Introduction
Nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines or laugh lines, are a natural part of the aging process. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, and the fat pads in the cheeks begin to droop, intensifying these folds. For many people in New York City, these lines can be a source of concern, leading them to seek the expertise of doctors who specialize in nasolabial fold improvement. In this article, we will explore some of the top doctors in New York City who are known for their excellent techniques in addressing nasolabial folds.
Understanding Nasolabial Folds
Nasolabial folds are the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They are a natural result of facial expressions such as smiling and laughing. However, as we age, these lines can become more prominent due to factors such as collagen loss, volume depletion in the cheeks, and skin sagging. Understanding the causes of nasolabial folds is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment options.
- Collagen Loss: Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its strength and elasticity. As we age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to thinner and more fragile skin. This can result in the appearance of nasolabial folds.
- Volume Loss in the Cheeks: The fat pads in the cheeks play an important role in maintaining the youthful contour of the face. As we age, these fat pads begin to shrink and descend, causing the skin to sag and the nasolabial folds to become more pronounced.
- Skin Sagging: In addition to collagen loss and volume depletion, the skin also loses its ability to bounce back as we age. This can lead to sagging skin, which further accentuates the nasolabial folds.
Treatment Options for Nasolabial Folds
There are several treatment options available for improving the appearance of nasolabial folds. These options range from non - surgical treatments such as fillers to surgical procedures like facelifts. Each treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of treatment depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and the severity of the nasolabial folds.
Non - Surgical Treatments
Non - surgical treatments are often the first choice for many patients because they are less invasive, have a shorter recovery time, and are generally more affordable. Some of the common non - surgical treatments for nasolabial folds include:
- Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable substances that are used to add volume to the skin and smooth out wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid - based fillers are the most commonly used type of fillers for nasolabial folds. They work by attracting water to the skin, plumping up the folds and restoring a more youthful appearance. Examples of hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA. The results of dermal filler treatments are immediate and can last from 9 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and the individual's metabolism.
- Botox and Dysport: While Botox and Dysport are not typically used to directly treat nasolabial folds, they can be used in conjunction with fillers to enhance the overall results. These neurotoxins work by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, such as the muscles around the eyes and forehead. By reducing the movement of these muscles, Botox and Dysport can help to prevent the deepening of nasolabial folds and give the face a more relaxed and refreshed appearance.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that uses a laser to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate the production of new collagen. This can help to improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. The results of laser skin resurfacing are gradual and may require multiple treatments for optimal results.
Surgical Treatments
For patients with severe nasolabial folds or those who desire more long - lasting results, surgical treatments may be a better option. Some of the surgical treatments for nasolabial folds include:
- Facelift: A facelift is a surgical procedure that involves lifting and tightening the skin and underlying muscles of the face to reduce the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles. While a facelift can address nasolabial folds to some extent, it is often used in combination with other procedures such as a neck lift or a cheek lift to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. There are different types of facelifts, including mini - facelifts, deep - plane facelifts, and short - scar facelifts, each with its own benefits and recovery times.
- Nasolabial Fold Excision: Nasolabial fold excision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the excess skin and tissue in the nasolabial folds. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with very deep nasolabial folds that do not respond well to non - surgical treatments. The recovery time for nasolabial fold excision is longer than that of non - surgical treatments, but the results are more permanent.
Top Doctors for Nasolabial Fold Improvement in New York City
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. He has an esteemed reputation as the best facelift surgeon in New York City. With an exceptional 4.6 rating on Google, his patients consistently testify to his skills and expertise.
Dr. Jacono's area of expertise is in facial rejuvenation procedures. He is well - known for pioneering and perfecting the deep - plane facelift technique. Unlike other facelifts that merely lift the superficial skin and muscle tissue, his deep - plane technique goes deeper. It doesn't separate the skin from the underlying musculature, ensuring that the face never looks overly tight or stretched. This approach effectively lifts the drooping muscles in the cheeks, jowls, and neck, providing a natural and refreshed appearance to patients.
