If you’re worried about nasolabial folds (the lines from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth), you’re not alone. They’re one of the most misunderstood facial features. Many people assume any visible fold equals ageing — but everyone has them to some degree.
This article explains what nasolabial folds are, when they’re normal anatomy vs ageing-related change, why “filling the line” can backfire, and what a safer, more natural approach looks like.
The short answer
Nasolabial folds are normal facial anatomy. They can deepen with age, but the cause is often changes in the cheeks and mid-face, not a “problem in the fold”. Treating the fold without understanding the cause can create heaviness or distortion around the mouth.
What are nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds are natural creases created by the interaction of:
- Facial muscles used for expression
- Underlying fat pads and facial structure
- Skin movement during speaking and smiling
In younger faces, they’re usually softer and more dynamic — showing more with movement and relaxing at rest.
Natural folds vs ageing-related folds
Natural nasolabial folds
Some people have visible folds from their teens or twenties. That can be genetic and completely normal.
Typical signs:
- Present from a young age
- In proportion with the rest of the face
- Part of normal expression
Trying to “erase” these can disrupt facial balance and make the face look less like you.
Ageing-related deepening
With age, folds can become stronger because of:
- Reduced mid-face support (bone and structure)
- Cheek fat pads shifting downward
- Ligaments loosening
- Skin thinning and reduced elasticity
In this case, the fold often reflects tissue descent, not “a line that needs filling”.
Why treating the fold directly can look wrong
Focusing only on the fold can:
- Add bulk around the mouth
- Flatten natural cheek-to-mouth contour
- Make the lower face look heavy
- Look unnatural at rest (even if it looks OK when smiling)
That’s why modern planning tends to focus on restoring balance and support, rather than chasing lines.
Treatment options that may be considered
The right approach depends on why the fold looks deeper for you.
- Upper and mid-face support
If the cheeks have dropped slightly, supporting the mid-face can reduce the appearance of folds by improving the overall contour.
- Skin-quality treatments
Improving hydration, elasticity, and texture can soften the look of folds without adding volume or changing proportions.
- Minimal structural support (selected cases only)
In carefully chosen patients, a small amount of direct support may be used — but usually as part of a bigger plan, not the only step.
- Combination plans
Often the most natural outcome comes from combining:
-
- skin support + mid-face balance + conservative structural work (if appropriate)
Why assessment matters (more than the “line”)
Not all nasolabial folds need treating. In many cases, the best next step is reassurance and education.
A proper consultation should look at:
- Whether your folds are mostly anatomy or ageing-related change
- Facial proportions and movement (how you speak and smile matters)
- What “improvement” means realistically for you
- What not to do (to avoid heaviness or distortion)
Final thought
Nasolabial folds are part of how you express yourself. The goal isn’t to wipe them out. It’s to keep your face looking balanced, rested, and natural as it changes over time.
If you want, I can also turn this into a short FAQ article with common patient questions like:
- “Are folds genetic?”
- “Why do mine look worse in photos?”
- “Can skincare help?”
- “What makes treatment look overdone?”