Nasolabial Folds
Why are my nasolabial folds deepening, and what actually helps?
Nasolabial folds — the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth — are a normal feature that deepens with age and mid-face volume loss. A doctor assesses the cause and is honest about softening them versus erasing them.
What Causes Nasolabial Folds?
The fold deepens mainly as the cheek loses volume and support with age, so the mid-face tissue descends slightly and rests more heavily on the fold. Skin changes, repeated movement from smiling and talking, weight changes and genetics all contribute to how pronounced it becomes. This is why two people the same age can have very different folds.
The fold is frequently a symptom of what has happened above it, so a clinician looks at whether the main issue is lost mid-face support, a deep static line etched into the skin, or skin quality — and usually it is a mix, with one factor leading. The most natural outcome often comes from rebuilding support above the fold so it softens indirectly, rather than packing filler into the crease, which can create a heavy, unnatural result.
Types of Nasolabial Folds
Not all nasolabial folds are the same — a clinician identifies which is driving yours, because it changes what is realistic and which approach is appropriate.
Softer, Well-Supported Fold
A softer, shallower fold, with good underlying support, tends to respond well to a conservative approach and is the easiest to treat naturally. This is the stage at which a small, well-judged intervention makes the most worthwhile difference.Deep, Long-Standing Fold
A very deep, long-standing fold, or one caused mainly by loose skin and significant descent, has real limits. Overfilling it to try to erase it is exactly how people end up looking overdone, so a doctor is honest about what is achievable.Lost Mid-Face Support
Where the fold is mainly a symptom of lost cheek support above it, restoring that support often softens the fold indirectly and looks the most natural, rather than filling the crease directly.Why Choose Volt Cartel for Nasolabial Folds
A doctor assesses whether the main issue is lost mid-face support, the line itself or skin quality, and is honest about what is realistic. A consultation does not commit you to treatment — if we do not think it is the right option for you, or that another route would serve you better, we will tell you.
The fold is often a symptom of lost support above it, so the most natural outcome frequently comes from rebuilding that support rather than packing filler into the crease. Overfilling is exactly how people look overdone, and where a fold is largely due to loose skin or significant descent we may suggest a different approach, or none at all.
Some energy-based and needling treatments carry different considerations depending on your skin tone. A responsible clinician factors this into any recommendation, device choice and settings, and discusses the specific risks with you before you decide.
What to Expect
For suitable people, treatment can soften nasolabial folds and refresh the mid-face, giving a rested, natural look. But it does not erase them — nor should it, since the folds are a normal feature — and results are not permanent. A realistic aim is a softer, natural-looking fold and a better-supported mid-face, not a line-free face, which would look artificial. Filler in this area is also temporary and needs maintenance.
At your consultation in Shoreditch a doctor assesses whether your folds are driven by lost support, the line itself or skin quality, discusses the most natural option, and explains the risks and what to expect. If treatment is appropriate and you go ahead, you receive clear aftercare and any review needed. A consultation does not commit you to treatment. If we do not think treatment is the right option for you — or that another route would serve you better — we will tell you. That honesty is the point of coming in.
Sources and Review Basis
This guide uses bounded public-health information and does not replace individual diagnosis.
Treatments that may be considered
These are relevant routes, not recommendations. Suitability depends on assessment, medical history and the specific cause of the concern.
Questions people ask
Can nasolabial folds be removed completely?
No, and they should not be — they are a normal feature. Treatment can soften them for suitable people, but erasing them entirely looks unnatural. A doctor will be honest about what is achievable.
Is filler put directly into the fold?
Not always. Restoring cheek support above the fold often gives a more natural result than filling the crease, which can look heavy. Which approach suits you is decided at assessment.
Why do nasolabial folds deepen?
Mainly loss of mid-face volume and support with age, so the tissue rests more on the fold, plus skin changes, repeated movement, weight changes and genetics.
Will I look overdone?
Not with a responsible approach. Overfilling the fold is exactly how people look overdone, so a conservative, cause-focused plan and restraint are used; sometimes less is more.
How long do results last?
Filler results are temporary and vary between people; maintenance is needed. Your doctor gives a realistic idea of longevity for your plan.
Are there non-filler options?
Where skin quality is a factor, skin-quality treatments may be discussed, and lifestyle factors such as sun protection help. The right mix depends on your assessment.
Is it suitable for everyone?
No. Where loose skin or significant descent is the main cause, filler may not be appropriate, and a different approach or none may be advised.
Does treatment hurt?
Filler treatments use products containing local anaesthetic and often numbing, so discomfort is usually manageable. Your doctor explains what to expect.
What are the risks?
As with any filler there are risks, including bruising, swelling, asymmetry and, rarely, more serious complications. These are explained in full before you decide, which is part of why assessment matters.
Have the concern assessed properly
A consultation considers what you are seeing, possible causes, realistic options and whether any clinic treatment is appropriate — including none.