Nasolabial folds
Nasolabial folds are the natural creases running from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth. Everyone has them to some degree. They can deepen with smiling and become more prominent as cheek support and facial volume change over time.
What you may notice
- A crease beside the nose and upper lip
- Greater depth during smiling
- Shadow caused by an adjacent cheek mound
- Different depth on the two sides
Why it can happen
These folds reflect normal facial anatomy rather than a single skin wrinkle. Cheek movement, the attachment of facial tissues, bone structure, fat distribution and age-related descent or volume change all contribute. Treating the line alone may not address the structure creating it.
What may help
Sun protection supports skin quality but will not remove an anatomical fold. Depending on assessment, filler may be placed in the fold or used to restore selected areas of facial support; fat transfer or lifting surgery may suit other patterns. Overfilling the fold can look heavy, so treatment should account for the cheeks and lower face as a whole.
When to consult
Consultation is useful when the fold is an aesthetic concern, particularly before filler. Seek medical advice for a new one-sided facial change associated with weakness, numbness or drooping.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration. Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; 2024 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/wrinkle-treatments-and-other-anti-aging-products (new tab)