Smile lines (nasolabial fold): what they are
Smile lines is the popular name for the nasolabial fold, the crease that runs from the side of the nose to near the corner of the mouth, on both sides. Everyone has this fold, because it marks the transition between the cheek and the upper lip. What brings the patient to the office is when it becomes deep and shadowed, giving a tired or aged look. In Brazil, the popular name is "bigode chinês" (literally "Chinese mustache").
Why does the fold deepen?
The nasolabial fold is, to a large extent, a consequence of what happens above it. With age, the fat of the midface loses volume and descends, the support ligaments loosen and the bone of the maxilla is resorbed. The cheek comes to weigh on the crease, which becomes more marked. Expression and smiling also accentuate the fold.
For this reason, the assessment of the nasolabial fold usually starts with the midface. Restoring support in the cheekbone, when indicated, can soften the fold indirectly; filling only the crease, without looking at the cause, can leave the region heavy.
What precautions apply?
The nasolabial fold is a high vascular risk zone: the facial artery and its branches pass through the region, and a vascular occlusion there can compromise the skin of the lip and the nasal ala. Hyaluronidase must be available when hyaluronic acid is used. Indication, plane and volume are defined by the qualified professional, after assessment.
In Harmy
The Nasolabial Fold point appears in the marking. Combining the Cheekbone point with it in the same projection helps show the patient the difference between treating the crease and treating the support.
Also called: nasolabial fold, nasolabial crease, nasolabial line.
Frequently asked questions
Does filling smile lines make the face look heavy?
It can, when the volume is placed only in the fold without treating the cause. Often, restoring support in the cheekbone softens the fold with less local volume.