TL;DR
Nasolabial folds — the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth — are one of the most common concerns patients bring to aesthetic...
Last updated: 5 March 2026
Nasolabial folds — the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth — are one of the most common concerns patients bring to aesthetic consultations. While these folds are a natural part of facial anatomy present from birth, they deepen with age due to volume loss, gravity, and repetitive facial expressions. This guide explores why nasolabial folds develop, the range of treatment options available, and how to choose the right approach for your individual needs.
Expert Insight
The single biggest mistake in treating nasolabial folds is injecting filler directly into the fold itself. While this seems intuitive, it often creates a heavy, unnatural appearance and can actually make the fold more pronounced over time. Modern treatment approaches focus on addressing the cause — typically midface volume loss that allows tissue to descend — rather than simply filling the symptom. By restoring volume in the cheeks and midface, the fold softens naturally as the overlying tissue is supported from above.
Why Nasolabial Folds Deepen
Understanding the anatomy behind nasolabial fold deepening is crucial for effective treatment. Multiple factors contribute:
Volume Loss
The malar (cheek) fat pad sits above the nasolabial fold and provides the “scaffolding” that keeps the midface full and supported. From our mid-30s, this fat pad gradually diminishes and descends, causing the overlying skin to droop and the nasolabial fold to deepen. Bone resorption in the maxilla (upper jaw) further reduces structural support.
Skin Changes
Collagen and elastin degradation reduces the skin’s ability to maintain tension, allowing folds to form more easily. UV-damaged skin shows accelerated fold deepening compared to protected skin.
Muscle Activity
The nasolabial fold lies at the junction of several facial muscles. Repeated smiling, talking, and chewing create dynamic creasing that, over decades, becomes static (visible at rest).
Gravity
The cumulative effect of gravity on facial soft tissue causes gradual descent of the midface, deepening the fold year on year.
Treatment Options Compared
| Treatment | Approach | Duration | Sessions | UK Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheek filler | Midface volume restoration (indirect) | 12–18 months | 1 | £400–£800 | Volume-loss-driven folds |
| Direct fold filler | HA filler into fold (used sparingly) | 8–14 months | 1 | £250–£500 | Deep static folds (adjunct) |
| Biostimulators | Collagen stimulation (Sculptra, Radiesse) | 18–24 months | 2–3 | £400–£800/session | Gradual, long-lasting improvement |
| PDO threads | Mechanical lift + collagen stimulation | 12–18 months | 1 | £600–£1,500 | Moderate laxity with fold |
| RF microneedling | Skin tightening + collagen | 12+ months | 3–4 | £300–£600/session | Mild folds, skin quality |
| Surgical facelift | Tissue repositioning | 5–10+ years | 1 | £7,000–£15,000 | Significant laxity |
The Modern Approach: Midface-First Strategy
The current best-practice approach to nasolabial folds follows a “top-down” strategy. Rather than filling the fold directly, the treatment begins with restoring volume in the midface (cheeks and lateral cheek area). When the malar fat pad is volumised and lifted with dermal filler, the skin above the nasolabial fold is supported, causing the fold to soften naturally.
Only after midface volume has been optimised should the practitioner consider placing small amounts of filler directly into any remaining fold depth. This layered approach creates a far more natural result than aggressive direct filling, avoiding the overfilled, “bracket” appearance that was common with older techniques.
Prevention and Early Intervention
While nasolabial folds cannot be entirely prevented, their progression can be slowed through daily SPF protection, retinoid use to maintain collagen, early collagen-stimulating treatments in the late 20s and 30s, maintaining a stable weight, and avoiding smoking. Patients who begin preventative treatments early often require less intervention later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put filler directly into my nasolabial folds?
Direct filler placement into nasolabial folds can be appropriate in some cases, but it should rarely be the primary approach. Modern techniques prioritise restoring volume in the cheeks and midface first, which lifts and supports the tissue above the fold, causing it to soften naturally. Only residual fold depth after midface treatment should be addressed with small amounts of direct filler. Excessive direct filling can create an unnatural, heavy appearance, make the fold appear wider, and contribute to filler migration over time. Trust a practitioner who assesses the whole face rather than simply treating the fold in isolation.
At what age should I start treating nasolabial folds?
There is no specific age — it depends on when the folds begin to bother you and how pronounced they are. Most patients first seek treatment in their late 30s to mid-40s, when age-related volume loss begins to deepen the folds noticeably. However, some individuals develop prominent folds earlier due to genetics, weight loss, or facial structure. Preventative treatments (collagen stimulation, skin quality maintenance) can start in the late 20s and early 30s. The most important thing is to address folds before they become deeply etched static lines, as moderate folds respond much better to treatment than severe ones.
How much does nasolabial fold treatment cost in the UK?
Costs vary depending on the approach. A comprehensive treatment using the midface-first strategy (cheek filler plus small amounts in the fold) typically costs £600–£1,200 for the initial treatment, using 1–2ml of dermal filler. Biostimulator treatments (Sculptra, Radiesse) cost £400–£800 per session but may require 2–3 sessions. Thread lifts range from £600–£1,500. Maintenance treatments are typically needed every 12–18 months. Some clinics offer package pricing that includes an annual treatment plan with follow-up assessments and top-ups.
Can weight loss make nasolabial folds worse?
Yes, significant weight loss can deepen nasolabial folds. When fat is lost from the face (particularly the midface), the skin that was stretched over that volume can fold and droop more prominently. This is especially noticeable in patients who lose weight rapidly or lose a large amount of weight (more than 10–15kg). If you are planning significant weight loss, it is generally advisable to reach your target weight before investing in facial filler treatments, as the results will be more predictable and longer-lasting once your weight is stable.
Do nasolabial fold treatments look natural?
When performed using modern techniques by an experienced practitioner, yes — nasolabial fold treatment should look entirely natural. The goal is not to erase the fold completely (which would look unnatural, as some fold is anatomically normal) but to soften it to a more youthful depth. The midface-first approach creates results that look like healthy, natural volume rather than an obviously “filled” appearance. Poor results — the overfilled, unnatural look — typically come from outdated techniques, excessive direct filling, or using too much product. Always view before-and-after photographs of your practitioner’s own work before proceeding.
Nasolabial folds are a natural part of ageing, but modern aesthetic medicine offers effective, natural-looking solutions when they become a concern. The key is choosing a practitioner who understands facial anatomy and approaches treatment holistically.
Concerned about nasolabial folds? Book a facial assessment with our team. See also: Facial Asymmetry Treatment and Marionette Lines Treatment.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional for personalised facial assessment and treatment recommendations. Individual results vary.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.