NASOLABIAL FOLDS/
smile lines treatment
DERMAL FILLERS
WHAT ARE NASOLABIAL LINES?
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Nasolabial lines are also referred to as smile or laughter lines. They form on either
side of the mouth and extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth. These
indentation lines begin as a crease and become deeper and heavier with age,
resulting in a permanent fold.
These indentations deepen with age and lines and wrinkles can form next to the
nasolabial folds making the face appear heavier. These may be more noticeable
when smiling or in animation.
Nasolabial lines get deeper with age and can become more noticeable due to
smoking, lifestyle choices and not protecting your skin from the sun. They can also
become more prominent when you smile, and you may find the deeper they get, the
more your make up starts to sit in them.
WHAT CAUSES NASOLABIAL LINES TO FORM?
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As we age the skin is losing its elasticity and bounce (collagen and elastin) and the
cheeks become flatter. In addition to volume loss in the fat pads and bone, the
effects of gravity cause the face to appear heavier and it loses its ability to maintain
its original shape.
Smoking, sun damage and recent weight loss or weight gain can change the
appearance of the cheeks, resulting in a heavier nasolabial crease.
Nasolabial lines can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Some patients will have a
heavier fold on one side compared to the other, and only require one side to be
softened.
Babies and children have nasolabial lines so we do not want to completely remove
them, but by softening them the face will appear less heavy and less aged- with a
reduction in the smile/ laugh line creases.
By improving skin elasticity, stretchiness, skin resilience and replacing volume loss in
the cheeks, the nasolabial fold can be lifted. Depending on the severity of the fold,
some patients will need a cheek augmentation as well as having the nasolabial
wrinkle softened.
Marionette wrinkles can also occur if the nasolabial lines are heavy so this is also a
treatment that is regularly combined with improving the nasolabial line.
HOW IS THE TREATMENT PERFORMED?
The procedure involves softening the wrinkle and lifting and contouring the cheeks.
This will add volume, softens and smooths out creases and wrinkles, while providing
structure, support, definition and skin elasticity. To discuss this treatment a
consultation is needed to determine your suitability for the treatment, assess the
depth of your nasolabial lines, discuss your aesthetic goals while discussing the
ageing process.
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TGA restrictions do not allow us to name the specific treatment, so it is during the
consultation the treatment can be discussed, providing a face-to-face consultation to
discuss ageing and volume loss specific to your face and your anatomy.
WHAT OTHER TREATMENTS WILL HELP SOFTEN SMILE/ LAUGHTER LINES?
In addition to adding volume, sculpting and augmenting there are other treatments
that will improve the appearance of these folds, and reduce the appearance of the
wrinkles.
Skin booster injections will improve the skin texture, tone and provide skin nourishing
ingredients to hydrate and improve the quality of the skin.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) will improve the skin laxity, texture and tone and help to
soften the nasolabial and marionette crease.
Skin needling will stimulate the body’s own collagen and elastin for an improvement
in skin texture and tone.
Chemical peels, laser, LED light therapy, daily use of active skincare as well as daily
SPF 50 will help to maintain these treatments and results.
It is during the consultation that the best course of treatment will be suggested
according to the depth of your wrinkle and your aesthetic goals.
WHAT CAN I DO AT HOME TO PREVENT LAUGHTER LINES?
They cannot be permanently removed but there are treatments you can do at home
to improve their appearance. These are all available in clinic for purchase.
Daily use of an active skincare range to target fine lines and wrinkles and improve
skin hydration.
Daily use of an SPF 50+ to prevent premature ageing.
Take home Airyday Bright on LED mask can be used in the comfort of your own
home. 10 minutes 3 times a week with 432 clinically proven lights to improve skin
texture and tone.
Take home hydrating masks to boost skins hydration while adding in amino acids
and antioxidants.
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WHAT TREATMENT SHOULD I BOOK IN FOR TO SOFTEN MY NASOLABIAL/ LAUGHTER LINES?
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With a variety of treatments available it can be confusing so the first step is to make
an online appointment for a consultation.
A detailed face to face consultation will be performed to assess your face, discuss
your medical history and listen to your goals. It gives you the opportunity to speak
with a doctor about your treatment and to gather all the information needed to make
an informed decision. It is during this time the risks, treatment itself, post care
instructions and suitability for the treatment are discussed.
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The book now button will take you to the online bookings and if you are unsure which
one to book in for, please contact the clinic.
All new patients need to have a consultation first before any treatment, but if you do
want a treatment on the day please add a consultation + lifting/ adding volume
treatment. This will give us enough time to do both, but does not always guarantee a
treatment as every patient’s medical history is reviewed first before any treatment is
performed.