folds are the wrinkles or lines that form from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth. While they’re extremely common, their severity can vary.

“People should feel reassured that everybody has nasolabial folds,” said Sarah Arron, associate professor of dermatology at UC San Francisco and the associate director of the UCSF Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center. “Some people would like theirs to be less prominent, and there are lots of options [to treat them].”

Read on to learn some ways to potentially reduce the appearance of your nasolabial folds, what causes these lines, and if it’s possible to prevent them.

A dermatologist or skin care professional can help you determine the cause of your deepening nasolabial folds and find the right treatment for you.

“Partnering with a really caring dermatologist to start with a less-invasive procedure and maybe working your way up to something more significant or more invasive is a wonderful approach,” said Arron. “It may be that the end result can only be achieved with a facelift, but there are lots of things to try before undergoing full-on surgery.”

Fillers

According to a 2021 review, tissue filler injections are one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Some people may use them to try and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.

Dermatologists and other aesthetic professionals inject fillers into the skin around the cheek. This adds volume to the area and lifts the skin.

The type of filler and how much is necessary may depend on the severity of the fold. Common types of fillers include:

  • hyaluronic acid
  • calcium hydroxylapatite
  • polyalkylimide
  • polylactic acid
  • polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres

A 2024 review suggests that fillers have a low risk of side effects and a shorter recovery time than other potential treatments.

However, fillers for nasolabial folds have some risks. This includes vascular occlusions, which are a block in a blood vessel. They may also have a lower risk of damaging the facial artery which is in that part of the face.

You may also experience side effects like bruising and swelling.

Fillers are a temporary solution, since your body will naturally absorb them. How long a filler lasts depends on the type of filler and how quickly your body dissolves it.

Skin tightening

If loose skin is the cause of unwanted nasolabial folds, dermatologists or skin care professionals may use a skin-tightening treatment. Skin tightening procedures may use:

Skin tightening procedures damage microscopic areas of the layer of skin beneath the top layer. This stimulates collagen growth for thicker, tighter skin.

However, skin tightening alone is unlikely to make a significant difference for most people’s nasolabial folds, according to Arron.

Surgery

A cheek lift or a full-face lift may reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds and other signs of aging.

However, cosmetic surgery is expensive, and insurance doesn’t always cover it. It also has a long recovery time and comes with the risk of complications, such as infection and hematoma.

There is no permanent fix for nasolabial folds. While some treatments can last years, you can’t completely halt natural aging. Even surgical alterations will look different over time and begin to show signs of aging.

According to a 2024 review, age-related changes in facial skin and tissues may cause distinct nasolabial folds. As you age, the collagen that supports your skin’s smooth appearance breaks down, leading to visual changes like more prominent nasolabial folds.

Factors like sun damage and smoking may increase the speed at which your skin ages.

A 2023 study suggests that nasolabial folds may become more prominent after certain dental procedures, like a tooth extraction.

Significant weight gain or loss may also contribute to nasolabial folds. Weight loss may lead to looser skin, while weight gain may make the cheeks plumper and accentuate nasolabial folds.

It is not possible to entirely prevent facial changes due to aging, such as deepening nasolabial folds. However, you can take some steps to slow the aging process, such as:

  • use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day
  • avoid tanning beds
  • avoid or stop smoking
  • eat a balanced diet, if possible
  • reduce the amount of alcohol you drink
  • exercise regularly
  • be gentle with your skin
  • wash your skin twice a day and after sweating heavily
  • use gentle skin care products

Moisturizing skin care products can also help reduce the folds and improve the overall quality of your skin. Arron recommends products that contain antioxidants like vitamin C to help protect the collagen and elastin in your skin.

Products with retinol can also help keep the skin looking more youthful. Just be sure to always wear sunscreen and moisturize when using retinol. It can dry out the skin and make it more susceptible to sun damage.

Nasolabial folds may appear deeper or more prominent as you age. Although there is no medical need to treat them, some people may dislike the appearance of these lines.

Dermatologists and other professionals may suggest fillers, skin tightening procedures, or cosmetic surgeries to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. However, none of these are permanent remedies, and your skin’s appearance will continue to change as you age.

If you’re unhappy with how your nasolabial folds look, you can speak with a doctor or cosmetic professional for more information about your options, including the risks of each potential remedy.