Introduction

Nasolabial folds, commonly known as "smile lines," are a natural part of the aging process. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, and the fat pads in the cheeks start to sag, causing these lines to become more prominent. For many people in New York City, who are conscious about their appearance, finding the best hospital or medical professional to address nasolabial folds is of utmost importance. In this article, we will explore the top - ranked hospitals and clinics for nasolabial fold improvement in New York City, along with detailed information about the treatment options, procedures, and the experts behind them.

What are Nasolabial Folds?

The nasolabial fold is the indentation that runs from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth. It becomes more noticeable when a person smiles, which is why it is often called a "smile line." In younger individuals, the skin bounces back after smiling, and the fold is less visible when the face is relaxed. However, as we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and the nasolabial fold becomes more etched into the skin.

There are several factors that contribute to the deepening of nasolabial folds:

• Age: Collagen production in the skin starts to decline as early as our 20s. As we get older, the loss of collagen and elastin fibers causes the skin to become thinner and less elastic, leading to the formation and deepening of nasolabial folds.
• Sun Damage: Excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down collagen and elastin in the skin. This damage weakens the skin's structure, making it more prone to sagging and the development of wrinkles, including nasolabial folds.
• Smoking: Smoking has a detrimental effect on the skin. It restricts blood flow to the skin, reduces the production of collagen, and increases the breakdown of elastin. All these factors contribute to premature aging of the skin and the appearance of deeper nasolabial folds.
• Weight Changes: Significant weight loss can lead to looser skin in the face and neck, while weight gain can plump up the face and accentuate the creases. These changes in weight can affect the appearance of nasolabial folds.
• Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to having deeper nasolabial folds. Genetic factors can influence the structure and elasticity of the skin, as well as the distribution of fat in the face.
• Facial Expressions: Repeated facial expressions, such as smiling, laughing, and frowning, can cause the muscles in the face to contract. Over time, these repeated contractions can lead to the formation of permanent lines, including nasolabial folds.

Treatment Options for Nasolabial Folds

Non - surgical Treatments

Facial Fillers

Facial fillers are one of the most popular non - surgical treatments for nasolabial folds. They work by injecting a biocompatible gel into the deep skin folds, adding volume and smoothing out the wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid - based fillers are the most commonly used type for nasolabial fold treatment. These fillers are temporary and last between 9 and 18 months, depending on the product used and the individual's metabolism.

Some of the best fillers for nasolabial folds include:

The procedure for facial filler injection typically involves an initial consultation with the doctor to discuss the patient's goals and medical history. The treatment area is then sanitized and numbed. The doctor uses advanced injection techniques, such as linear threading, fanning, or serial puncture, to precisely place the filler into the nasolabial folds. After the procedure, patients may experience slight swelling or bruising, which usually resolves within a few days.

Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox, Dysport)

While botulinum toxin injections are more commonly known for treating wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, they can also be used in combination with facial fillers for nasolabial fold treatment. Botulinum toxin works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. When used in the nasolabial fold area, it can help soften the appearance of the folds, especially when they are caused by repetitive facial expressions.

The procedure is quick and relatively painless. The doctor injects small amounts of botulinum toxin into the targeted muscles. Results usually appear within a few days and can last for 3 - 6 months.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser to remove the outer layer of the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen. This can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin, including the reduction of nasolabial folds. There are different types of laser skin resurfacing, including ablative and non - ablative lasers.

Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of the skin more aggressively, providing more dramatic results but also requiring a longer recovery time. Non - ablative lasers are less invasive and have a shorter recovery period, but the results may be more subtle. Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of nasolabial folds over time, but multiple treatments may be required.

Surgical Treatments

Nasolabial Fold Excision

For deep nasolabial folds that do not respond well to non - surgical treatments, nasolabial fold excision may be recommended. This procedure involves making an incision along the nasolabial fold and removing excess skin and tissue. The incision is then closed with stitches, which are usually removed within 5 - 7 days.

The recovery period for nasolabial fold excision can take several weeks. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. However, the results are long - lasting, and many patients are satisfied with the reduction in the appearance of their nasolabial folds.

Facelift

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a more comprehensive surgical procedure that can address multiple signs of aging in the face, including nasolabial folds. There are different types of facelifts, such as the mini - facelift, mid - facelift, and full facelift.

The deep - plane facelift, developed by Dr. Andrew Jacono, is an innovative approach. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that separate the skin and muscle and lift them individually, the deep - plane facelift releases key ligaments and lifts the skin and deep muscle as a single unit. This results in a smoother, more natural - looking face that does not appear tight or pulled. Facelift procedures typically require a longer recovery time compared to non - surgical treatments, but the results can be very significant and long - lasting.