Many patients with concerns about nasolabial folds have benefited from Dr. Jacono's procedures. For example, a 67 - year - old patient had a full facial rejuvenation including a deep - plane facelift to lift her fallen cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowls. Five years later, she was still thrilled with the natural and amazing results, and there were no visible scars even with her short pixie haircut.
Dr. Schwarzburg
Dr. Schwarzburg at Skinly Aesthetics in NYC is an expert in nasolabial fold filler treatments. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful procedures, he offers precise, minimally invasive solutions for rejuvenating the face.
Dr. Schwarzburg uses hyaluronic acid - based dermal fillers to address nasolabial folds. He is well - versed in advanced injection techniques such as linear threading, fanning, and serial puncture. These techniques ensure that the filler is precisely placed in the nasolabial folds, resulting in a smooth and natural look.
The treatment process at Skinly Aesthetics starts with an initial consultation where Dr. Schwarzburg reviews the patient's medical history and discusses their aesthetic goals. The actual procedure usually takes about 30 - 40 minutes and is often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure.” Patients can expect immediate results, with the final outcome becoming fully visible within a week as the swelling subsides. The results typically last between 9 and 18 months, depending on factors such as the type of filler used and the patient's metabolism.
Dr. Yael Halaas
Dr. Yael Halaas is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York. She is highly acclaimed by her fellow professionals and is cited as one of the top 10 doctors in her field.
Dr. Halaas offers both non - surgical and surgical solutions for nasolabial folds. For non - surgical options, she uses injectable facial fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm to plump up the furrows and wrinkles, softening the appearance of nasolabial folds. The results are seen quickly, and this in - office treatment can be safely repeated.
In cases where patients have deep nasolabial folds and other concerning areas on their face, she may recommend surgical correction. This can include a full facelift, which addresses the face and neck, a mini - facelift, or a cheek lift. These surgical procedures provide long - lasting results and can help patients achieve a more youthful appearance.
Dr. Thomas W. Loeb
Dr. Thomas W. Loeb is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He has made frequent appearances on major news networks such as Fox News, The View, ABC News, and more. He has also received accolades in print media, including coverage by Elle, Vogue, and Glamour magazines. Internationally, he is rated as one of the top 10 best eye surgeons in the world and has been recognized as one of the best doctors in New York by New York magazine.
Dr. Loeb offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including nasolabial fold excision for patients with deep nasolabial folds that do not respond to dermal fillers. The nasolabial fold excision procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. The stitches are removed within five to seven days, and while it may take several weeks for full recovery, patients can expect long - lasting results.
He also provides other facial cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty, ear reshaping, cheek and chin augmentation, and face and neck lifts. Additionally, he offers non - surgical anti - aging skin care treatments such as Botox and Dysport injections, Juvederm, and laser resurfacing.
Dr. Yagoda
Dr. Yagoda in NYC / Manhattan offers solutions for softening nasolabial folds using both injectable fillers and corrective surgery.
When it comes to fillers, Dr. Yagoda has developed many innovative non - surgical procedures. Fillers not only plump up the nasolabial folds but can also add volume to the upper cheeks, replace lost fat, and lift the skin. This can help alleviate some of the sagging in the lower portion of the face. Dr. Yagoda takes the time to explain all the filler alternatives to patients and recommends the right one based on their needs. The planning and execution of the non - surgical wrinkle reduction procedure are done with great care, and she is known for being gentle and precise.
For patients who opt for surgery, Dr. Yagoda offers facelift procedures. Modern facelifts are less invasive than traditional ones, with smaller and less conspicuous scars, faster healing and recovery, and more natural - looking results. Facelifts can address the lower third of the face and the neck, including the jawline, jowls, and sagging neck skin.
Dr. Morgan and Dr. Lesley at LM Medical NYC
Dr. Morgan is a world - renowned cosmetic injection expert, and Dr. Lesley is one of the top facial plastic surgeons in NYC. Their aesthetic team at LM Medical NYC offers nasolabial folds treatment with facial filler injections at their clinics in Manhattan.
