Understanding Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds are commonly known as smile lines or laugh lines. They are the unattractive lines that run from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth and are typically one of the first signs of aging. As we age, the facial skin loses elasticity and begins to sag. Also, with the loss of elasticity, the natural fat pad in the upper part of the cheek begins to droop as it weakens in the area of the lower eyelid, intensifying nasolabial folds. Collagen in the skin wanes beginning as early as the 20s, allowing the skin to lose elasticity. These lines are very common and often one of the first signs of aging on the face.

Causes of Nasolabial Folds

• Aging: The primary cause of nasolabial folds is the natural aging process. As we get older, the skin loses collagen and elastin, which are responsible for its firmness and elasticity. This leads to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles, including nasolabial folds.
• Facial Movements: Repeated facial expressions such as smiling, laughing, and frowning can cause the skin to fold and crease over time, contributing to the development of nasolabial folds.
• Loss of Fat: With age, we naturally lose fat from our faces. The fat serves a valuable purpose: its volume supports the skin and stretches it taut. Without it, the skin sags like a deflated balloon, accentuating the nasolabial folds.

Top 10 Hospitals for Nasolabial Fold Wrinkle Removal in New York City

1. LM Medical NYC

LM Medical NYC offers nasolabial folds treatment with facial filler injections at their clinics in Manhattan. Their aesthetic team is well - versed in dealing with nasolabial folds. The nasolabial fold is the indent between your cheeks and nose that is enhanced when you smile. As you get older and the skin loses elasticity, these folds become more prominent. The clinic uses hyaluronic acid fillers for treatment. The trick to smoothing smile lines with cosmetic injections is finding the right dermal filler. The formula should be dense and firm enough to add volume to fill the nasolabial fold while still allowing natural movement when you smile and talk. Dr. Morgan, a world - renowned cosmetic injection expert, and Dr. Lesley, one of the top facial plastic surgeons in NYC, can recommend and perform nasolabial fold treatment using the best facial filler to create natural, youthful results.

2. Practice of Dr. Yael Halaas

Dr. Halaas, a New York double - board - certified plastic surgeon, is an expert in nasolabial fold fillers that eliminate smile lines. For those bothered by the appearance of nasolabial folds, she offers two main treatment options. Facial fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm will plump up furrows and wrinkles, softening the appearance of nasolabial folds. These facial fillers are safe and results are seen quickly. This in - office treatment is a temporary solution but can be safely repeated. Surgical correction is also an option. Oftentimes, the loss of facial skin elasticity causes people with deep nasolabial folds to have other concerning areas on their face. In such situations, a facelift might be the best solution. A full facelift involves the face and neck, while a mini - facelift partially addresses the nasolabial folds and helps with other facial features such as the cheeks, jaw, and neck. Additionally, a cheek lift addressing the cheek area and its descending fat might be the right approach. Surgical correction is long - lasting.

3. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Zuckerman uses the latest techniques to perform nasolabial folds filler injections. The lines around the mouth, informally known as the “parentheses,” are effectively treated using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Juvederm Ultra Plus XC or Vollure XC. Vollure is newer and does not attract as much water as Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, which allows it to be softer and more malleable. This makes it most suitable for mild volume loss in facial wrinkles and folds. Key aspects of treatment include: most patients require two treatments per year to maintain a continual effect. Treatment is visible immediately and finalizes within one week, and it lasts up to six months. The procedure time is 10 – 20 minutes per treatment. Dr. Zuckerman recommends certain pretreatment guidelines to minimize bruising, such as avoiding NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen within a couple of days before and a day after the treatment, not drinking alcohol to excess a day before and after, and refraining from lying flat or working out within 2 hours after injection. Some patients may experience slight redness and minimal bruising near the injection sites, but these effects generally resolve within 24 - 48 hours.

4. Practice of Dr. Yagoda

Dr. Yagoda in NYC/Manhattan can help patients soften their nasolabial folds with injectable fillers or corrective surgery. Fillers are a popular option as they plump up surface depressions, furrows, and wrinkles, like the nasolabial folds. Botox and Dysport are excellent for relaxing overactive muscles in the upper half of the face, while fillers work well on deep wrinkles. Fillers can also add volume to the upper cheeks to replace lost fat and lift the skin while adding height to the cheekbones. They can be used for various other applications, such as adding volume to the lips and reversing the “hollow” look of the eyes. Side effects are rare and usually temporary, including bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection sites. For some patients with deep nasolabial folds and other concerns about the lower portion of their face, a facelift might be a better option. Today's facelift is more natural - looking and less invasive compared to traditional ones, with smaller scars, faster healing, and more rewarding results.

