What Is Nasolabial Fold Filler?
The nasolabial fold, commonly called the smile line, is a natural crease running from beside the nostril toward the corner of the mouth. Everyone has it to some degree, and it becomes more noticeable when smiling. With age, this line may deepen even when the face is at rest and can give the face a tired expression.
An important reason the smile line deepens is volume loss in the mid-face and the downward shift of tissues. Nasolabial fold filler softens this line with hyaluronic acid. However, simply filling the line itself is not always the right solution; often, first supporting the cheek and mid-face gives a more natural result.
The tissues beneath the smile line are mobile and constantly change shape as you speak and smile. For this reason, applying too much filler to the area can create a full, unnatural look, especially when smiling. A small amount placed in the right layer gives a result that works with facial expressions.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People whose smile line is noticeable even when the face is at rest
- Those whose line has deepened because of mid-face volume loss
- People with a hollow at the base of the nostril
- Those with a noticeable difference in depth between the two sides
- Those whose previous filler has faded and who want a measured top-up
In people with marked skin sagging, filler may not completely remove the line; excessive filler, on the other hand, can make the face look heavy and unnatural. For this reason, thread lifts, skin tightening or biostimulator treatments may also be considered.
How Is the Treatment Done?
- The face is examined at rest and while smiling; the reason the line has deepened is determined.
- Whether mid-face support is needed is assessed and the treatment plan is made together.
- The area is disinfected and numbing cream is applied.
- The filler is applied, most often with a cannula or a fine needle, in small amounts and slowly.
- Symmetry is checked; the procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes.
What Should You Pay Attention to Afterward?
- On the first day, cold compresses help reduce swelling.
- For the first 24 hours, take care not to apply makeup to or touch the area.
- For the first 48 hours, avoid heavy exercise, saunas, steam baths and alcohol.
- Do not massage the area unless your doctor recommends it.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Swelling, bruising and tenderness may occur; they decrease within a few days. Rarely, small lumps, asymmetry or a slight bluish appearance in thin skin may develop.
The smile line area is one where one of the important blood vessels of the face runs. For this reason, the risk of the filler entering or pressing on a blood vessel, although rare, is given particular attention in this area. Using a cannula, the right layer, slow application and small amounts reduce the risk. If you notice severe pain, whitening of the skin or a mottled purplish color change after the treatment, you should contact your doctor right away; the filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
The treatment is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection in the area, if permanent filler has been used before, or if there is an allergy to a filler ingredient.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
The smile line is a natural part of the face, and erasing it completely does not look natural. Dr. Fulya Koç focuses on softening this line rather than eliminating it. Often, addressing its cause, which is the loss of support in the mid-face, rather than the line itself gives a more balanced result.
Repeatedly adding filler to this area over the years can weigh the face down. For this reason, treatment intervals and amounts are planned carefully, and methods that strengthen the skin’s own support are also discussed as options. The goal is a measured result that still looks in harmony with your face years later.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
The effect usually lasts 9–12 months. The filler used, the application technique and the person’s metabolism affect the duration.
The main causes are a decrease in fat and bone support in the mid-face, the downward shift of tissues and the skin losing its elasticity. Sun damage, smoking and rapid weight loss can also speed up this process.
Depending on the cause, support to the cheek or cheekbone area, biostimulator treatments, thread lifts or skin-tightening methods may be considered. Which method is suitable is determined at the consultation.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
