The Best Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth, are a natural part of the aging process.

As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and fat and collagen depletion can cause these lines to deepen, leading to a more aged appearance. While some individuals embrace these folds as a sign of experience and personality, others seek treatments to soften or eliminate their appearance.

Dermal fillers are one of the most popular and effective solutions for treating folds without surgery. By restoring volume and stimulating collagen production, fillers can smooth these lines, providing a more youthful look.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness, such as the cheeks, lips, and nasolabial folds. Fillers can also smooth out wrinkles, enhance facial contours, and add volume. Most dermal fillers are composed of various substances that mimic natural components found in the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid.

When used for folds, dermal fillers provide a subtle lift and fullness, minimizing the appearance of deep creases and wrinkles. The best filler for folds will depend on factors such as the depth of your folds, skin type, and your desired result.

The Best Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Folds

1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that attracts moisture and helps maintain volume. HA-based dermal fillers are the most commonly used and versatile option for addressing folds. These fillers work by plumping up the skin and adding volume to the areas where it has been lost, creating a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Popular Brands:

Juvederm: Juvederm is one of the most well-known HA-based fillers. Products like Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Voluma are commonly used to treat folds. Juvederm is known for providing a natural, soft look and can be customized to suit your needs.

Restylane: Restylane is another popular HA-based filler that offers a range of formulations suitable for folds. Restylane Lyft is a thicker filler that provides more volume, making it ideal for deeper folds.

Benefits:

Natural-looking results: HA fillers offer a soft, smooth finish that mimics the skin’s natural appearance.

Temporary but long-lasting: HA fillers provide results that can last from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the specific product and treatment area.

Reversible: If you’re unhappy with the results, HA fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, making them a flexible option.

Considerations:

HA fillers need to be reapplied every 6 to 12 months for continued results.

Temporary swelling and bruising may occur after injection.

Best For: Hyaluronic acid fillers are perfect for those who want a natural, soft enhancement for their folds. They are also a great option for individuals new to fillers or those who prefer a reversible treatment.

2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance found in bones, and it is often used in dermal fillers to provide structure and volume. CaHA-based fillers are thicker than HA fillers and provide more substantial volume, making them an excellent choice for deeper folds.

Popular Brand:

Radiesse: Radiesse is a well-known calcium hydroxylapatite filler. It is designed to add volume to the skin and also stimulate the production of collagen over time. Radiesse is a great option for those with more pronounced nasolabial folds and those who want longer-lasting results.

Benefits:

Long-lasting results: Radiesse can last up to 12-18 months, making it one of the longer-lasting filler options.

Collagen stimulation: Unlike HA fillers, Radiesse stimulates the production of collagen, which helps improve the skin’s structure and elasticity over time.

Firm, voluminous results: The thicker texture of Radiesse provides more significant volume, which can be beneficial for deeper folds.

Considerations:

Radiesse may require touch-ups after 6 to 12 months to maintain the desired effect.

There is a slightly higher risk of side effects such as swelling or bruising due to the filler’s thicker consistency.

Best For: Radiesse is ideal for individuals with deeper folds or those seeking longer-lasting results. It’s also suitable for patients looking to improve overall facial volume and skin texture.

3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

Polylactic acid is a synthetic substance that helps stimulate the body’s collagen production. PLLA fillers don’t provide immediate volumes like HA or CaHA fillers but rather work overtime to gradually restore volume and improve skin texture. Sculptra is the most popular PLLA-based filler used for nasolabial folds.

Popular Brand:

Sculptra: Sculptra is the most commonly used PLLA filler. It works by stimulating collagen production in the treated areas, leading to gradual improvement in skin thickness and volume. Over a series of treatments, Sculptra helps soften the appearance of folds.

Benefits:

Gradual, long-lasting results: Sculptra works by stimulating collagen growth, meaning the results develop over time and can last up to 2 years.

Long-term improvement: Sculptra offers gradual and more permanent volume restoration, improving skin structure and firmness as collagen builds up.

Natural-looking results: The subtle, gradual results often lead to a more natural look and feel, avoiding an overly “filled” appearance.

Considerations:

Sculptra requires multiple sessions (usually 2 to 3) for optimal results.

The results are not immediately visible, as they develop over several months.

There can be mild swelling or bruising after the procedure.

Best For: Sculptra is ideal for those looking for gradual, natural results and longer-lasting improvement in the appearance of folds. It’s perfect for individuals who want to restore facial volume without drastic, immediate changes.

Conclusion

When it comes to treating nasolabial folds, choosing the right dermal filler depends on several factors, including the depth of the folds, your desired results, and the longevity of the filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvederm and Restylane) are ideal for most individuals looking for natural-looking, temporary results.

Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) is best for those seeking longer-lasting volume with collagen stimulation. Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) offers gradual, long-term results by stimulating collagen production.