Excision of Nasolabial Folds Before and After Photos

Deep nasolabial folds can be difficult to treat. The nasolabial fold refers to the natural crease that extends from the side of the nose downwards towards the outer corners of the mouth.  It often deepens during the aging process. 

Generally, an endoscopic midface lift may reduce their depth slightly, but a facelift never eliminates nasolabial folds.  Injectable fillers made of hyaluronic acid such as Juvederm Injectable Gel, Juvederm Vollure, or Restylane, or those made of calcium hydroxylapatite such as Radiesse may help to reduce the depth of these folds.  They are injected in the office with local anesthetic with minimal downtime. 

However, deeply ingrained nasolabial folds are still difficult to eradicate with fillers, and sometimes fillers can make the sides of the nasolabial fold look too full.  Fillers can occasionally leave a ropy appearance that is noticeable when the patient smiles.  One alternative is direct excision of nasolabial folds.  This is a procedure performed with local anesthesia awake in the office, whereby skin is directly excised along and including the fold. 

There is a resulting fine scar line, but it is placed along where the nasolabial fold was previously, which is in a natural transition zone from the cheek to lip area.  It is very effective at effacing the nasolabial folds and our patients have been thrilled with the results.  They don’t find the scar to be objectionable.  The procedure can also be performed in the marionette region, where the fold extends downwards from the corners of the mouth.  It actually has been used to treat drooling as well.  Please review examples of before and after results in our photo gallery.