Introduction to Nasolabial Folds
The nasolabial fold is the indent between the cheeks and the nose that becomes more prominent when smiling, earning them the name “smile lines.” When we are young, the skin is elastic, and it bounces back after each smile, leaving the nasolabial fold smooth when the face is relaxed. However, as we age, the skin loses its elasticity due to a decrease in collagen production, which typically begins as early as our 20s. This causes the nasolabial fold to become more deeply etched into the skin and face. These lines are very common and often one of the first signs of aging on the face.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Nasolabial Fold Augmentation
How Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Work
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps retain moisture and provide structure to the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers work by injecting biocompatible gels into the deep skin folds running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These fillers add volume and smooth out wrinkles, providing immediate results. The treatment targets areas of collagen loss and volume depletion, restoring a youthful and refreshed appearance.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
- Quick and effective: They offer a relatively quick solution to smooth mild to severe nasolabial folds and rejuvenate the mouth and nose area.
- Natural - looking results: When administered by an experienced professional, the results look natural, allowing for normal facial movement when smiling and talking.
- Reversible: In case of an unsatisfactory result, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure, with only mild swelling or bruising that typically resolves within a few days.
Popular Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
| Filler Name | Characteristics | Duration of Results | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvederm Vollure | Has a smooth consistency, balanced elasticity, and does not attract as much water as some other fillers, making it softer and more malleable | Up to 18 months | Mild volume loss in facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds |
| Restylane Refyne | Offers firmness and flexibility, moving naturally with facial expressions | 9 - 18 months | Nasolabial folds and areas with significant facial movement |
| RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) | Designed to adapt to facial dynamics for a natural look | 9 - 18 months | Treating dynamic wrinkles and folds around the mouth and eyes, including nasolabial folds |
| Juvederm Ultra Plus XC | Belongs to the Juvederm family, is denser, and is good for filling deeper lines | 6 - 9 months in nasolabial folds (due to more movement in the area) | Severe nasolabial folds and deeper lines |
Top Hospitals and Specialists in New York City for Nasolabial Fold Augmentation
LM Medical NYC
LM Medical NYC's aesthetic team offers nasolabial folds treatment with facial filler injections at their clinics in Manhattan. Dr. Morgan is a world - renowned cosmetic injection expert, and Dr. Lesley is one of the top facial plastic surgeons in NYC. They can recommend and perform nasolabial fold treatment using the best facial filler to create natural, youthful results. Their approach focuses on finding the right dermal filler, with a formula that is dense and firm enough to add volume to fill the nasolabial fold while still allowing natural movement when smiling and talking.
Skinly Aesthetics MedSpa
Dr. Schwarzburg at Skinly Aesthetics specializes in nasolabial fold filler treatments. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful procedures, he offers precise, minimally invasive solutions to rejuvenate the look with fast results and minimal downtime. He is an expert in understanding the aging mechanisms that cause nasolabial folds, such as collagen loss and volume depletion in the cheeks. Dr. Schwarzburg uses advanced injection techniques, including linear threading, fanning, and serial puncture, to precisely place the filler into the nasolabial folds, ensuring a smooth, natural look.
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman uses the latest techniques to perform nasolabial folds filler injections. He recommends two treatments per year to maintain a continual effect. The treatment is visible immediately and finalizes within one week, lasting up to six months. Results may vary depending on the amount of product injected and the patient's metabolism. Dr. Zuckerman also provides clear pretreatment guidelines, such as avoiding NSAIDs and excessive alcohol, to minimize bruising.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker, a double - board certified plastic surgeon, approaches all facial aesthetic treatments by focusing on attaining the most beautiful and most effective results using the “lowest rungs” of the treatment ladder, which maximizes beauty and safety while minimizing downtime. He will carefully assess a patient's anatomic requirements and specific goals to determine the best facial filler. For nasolabial fold augmentation, he has experience with various hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, and uses blunt - tipped needles to decrease post - treatment bruising.
Dr. Michele Green
Board - certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is an expert in cosmetic injectable treatments. She has been working with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for lip enhancement and other facial rejuvenation procedures since its inception. Her skilled hand and natural approach to cosmetic injections have made her one of the most sought - after cosmetic dermatologists in New York. For nasolabial fold treatment, she can choose the appropriate filler from products like Juvederm and Restylane, taking into account the patient's unique facial features and aesthetic goals.
Dr. Nina Naidu
Dr. Nina Naidu uses small needles to inject the filler into the deep layer of the skin or lips for nasolabial fold augmentation. She performs all injections herself, ensuring the highest level of care. The procedure takes 20 - 30 minutes and is done in the office under local anesthesia, with results visible immediately. She offers a range of hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, and also provides advice on pretreatment and aftercare to ensure the best results.
Dr. Jennifer Levine
Dr. Jennifer Levine, a leading facial plastic surgeon in NYC, offers a range of high - quality dermal fillers to address various aesthetic concerns, including nasolabial folds. Her philosophy centers on facial balancing, ensuring that each treatment enhances the patient's overall appearance without looking overdone. She carefully assesses each patient's unique facial structure and aesthetic goals, creating a personalized treatment plan that harmonizes all facial features. For nasolabial fold treatment, she may use fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, or the RHA collection.
Dr. Richard W. Westreich
NYC double - board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard W. Westreich uses many specialized types of facial fillers. He understands the benefits and limitations of different dermal fillers and considers factors such as the patient's skin condition, location of the nasolabial folds, cost, and effectiveness before choosing the most suitable product. He works with a variety of hyaluronic acid fillers, including Restylane and Juvederm, to achieve natural - looking results for nasolabial fold augmentation.
Pre - treatment and Aftercare
Pre - treatment
- Avoid blood - thinning medications: Patients should avoid non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen) and alcohol for at least three days (or up to ten days in some cases) before the appointment to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Consultation: A thorough consultation with the doctor is essential. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, discuss aesthetic goals, and perform a physical examination of the face to determine the best treatment plan and filler type.
- Plan ahead: Schedule the treatment well in advance of significant events to allow any potential swelling or bruising to subside.
Aftercare
- Avoid pressure on the treated area: This helps prevent filler migration and ensures proper integration of the filler into the skin.
- Maintain cleanliness: Keep the treated area clean to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours: This allows the skin to breathe and heal.
- Refrain from vigorous exercise and heat exposure: For a few days, avoid activities like saunas, hot yoga, or intense workouts to minimize swelling.
- Follow - up appointments: Attend any scheduled follow - up appointments with the doctor to monitor the results and address any concerns.
Potential Risks and Complications
While hyaluronic acid fillers for nasolabial fold augmentation are generally safe when performed by an experienced professional, there are some potential risks and complications:
- Common side effects: These include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
- Rare complications: Lumps and bumps, infection, asymmetry, or in very rare cases, embolism to distant arteries, potentially resulting in permanent blindness. Choosing a board - certified doctor and following all pre - treatment and aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid nasolabial fold augmentation is a popular and effective non - surgical option for rejuvenating the appearance and reducing the signs of aging in the face. New York City is home to many top - notch hospitals and specialists who are highly skilled in performing these procedures. When considering nasolabial fold augmentation, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced professional, have a thorough consultation, and follow all pre - treatment and aftercare guidelines. By doing so, patients can achieve natural - looking results and boost their self - confidence.
If you are interested in hyaluronic acid nasolabial fold augmentation in New York City, take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of the specialists mentioned in this article. Explore your options, discuss your aesthetic goals, and embark on your journey to a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
