What causes Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds, commonly known as laugh lines or smile lines, are a natural part of the facial ageing process. While these folds are a normal facial feature, certain factors can make them appear deeper or more pronounced. Some common causes include:
- Genetics – Our DNA dictates how the skin will age.
- Ageing – Loss of collagen and other skin firming proteins are lost during the natural ageing process.
- Sun exposure – UV light rays speed up the ageing process, causing wrinkles and uneven skin texture.
- Smoking – Exposure to cigarette smoke can prevent the formation of healthy collagen in the skin leading to acceleration of the ageing process.
- Weight loss – Can contribute to sagging skin and volume loss, which may intensify the appearance of the nasolabial folds. This has become increasingly common in those on medically supervised weight loss journeys.
What are some common treatment options for Nasolabial Folds?
The most appropriate approach for nasolabial folds depends on what is contributing to their appearance. In many cases, this may relate to a combination of facial structure, mid-face support, skin quality and age-related changes over time. Your doctor can determine these in your consultation.
Where suitable, options that may be discussed can include: