Introduction

Nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines or laugh lines, are a natural part of the aging process. These lines run from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth and can become more prominent over time due to various factors such as age, sun damage, smoking, weight changes, and genetic predisposition. For many individuals in New York City, these folds can be a source of concern as they can make a person appear older or tired. Fortunately, there are several highly skilled doctors in the city who specialize in nasolabial fold wrinkle removal, offering a range of effective treatments from non - surgical options like dermal fillers to surgical procedures. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 doctors on the ranking list for nasolabial fold wrinkle removal in New York City.

What are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are the lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They are a normal anatomical feature, and everyone has them to some degree. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and the facial muscles change, causing these folds to become more pronounced. The nasolabial folds separate the cheeks from the upper lip and support the buccal fat pad. Some people view them as a sign of maturity and distinction, while others are bothered by their appearance and seek ways to reduce their prominence.

Causes of Deep Nasolabial Folds

• Age: With age, the body's production of collagen and elastin, which keep the skin smooth and firm, decreases. The cheekbones also tend to flatten, and the skin begins to sag, making the nasolabial folds more noticeable.
• Sun Damage: Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature aging and deeper nasolabial folds.
• Smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to skin aging. It restricts blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients, and accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
• Weight Changes: Significant weight loss can result in looser skin in the face and neck, accentuating the nasolabial folds. On the other hand, significant weight gain can plump up the face and make the creases more prominent.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to deeper nasolabial folds, even at a younger age.
• Sleeping Position: Side sleeping can cause one or both of the nasolabial folds to deepen over time due to the pressure on the face.

Preventing Nasolabial Folds

While it's impossible to completely prevent nasolabial folds from forming, there are some steps you can take to slow down their development:

• Quit Smoking: As mentioned earlier, smoking is extremely harmful to the skin. Quitting smoking can help improve skin health and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.
• Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun's UV rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF daily. This can prevent sun damage and maintain the skin's elasticity.
• Moisturize: Use skin care products containing vitamin C and retinol to keep the skin supple and smooth. These ingredients can help stimulate collagen production.

The Top 5 Doctors for Nasolabial Fold Wrinkle Removal in New York City

1. Dr. Thomas Loeb

Dr. Thomas W. Loeb is a renowned New York plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in facial surgery, including nasolabial fold surgery. His innovative work has been featured in mainstream media, college textbooks, and medical journals, and many patients travel from out - of - state to benefit from his skills.

Treatment Approaches

• Nasolabial Fold Surgery: For patients with deep nasolabial folds that do not respond well to dermal fillers, Dr. Loeb recommends nasolabial fold surgery. Under local anesthesia, the procedure takes about an hour, and the stitches are removed within five to seven days. The incisions are skillfully placed within the natural crease line, resulting in excellent healing.
• Combination with Other Procedures: Sometimes, a mid - facelift or a small cheek implant may be recommended in combination with nasolabial fold surgery to correct drooping cheeks or provide definition to the upper part of the face.

Cost and Consultation

The cost of nasolabial fold surgery varies depending on factors such as the facility, geographic location, type of anesthesia, and the surgeon's expertise. Generally, it's 50 - 75% cheaper than a facelift and less invasive. The cosmetic procedure is not covered by health insurance, but Dr. Loeb's office staff is happy to discuss payment plans and financing options. To arrange a consultation, you can call 212 - 327 - 3700 for a Facetime/Skype or office consult in the upper east side of Manhattan.

2. Dr. Yael Halaas

Dr. Halaas is a New York double - board - certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in nasolabial fold fillers that eliminate smile lines. She is highly acclaimed by her fellow professionals and is cited as one of the top 10 doctors in her field.

Treatment Approaches

• Facial Fillers: Injectable facial fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are used to plump up furrows and wrinkles, softening the appearance of nasolabial folds. These fillers are safe, and results are seen quickly. However, they are a temporary solution that can be safely repeated.
• Surgical Correction: When the loss of facial skin elasticity causes other concerning areas on the face in addition to deep nasolabial folds, 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. A cheek lift addressing the cheek area and its descending fat might also be an appropriate approach.

Consultation Process

Dr. Halaas will discuss your desires with you in a consultation, explain your best possible options for a realistic outcome, and use her experience and expertise to restore your facial features to a natural - looking, rejuvenated appearance.

3. Dr. Andrew Jacono

Dr. Andrew Jacono, M.D., F.A.C.S., is widely regarded as one of the pioneers in the field of facial plastic surgery and is considered the best facelift surgeon in New York City. He has an exceptional skill set, extensive knowledge, and a commitment to providing natural - looking results.

Treatment Approaches

• Deep - Plane Facelift: Dr. Jacono has pioneered and perfected an advanced, cutting - edge procedure called the deep - plane facelift. Unlike other facelifts that simply lift superficial skin and muscle tissue, his deep - plane technique goes deeper, lifting the drooping muscles in the cheeks, jowls, and neck without separating the skin from underlying musculature. This results in a naturally refreshed look without a “tight” or “stretched” appearance.
• Combination Procedures: He often combines multiple procedures to address a patient's specific concerns. For example, in addition to a facelift, he may perform a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or laser skin resurfacing to achieve a comprehensive facial rejuvenation and smooth out nasolabial folds.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Jacono has numerous satisfied patients who have shared their before - and - after photos and stories. Many patients report looking 10 - 20 years younger and are extremely happy with their natural - looking results. If you or a loved one is researching an exceptional facelift surgeon in New York City, you can schedule a consultation to learn more about his unmatched natural results.

4. Dr. William Lao

Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon who has performed over 1,000 successful facial plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and has won the 2020, 2021, and 2022 top doctor awards from New Beauty magazine.

Treatment Approaches

• Facelift: A facelift is a popular procedure in Dr. Lao's practice. It can reverse the effects of gravity by lifting the tissues of the lower face, improving the soft tissue contour in the midface and cheek areas, and addressing nasolabial folds. He offers different types of facelifts, including deep - plane facelifts and Asian facelifts, which are tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
• Non - Surgical Options: For patients who are not ready for surgery, Dr. Lao also offers non - invasive treatments such as PDO thread lifts, IPL photofacial, Thermage, dermal fillers, or Botox to temporarily reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds.

Cost, Recovery, and Consultation

The cost of a facelift at Dr. Lao's practice ranges from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the procedure complexity, his expertise, anesthesia, and surgical facility fees. Most patients return home on the day of surgery and can return to normal social activities within a month, although it may take up to a year for minor swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness to subside. If you're interested in learning more about facelift surgery, you can contact his office to schedule a consultation.

5. Dr. Michele Green

Dr. Michele S. Green is a world - renowned cosmetic dermatologist based in the upper east side of NYC. She is a graduate of Yale University and has been recognized by New York magazine and Castle Connolly as one of the best doctors in New York.

Treatment Approaches

• Dermal Fillers: Dr. Green offers a variety of dermal fillers, such as Juvederm Voluma, Volbella, and Vollure, which are popular for treating deeper wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. These fillers can add volume to the area, smoothing out the folds and creating a more youthful appearance.
• Other Treatments: In addition to dermal fillers, she also provides treatments like Botox, microneedling, and laser skin tightening, which can complement filler treatments or be used on their own to improve the overall appearance of the skin and reduce the visibility of nasolabial folds.

Comprehensive Cosmetic Services

Dr. Green's practice offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments, from acne treatment and body contouring to hair loss treatments and skin lightening. This means that patients can receive comprehensive care for all their aesthetic concerns under one roof.

Treatment Options for Nasolabial Fold Wrinkle Removal

Non - Surgical Options

Surgical Options

Choosing the Right Doctor and Treatment

Choosing the right doctor and treatment for nasolabial fold wrinkle removal is a crucial decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Doctor Qualifications

• Board Certification: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in plastic surgery or dermatology, depending on the type of treatment you are considering. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met certain standards of education, training, and experience.
• Experience: Look for a doctor who has extensive experience in treating nasolabial folds. Ask about the number of procedures they have performed and their success rates.
• Reputation: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's reputation. You can also ask for before - and - after photos of their previous patients to see the results they have achieved.

Treatment Suitability

• Severity of Folds: The severity of your nasolabial folds will play a role in determining the most suitable treatment. For mild to moderate folds, non - surgical options may be sufficient, while deep folds may require surgical intervention.
• Personal Preferences: Consider your personal preferences, such as the amount of downtime you can tolerate, your budget, and your long - term goals. Some people may prefer non - surgical treatments because of their minimal downtime, while others may be willing to undergo surgery for more permanent results.
• Overall Health: Your overall health is an important factor to consider. Surgical procedures