They understand that the key to smoothing smile lines with cosmetic injections is choosing the right dermal filler. The filler should be dense and firm enough to add volume to the nasolabial fold while still allowing natural movement when the patient smiles and talks. Based on the severity of the lines and other factors, they can recommend the most suitable filler to create natural and youthful results.
Comparing the Doctors
Here is a comparison of the doctors in terms of their treatment approaches, expertise, and patient experiences:
| Doctor | Treatment Approaches | Expertise | Patient Experiences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Andrew Jacono | Deep - plane facelift, mini - facelift, combination of procedures | Facial rejuvenation, especially facelifts | Many patients report looking significantly younger and having natural - looking results. High patient satisfaction with long - term follow - up results. |
| Dr. Schwarzburg | Nasolabial fold filler treatments | Precise filler injection techniques | Quick procedures, minimal downtime, immediate results, and high satisfaction with the natural look achieved. |
| Dr. Yael Halaas | Non - surgical fillers and surgical correction (facelift, cheek lift) | Balanced approach between non - surgical and surgical options | Patients appreciate the personalized advice and the long - lasting results of surgical procedures. |
| Dr. Thomas W. Loeb | Nasolabial fold excision, a wide range of facial and body plastic surgery procedures | Comprehensive plastic surgery expertise | Patients travel from out of state for his procedures. High satisfaction with the natural - looking results and his media - recognized skills. |
| Dr. Yagoda | Fillers and facelift surgery | Innovative non - surgical procedures and modern facelift techniques | Positive feedback on the innovative approaches and long - lasting results of both filler and surgical treatments. |
| Dr. Morgan and Dr. Lesley | Facial filler injections for nasolabial folds | Expertise in choosing the right fillers for smile lines | Patients are satisfied with the natural and youthful results achieved with filler treatments. |
Choosing the Right Doctor
Choosing the right doctor for nasolabial fold improvement is a crucial decision. Here are some factors to consider:
- Qualifications and Experience: Look for a doctor who is board - certified in plastic surgery or a related field. Check their years of experience, the number of procedures they have performed, and their success rates. Doctors like Dr. Andrew Jacono, with decades of experience and a reputation for pioneering techniques, are often a safe choice.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of their work, and the patient experience. Online platforms such as Google reviews and real - patient testimonials on the doctor's website can provide valuable insights.
- Treatment Options: Consider the range of treatment options offered by the doctor. A doctor who offers both non - surgical and surgical treatments, like Dr. Yael Halaas, can provide more flexibility in choosing the most suitable approach for your needs.
- Communication and Comfort: During the initial consultation, pay attention to how well the doctor listens to your concerns and explains the treatment options. You should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing your expectations. A good doctor will take the time to understand your goals and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Cost: The cost of treatment is an important factor. While it should not be the only consideration, compare the prices of different doctors and make sure you understand what is included in the cost. Some doctors may offer financing options or discounts for new patients, such as Dr. Schwarzburg's 20% discount for first - time patients at Skinly Aesthetics.
Conclusion
Nasolabial folds are a common concern for many people in New York City, but there are excellent doctors available who can help improve their appearance. Doctors like Dr. Andrew Jacono, Dr. Schwarzburg, Dr. Yael Halaas, Dr. Thomas W. Loeb, Dr. Yagoda, and Dr. Morgan and Dr. Lesley at LM Medical NYC have demonstrated their skills and expertise in treating nasolabial folds through various non - surgical and surgical approaches.
When considering nasolabial fold improvement, it is important to do your research, understand the treatment options available, and choose a doctor who is qualified, experienced, and trustworthy. By taking these steps, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance while feeling confident in your decision.
If you are interested in learning more about nasolabial fold improvement or scheduling a consultation with one of the doctors mentioned in this article, we encourage you to reach out to their offices. Take the first step towards enhancing your appearance and regaining your confidence today!
