Treatment for Nasolabial Fold
Nasolabial folds can form on one or both sides of the mouth and affect everyone. However, as people get older, facial skin can become thinner. As a result, people are more prone to nasolabial folds as they age.
What Causes Nasolabial Folds?
There are many reasons why nasolabial folds occur, such as:
- Excess Sun Exposure:Too much sun can damage facial skin, leading to changes in skin texture and lines and wrinkles.
- Collagen Loss:Collagen is a naturally occurring substance that helps the skin maintain its strength and structure. Over time, collagen production declines, which can result in nasolabial folds and other signs of aging.
- Fat Loss:Rapid weight loss can change the facial appearance. It can also cause the cheeks and other areas of the face to sag and lead to nasolabial folds.
- Smoking:The nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels in the skin, which limits the skin’s ability to get nutrients. Thus, smoking can speed up the skin’s aging process and make people more susceptible to nasolabial folds.
Regardless of why a patient experiences nasolabial folds, Dr. Azizzadeh can perform an evaluation to determine if the patient qualifies for smile lines treatment.
How to Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds with Surgery
Various surgical treatment options are used to correct nasolabial folds that affect the appearance of different areas of the face.
A mid facelift may be recommended if a patient is dealing with sagging cheeks. The procedure treats nasolabial folds, along with sagging skin in the middle of the face and deep creases below the eyelids. Also, a mid facelift can reduce the appearance of jowls and excess fat deposits that form under the jaw and chin.
Buccal fat pad removal is another option that may be used to treat nasolabial folds. During a buccal lipectomy procedure, excess fat pads are removed from a patient’s cheeks. This can help a patient simultaneously correct nasolabial folds, refine their jawline, and achieve a contoured facial appearance.
Nasolabial fold excision can be used to treat deep smile lines as well. With this nasolabial fold surgery, smiles lines are removed from the face, and the treatment area is sutured following treatment.
Side Effects of Nasolabial Fold Surgery
Common side effect of surgery for smile lines include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Pain
Most surgery side effects subside shortly after treatment. However, in rare instances, nerve damage and other long-term side effects can occur.
Regardless of laugh lines treatment, it is important to partner with an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Azizzadeh. This surgeon dedicates the time, energy, and resources necessary to limit the risk of long-lasting treatment side effects.
Dr. Azizzadeh only performs a treatment for smile lines if he believes it is safe for a patient. He explains the potential risks of smile lines treatment during a patient consultation. This gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions about treatment and make an informed decision about whether to move forward with it. If a patient decides to pursue a treatment for smile lines, Dr. Azizzadeh discusses the cost of their procedure as well.
Nasolabial Fold Surgery Cost
The cost of a nasolabial fold procedure varies, and Dr. Azizzadeh explains all costs before treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh also offers financing options to patients who are considering nasolabial fold surgery and other facial rejuvenation treatments.
Can Nasolabial Folds Be Treated Without Surgery?
There may be instances in which non-surgical treatments can be used to help patients manage nasolabial folds. These treatments include:
1. Dermal Fillers
Patients can receive dermal filler injections to temporarily reduce the appearance of smile lines. Several types of fillers can be used to treat nasolabial folds. For instance, Juvederm XC can correct laugh lines and other facial wrinkles and folds. In addition, Restylane can treat deep facial wrinkles, lines, and volume loss.
2. Laser Skin Resurfacing
A laser skin resurfacing treatment involves the use of DOT Deka lasers to correct sun-damaged skin, scars, and other facial blemishes. The treatment can stimulate the growth of skin cells and improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. It can lead to a more youthful and vibrant facial appearance, too.
3. Microneedling
Sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy, microneedling can reduce the appearance of fine facial lines and wrinkles. During a microneedling treatment, tiny needles are inserted into the facial skin. The needles create micro-perforations to improve skin firmness and elasticity. They also promote the growth of collagen and elastin.
The aforementioned treatments can help patients correct smile lines without going under the knife. Conversely, the results of these treatments are temporary. And, like surgery, there can be unwanted side effects associated with non-surgical treatments for nasolabial folds. These side effects can include:
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- Bruising
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
For those who are uncertain about whether to pursue surgical or non-surgical options for laugh lines, it pays to consider the pros and cons of both. This allows a patient to identify a treatment that can deliver the best-possible results, without putting their health in danger.
What Is the Best Treatment for Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds can be problematic, and the ideal treatment to correct these issues depends on the patient. By meeting with Dr. Azizzadeh, a patient can receive an evaluation and learn about different nasolabial fold treatment options.
Dr. Azizzadeh requests a consultation so he can learn about a patient and assess their facial appearance. He evaluates a patient’s nasolabial folds and reviews their medical history. Dr. Azizzadeh also gives each of his patients an opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
If Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient is a good candidate for nasolabial fold surgery, he provides details about the procedure. Or, if Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient can benefit from different types of fillers or other non-surgical treatments, he plans accordingly. With his in-depth approach to nasolabial fold treatment, Dr. Azizzadeh helps patients revitalize their facial appearance.
Schedule a Smile Lines Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh
Dr. Azizzadeh is available to teach patients about a wide range of treatments for nasolabial folds. To learn more or to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-683-4085.