Nasolabial Fold Filler in Kent

What is nasolabial fold filler?

Nasolabial fold filler is a dermal filler treatment that places hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in or around the nasolabial fold. HA is a substance found naturally in the skin that attracts water. In filler form, it is cross-linked into a gel that holds its shape for months.

There is more than one way to approach these lines. Sometimes filler is placed along the fold itself to soften it. Sometimes the fold is deep because the cheek above it has lost volume, and supporting the mid-face is more effective. Often the plan combines both, using a conservative amount.

Filler can soften the fold. It cannot remove it entirely, and it should not. A face with no nasolabial folds at all looks unnatural, especially when smiling.

Which dermal fillers are used for nasolabial fold filler?

Juvenology Clinic uses Vivacy's Stylage range alongside other dermal filler products where appropriate. Stylage is a range of hyaluronic acid fillers made by Vivacy, with formulations designed for different depths and uses.

Vivacy describes Stylage S, M and L as its wrinkle fillers, formulated to fill facial lines and depressions. They differ in firmness and in the depth of line they are designed for. Some versions include a local anaesthetic for comfort. Where mid-face support is part of the plan, a volumising product may be used instead. The product depends on your assessment.

What concerns can nasolabial fold filler address?

The nasolabial fold forms where the cheek meets the upper lip. Several things can make it deeper:

• Mid-face volume loss: fat in the cheek reduces and moves lower, so more tissue rests against the fold

• Changes in the bone of the upper jaw over time

• Loss of skin elasticity as collagen declines

• Repeated movement: smiling and talking crease this area thousands of times a day

• Sun damage, smoking and genetics, which affect how skin ages

Filler may help soften folds that are deep at rest, or folds that make the lower face look heavy. It works best where the fold is caused mainly by volume change. Folds caused mainly by loose or sagging skin may respond less well. Suitability and results vary.

Benefits of nasolabial fold filler

• May soften the depth of deep smile lines

• Can create a smoother transition from the cheek to the mouth

• Can help the lower face look less tired

• Results are visible straight away

• A relatively short appointment

Who may be suitable for nasolabial fold filler?

You may be suitable if you are 18 or over, in good general health, and have nasolabial folds that are deep at rest or that you feel make you look older or tired. Good candidates want the lines softened, not erased.

If the fold is driven by cheek volume loss, cheek filler may be more effective. If your concern is lax skin or overall skin quality, a skin treatment such as Profhilo or HIFU skin tightening may be worth discussing. If your folds are typical for your age and only visible when smiling, you may not need treatment at all.

Who may not be suitable?

Nasolabial fold filler may not be appropriate if you:

• Are under 18

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have an infection, spots or inflammation near the area

• Have reacted to filler before or had filler complications

• Have a large amount of loose skin, where filler may add weight rather than lift

• Have certain medical conditions or take certain medicines

• Want the lines removed completely

Tell us about all medical conditions and medicines at your consultation. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice from your prescriber.

What happens during your consultation

Marina will ask what you have noticed and look at your face as a whole, from the front and side, at rest and smiling. She will consider whether the fold itself, the cheek above it or the skin is the main cause.

She will review your medical history, medicines, allergies and previous treatments. You will discuss realistic outcomes, risks and alternatives. You do not have to go ahead on the day.

What results can you expect?

Nasolabial fold filler may help soften the appearance of deep smile lines and make the area between the cheek and mouth look smoother. The aim is a softened line that still moves naturally when you smile.

Results depend on what is causing the fold, your skin quality and the plan agreed. A subtle change is often the most natural-looking. Results vary between people, and some folds respond better than others.

How long does nasolabial fold filler last?

How long it lasts varies. The JCCP describes typical filler effects as lasting around 6 to 18 months, depending on the product and area. This area moves every time you talk or smile, which can affect how quickly filler breaks down. The product, amount and your metabolism also play a part. Results fade gradually.

Recovery and aftercare

Most people go back to their usual activities soon after treatment. You may notice:

• Swelling along the fold

• Tenderness, especially when smiling

• Bruising at the injection points

• Redness, or slight unevenness while swelling settles

Recovery varies. You will receive aftercare advice after treatment. See our aftercare guide for injectable treatments.

Urgent warning signs: contact the clinic straight away on 07413 138 825 if you have severe or worsening pain, or skin around the nose, upper lip or cheek that turns pale, white, dusky or blotchy. If your vision changes, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

Risks and considerations

Risks of nasolabial fold filler include:

• Common: swelling, bruising, tenderness and redness

• Lumps or visible filler, particularly if filler is too superficial

• Asymmetry between the two sides

• Overcorrection: too much filler can look heavy or unnatural when smiling

• Infection, allergic or inflammatory reactions

• Vascular occlusion: an important artery runs close to the nasolabial fold. Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel and damage the skin of the nose, lip or cheek without urgent treatment

• Visual complications: very rare, but the nasolabial fold is among the sites reported in published cases of vision loss after filler

Most hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed, following a face-to-face assessment by a prescriber.

Why choose Juvenology Clinic?

• Marina plans and carries out every filler treatment herself. She is an NMC-registered nurse with more than 25 years of nursing experience and is verified by the JCCP.

• We treat the cause of the fold, not only the line.

• We will tell you if filler is not the best option, or if no treatment is needed.

• Clear, fixed prices are shown in our booking system.

• Our clinic is at 82 King Street, Maidstone, convenient for patients across Kent.

Explore all of our dermal filler treatments in Kent, or meet Marina.