Nasolabial folds – those lines and wrinkles on either side of the mouth when you smile – are a part of our bodies and are perfectly natural. They’re made of dense bundles of fibrous tissue and muscles and can become more pronounced as we get older, with saggier, thinner skin.
As we age, we lose collagen and fat in our faces, which can make the skin look weak and thin, and make the cheeks and nearby areas saggier. Sun exposure, which can damage our skin, can cause wrinkles in the area and change the texture of the skin, making nasolabial even more prominent and difficult to conceal. Smoking, pollution, and fluctuations in weight can also make nasolabial folds more visible, but there are ways to reduce their appearance…
Consider fillers
One of the most common treatments for reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds is dermal fillers, which are placed under the skin. These fillers can plump up the skin around the affected area, reducing the appearance of the folds and creating a smoother, younger-looking complexion. A cosmetic surgeon can apply fillers under the skin in the nasolabial fold area and in your upper cheeks to lift them, though you should note that fillers can’t remove your nasolabial folds entirely, and results last anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Remove the folds surgically
If your nasolabial folds are causing you a great deal of anxiety and you want to remove them entirely, it’s possible through surgery. Subcision, which is commonly used to treat skin conditions like acne marks and scars, can be used to remove your folds, though this is a drastic step and comes with risks, just like any form of cosmetic surgery. During the procedure, your doctor will break up the tissue in your nasolabial folds, then restructure the area around them to reduce their depth and create a more youthful-looking appearance. The cost of nasolabial folds removal surgery varies but typically ranges between $1,000-$6,000.
Perform facial exercises
There are a number of exercises you can try to reduce the appearance of your nasolabial folds, though as with any form of exercise, it can take time to see results and you’ll need to be consistent. What’s more, exercising one part of your face more than another can lead to overstressing of the facial muscles. This can change the shape of your face permanently, so exercise with caution. Here are a couple of the most common facial exercises that focus on nasolabial folds:
- Pout, and then pull the corners of your mouth using your index fingers. Hold this for 10-15 seconds and repeat up to 5 times every day; in time, you’ll notice a difference
- Imagine you’re kissing the ceiling, puckering the lips. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat
Use the Oralift device
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of the Oralift anti-ageing drive, designed to give you a natural facelift over time. By wearing a mouthguard type device for short periods every week, you can coach your body into adapting and rejuvenating the forgotten 43 facial muscles, without pain, surgery, exercise, or injections. Users have reported a wide number of benefits, and alongside reducing the appearance of lines around the mouth, Oralift can contribute to an improved smile, increased fullness of the lips, and help you achieve a better complexion.
Wrapping up
It’s important to remember that nasolabial folds are a normal part of your face, and whilst they can deepen as you age and the more you smile, there’s no need for them to be treated from a health or medical standpoint. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of your folds, the options we’ve listed above should go a long way in helping you. As always, opting for the natural approach will reduce the risks and ensure you don’t cause damage to your face.
Click here to find out about the Oralift anti-ageing device and check back soon for more.