Top Hospitals and Clinics for Nasolabial Fold Improvement in New York City

LM Medical NYC

LM Medical NYC offers nasolabial fold treatment with facial filler injections at their clinics in Manhattan. Their aesthetic team consists of experts like Dr. Morgan, a world - renowned cosmetic injection expert, and Dr. Lesley, one of the top facial plastic surgeons in NYC. They can recommend and perform nasolabial fold treatment using the best facial fillers to create natural, youthful results. The clinic provides consultations and treatments in Greenwich Village and the Upper East Side.

New York Facial Plastic Surgery (Dr. Andrew Jacono)

Dr. Andrew Jacono is widely regarded as one of the best facial plastic surgeons in New York City and even in the world. He is an expert in facelift procedures, especially his innovative deep - plane facelift technique. His extended deep - plane facelift repositions tissue vertically instead of horizontally, resulting in a smooth, natural - looking face. He has also published extensively in medical literature, proving the safety and effectiveness of his technique.

Dr. Jacono has performed thousands of facelifts using various tailored approaches, and his patients often come from all over the world for his signature deep - plane facelift. His facelift procedures can effectively reduce nasolabial folds, along with other signs of aging in the face. He has offices on Park Avenue in New York City and in Great Neck, Long Island.

Thomas Loeb MD

NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas W. Loeb is an expert in nasolabial fold surgery. He recommends nasolabial fold surgery for patients with deep nasolabial folds that do not respond to dermal fillers. Dr. Loeb's expertise has been instrumental in enhancing and perfecting techniques, ensuring that patients experience the best and most refined outcomes in their cosmetic procedures. Many patients travel from out of state for his facial surgery procedures.

The nasolabial fold incisions heal very well due to his skillful technique and careful incision placement within the natural crease line. He also offers payment plans and financing options for patients concerned about the cost of the procedure.

Skinly Aesthetics MedSpa

At Skinly Aesthetics in NYC, Dr. Schwarzburg 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 uses advanced injection techniques to ensure a smooth, natural look when injecting fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA.

The clinic also offers complementary treatments such as cheek filler injections, neurotoxins, skin resurfacing techniques, and secret RF skin - tightening microneedling treatment for a more holistic approach to anti - aging and aesthetic enhancement. New patients can benefit from a 20% discount on their first nasolabial fold filler procedure.

Timeless Med Spa NYC

Timeless Med Spa NYC offers effective nasolabial fold treatment with facial filler injections at their Upper East Side (UES) clinic. Their plastic surgeon, Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg, and the rest of the cosmetic experts understand the best fillers to use for each patient's concerns. They offer a wide selection of facial fillers for mild, moderate, and severe nasolabial folds to create a more youthful and natural - looking appearance.

The nasolabial fold treatment can be completed in a short office visit, and the results are almost immediate, lasting for several months or longer. The clinic only uses FDA - approved facial fillers, ensuring the safety of their patients.

Dr. Halaas

Dr. Yael Halaas, a New York double - board - certified plastic surgeon, is an expert in nasolabial fold fillers. She offers both non - surgical and surgical solutions for nasolabial fold treatment. Her non - surgical options include injectable facial fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, which can quickly plump up furrows and wrinkles, softening the appearance of nasolabial folds. For patients with more severe cases, she may recommend surgical correction, such as a facelift or cheek lift.

Dr. Halaas is highly acclaimed by her fellow professionals and is cited as one of the top 10 doctors in her field. She takes the time to discuss patients' desires in a consultation, explain the best possible options for a realistic outcome, and uses her experience and expertise to restore patients' facial features to a natural - looking, rejuvenated appearance.

Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Dr. Zuckerman uses the latest techniques to perform nasolabial folds filler injections. He uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Juvederm Ultra Plus XC or Vollure XC to treat nasolabial folds effectively. These fillers are designed to address the "parentheses" around the mouth, which are most prominent while smiling or performing other facial animations.

Dr. Zuckerman provides detailed information about the treatment, including the recommended regimen, longevity, procedure time, pretreatment guidelines, recovery, and associated risks. He emphasizes the importance of visiting a board - certified plastic surgeon for safe and satisfactory results.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several top - ranked hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality treatments for nasolabial fold improvement. Whether you prefer non - surgical options like facial fillers and botulinum toxin injections or surgical procedures like nasolabial fold excision and facelifts, there are experts available to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Each treatment option has its own advantages and considerations, and it is important to consult with a qualified professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

If you are interested in nasolabial fold improvement, we encourage you to reach out to one of the recommended hospitals or clinics mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, learn more about the treatment options, and take the first step towards a more youthful and confident appearance.