Skin Care Education

Nasolabial Folds: Why They Deepen and What Treatments Help

Nasolabial folds, the lines running from the outer edge of the nose down to the corners of the mouth, are one of the most commonly noticed facial changes, and also one of the most frequently misunderstood. Treating them effectively starts with understanding why they deepen, which has more to do with structural change than with the line itself.

Key takeaways

Nasolabial folds deepen primarily due to mid-face volume loss, particularly in the cheeks, not simply from skin aging at the fold itself.
Effective filler treatment restores the surrounding structural support, which softens the fold as a result, rather than filling the line directly.
HA filler is a confirmed treatment option for nasolabial folds, offering immediate results, typically lasting 6 to 18 months, and reversible with hyaluronidase if needed.
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines are related but anatomically distinct concerns, both connected to broader volume changes across the face.
Your provider assesses your specific facial structure and goals at your You Review before recommending an approach.

What causes nasolabial folds to deepen

Nasolabial folds exist to some degree on almost every face, since they mark the natural boundary where the cheek meets the mobile skin around the mouth. What changes with age is not the presence of this boundary but its depth, driven primarily by volume loss in the mid-face, particularly the cheeks. As cheek volume diminishes, the support that once held this area smoother is reduced, making the fold appear more pronounced. This is a structural change in the surrounding area, not a sign that something is specifically wrong with the fold itself.

Why treating the surrounding structure works better than treating the line

Because the underlying cause is volume loss in the cheeks and mid-face rather than the fold itself, the most effective filler approach addresses that surrounding structure, restoring cheek volume and support, which softens the visible fold as a natural consequence. Injecting directly and only into the line itself, without addressing the structural cause, tends to produce a less complete and less natural-looking result than an approach that considers the whole mid-face.

Nasolabial folds vs marionette lines

Nasolabial folds and marionette lines, the lines running from the mouth corners downward, are often mentioned in the same breath, and they are related but anatomically distinct concerns, both connected to broader volume changes across the face. Nasolabial folds run from the nose to the mouth corners; marionette lines continue that general boundary downward past the mouth. Someone can have one without the other, or both together, and your provider assesses each individually rather than assuming they always occur as a pair.

What a treatment plan looks like

Consideration	What it means for your plan
Immediate results	Filler adds volume right away, though swelling can mask the true final result for the first one to two weeks
Duration	HA filler in this area typically lasts 6 to 18 months, varying by individual and product
Reversibility	HA filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if the result needs adjustment
Placement approach	Your provider typically addresses cheek and mid-face volume as part of the plan, not just the fold itself

Why this is often part of a broader mid-face conversation

Because nasolabial folds are driven by mid-face volume loss generally, your provider may recommend addressing cheek volume as part of the same treatment plan, rather than treating the fold in isolation. This is not upselling; it reflects the anatomical relationship between these areas. A plan that only treats the fold without considering the volume loss driving it is treating a symptom rather than the underlying cause.

What to expect during and after treatment

Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising at injection sites is common for a few days following filler treatment in this area, consistent with filler treatment generally. Because the mid-face and nasolabial area are involved in everyday facial movement, some initial awareness of the treated area while these effects settle is normal. Your provider will walk through specific aftercare guidance for your session before you leave.

What this means for suitability

Whether filler is the right approach for your specific nasolabial folds, and whether your plan should also address broader cheek volume, is something your provider assesses at your You Review, examining your specific facial structure rather than applying a generic plan.

Why choose OrangeTwist Centennial?

Our Centennial team assesses the structural cause behind your specific nasolabial folds, considering your broader mid-face volume rather than treating the line in isolation. Every visit starts with a complimentary You Review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nasolabial folds deepen primarily due to volume loss in the mid-face, particularly the cheeks, which reduces the support that once held this area smoother, making the fold more visible.

Effective treatment often addresses the surrounding cheek and mid-face volume, which softens the visible fold as a result, rather than injecting only into the line itself.

HA filler in this area typically lasts 6 to 18 months, varying by individual and the specific product used.

No, though they are related. Nasolabial folds run from the nose to the mouth corners, while marionette lines continue that boundary downward past the mouth. Both are connected to broader facial volume changes.

Your provider may recommend addressing cheek volume as part of the same plan, since mid-face volume loss is often the driver of the fold. This reflects the underlying anatomy, not an upsell.

Yes, your provider assesses your specific facial structure and recommends the right approach at your complimentary You Review.

The bottom line

Nasolabial folds are a visible sign of mid-face volume loss, not an isolated line to fill, and effective filler treatment addresses that underlying structure rather than the fold alone. A complimentary You Review at our Centennial center is where your specific facial structure gets an honest assessment and a plan built around it.