5. New York Facial Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Jacono)

Dr. Andrew Jacono is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in New York, specializing in mini facelifts, rhinoplasties, and eyelid lifts. He is a world - leading expert in facial plastic surgery. His approach is to maintain the patient's natural look with long - lasting results while performing facelift procedures. He specializes in improving facial structures by combining the latest advances in growth factor fat transplantation, short scar facelifts, and high - definition endoscopic surgery. He has created a hybrid facelift called the M.A.D.E. (Minimal Access Deep Plane Extended) facelift, which uses a short incision while lifting the facial tissue and muscles simultaneously, providing the superior results of a deep plane facelift with the minimal scarring of a mini facelift. Dr. Jacono has extensive experience in addressing nasolabial folds and other facial aging concerns through his advanced surgical techniques.

6. Practice of Dr. John E. Sherman

Dr. John Sherman offers non - surgical facial rejuvenation using Restylane. Restylane is a dermal filler that can be injected into areas of the face to restore lost facial volume, reduce the appearance of folds and wrinkles, and rejuvenate the youthful appearance of the face without surgery. It contains hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps the tissue retain moisture, keeping the injected areas plump and smooth. Restylane is commonly used to treat nasolabial folds, along with other aesthetic issues such as forehead wrinkles, brow furrows, sunken cheeks, smile lines, frown lines, marionette lines, and acne scars. The injection process takes around an hour, and a numbing cream can be applied for comfort. There may be some redness and mild swelling around the injection sites, but these issues should subside over the next day or so. Some results are seen immediately, but it takes several weeks to see the full results.

7. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery (Restylane Silk)

At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, they offer Restylane Silk, the first FDA - approved injectable dermal filler designed for subtle lip augmentation and smoothing of perioral (around the mouth) fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used for nasolabial folds rejuvenation. Restylane Silk is a hyaluronic acid filler with smaller average particle size, making it less viscous and less hydrophilic. It is administered via an ultrafine needle for improved accuracy and precision. Treatment results are seen immediately and last approximately 6 to 9 months. There is little to no downtime, and patients often return to work immediately after treatment. Some bruising may occur for 1 - 2 days post - treatment, but Dr. Zuckerman's expert technique can minimize or eliminate such bruising. Precautions before treatment include avoiding NSAIDs and excessive alcohol intake and refraining from lying flat or working out within 2 hours after injection.

8. Practice of Dr. Tracy Pfeifer

Dr. Tracy Pfeifer uses Juvéderm at her long - island and Manhattan surgery offices to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial folds. Juvéderm is a smooth injectable gel that is FDA - approved for treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles and creases. It is composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of the skin that gets depleted over time. Using a fine needle, Dr. Pfeifer injects Juvéderm into the tissue at a specified depth, and anesthetic or nerve blocks can be used to manage discomfort. After injection, the area may be massaged to ensure a smooth result. The cosmetic results of Juvéderm treatment typically last about 6 months, and many patients can benefit from a follow - up treatment a few weeks later for a longer - lasting, more satisfying improvement. Possible side effects include redness, pain, firmness, swelling, lumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration, but the likelihood of complications is relatively low.

Treatment Options Comparison

Conclusion

Nasolabial folds are a common sign of aging that can significantly affect one's appearance. However, there are various effective treatment options available in New York City. The top 10 hospitals and clinics mentioned above offer a range of treatments, from non - surgical facial fillers to surgical facelifts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Whether you prefer a quick, non - invasive solution or a more permanent surgical fix, there is a suitable option for you. Before deciding on a treatment, it is crucial to consult with a qualified professional who can assess your specific needs and recommend the best course of action.

If you're struggling with nasolabial folds and want to explore your treatment options, don't hesitate. Contact one of these top - ranked hospitals in New York City today for a consultation. Take the first step towards a more youthful and confident you!