Nasolabial Folds: Why They Deepen & How to Treat Them

Nasolabial folds — the lines that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth — are one of the most common aesthetic concerns patients bring to our practice. While some fold depth is completely normal (even children have nasolabial folds when smiling), deepening folds can make the face look older and more tired.

Why Nasolabial Folds Deepen

The common misconception is that nasolabial folds are wrinkles that need to be "filled." In reality, they deepen primarily because of volume loss above them — in the cheeks and mid-face.

Think of it like a tent: when the poles (cheek volume) are tall and strong, the fabric (skin) stays taut. As the poles shorten (volume loss), the fabric sags, creating deeper creases at the base.

Other contributing factors include:

• •Gravity — Soft tissue descends over time
• •Skin laxity — Collagen and elastin breakdown reduces skin firmness
• •Repetitive facial expressions — Smiling and talking deepen the crease over decades
• •Sun damage — UV exposure accelerates all of the above

The Wrong Approach

Many practitioners simply inject filler directly into the nasolabial fold. While this provides temporary improvement, it doesn't address the root cause — and over time, repeated direct filling can create an unnatural, puffy appearance.

The Dr. Taborga Approach

Dr. Taborga treats nasolabial folds by addressing the cause: mid-face volume restoration. By strategically placing filler in the cheeks and along the zygomatic arch, the overlying skin lifts naturally, softening the fold from above.

When the fold is particularly deep, a small amount of filler may be placed directly in the crease as a finishing touch — but never as the primary treatment.

What to Expect

• •Treatment time: 30–45 minutes
• •Downtime: Minimal — mild swelling for 2–3 days
• •Results: Visible immediately, settling over 2 weeks
• •Duration: 12–18 months depending on the filler used

Prevention

Starting cheek filler in your late 20s or early 30s — before significant volume loss occurs — can delay the deepening of nasolabial folds by years. Prevention is always more effective (and less expensive) than correction.

Concerned about your nasolabial folds? Call (332) 237-3661 for a consultation.