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Nasolabial Fold Treatments

Clinical management of nose-to-mouth lines and mid-face ageing

Nasolabial folds — the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth — are a natural facial feature that deepens with age as mid-face volume diminishes and skin loses elasticity. While some depth is normal, deepened folds can create a tired or aged appearance. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying volume loss rather than simply filling the crease directly, which produces a more natural and longer-lasting result.

Doctor-Led
CQC Registered
Award-Recognised
Est. 2016

Aetiology & Contributing Factors

Most skin and aesthetic concerns are multifactorial. Clinical assessment helps identify which contributing factors are most relevant in your case before treatment is selected.

  • Age-related loss of mid-face fat volume causing the cheek to descend
  • Decline in collagen and elastin reducing skin support
  • Gravitational descent of facial soft tissue
  • Bone resorption in the maxilla reducing mid-face projection
  • Repeated facial expressions deepening the fold over time
  • Sun damage and photoageing accelerating skin structural changes
  • Genetic factors influencing facial fat distribution and skin elasticity

Clinical Presentation

Presentation varies by skin type, severity and duration. These are common clinical signs we assess during consultation.

  • Deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  • Shadow or fold that is visible at rest, not just when smiling
  • Loss of mid-face volume creating a flatter cheek profile
  • Asymmetric fold depth — one side deeper than the other
  • Marionette lines extending below the mouth corners (often co-occurring)
  • A tired or downturned appearance to the lower face

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Treatment selection is individualised following clinical assessment, taking into account disease severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history and patient goals. You can also review our consultation standards before booking.

Why we start with a consultation

Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

During your consultation, Dr Langdon will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate.

All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.

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Try our free AI skin analysis to identify your main concerns and see suggested treatments.

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Clinical FAQs: Nasolabial Folds

These answers cover common practical questions. For individual diagnosis and treatment advice, book a medical consultation.

This depends on the underlying cause. If mid-face volume loss is contributing, cheek filler often provides a more natural result than filling the fold directly. Your doctor will assess and recommend the most effective approach.
Nasolabial folds are a natural facial feature and some depth is normal. Treatment aims to soften and reduce prominence rather than eliminate them completely, which would look unnatural.
Dermal fillers in the nasolabial area typically last 9–15 months, depending on the product used and individual metabolism. Mid-face volume correction can last up to 18 months.
Often a combination produces the best result. Restoring cheek volume lifts the fold from above, while a small amount of filler can soften the crease itself. Your doctor will plan the optimal approach.
Modern fillers contain lidocaine for comfort, and topical anaesthetic is applied before treatment. Most patients describe mild, tolerable discomfort.
Mild swelling and possible bruising for 3–7 days. Results are visible immediately with final settling over 2–4 weeks.

Plan Your Next Step

Use these links to review consultation standards, check treatment pricing, and request a doctor-led assessment.

Clinically reviewed by

Dr Selena LangdonMedical Director, MBBS

GMC 6159259

Last reviewed:

Clinical Summary

Expected Recovery PeriodMinimal to mild — expect mild swelling and possible bruising for 3–7 days after filler; non-invasive treatments have less downtime
Therapeutic ResponseFiller results are visible immediately with settling over 2–4 weeks; energy-based treatments develop over 2–6 months

Clinical Governance

  • Doctor-led assessment identifies whether nasolabial folds are driven by volume loss, skin laxity or both — each requiring a different treatment strategy
  • We often treat the cause (mid-face volume loss) rather than just the symptom (the fold itself) for more natural, longer-lasting results
  • Conservative treatment is prioritised — over-filling nasolabial folds can look unnatural, and we aim for balanced facial harmony

Book a Consultation

Request a medical assessment for your nasolabial folds with our clinical team.

Book NowCall 01628 202028

Not sure what you need?

Try our free AI skin analysis to identify your main concerns and see suggested treatments.

Start free skin analysis →

Related Conditions

Explore related condition pages for differential context and linked treatment options.

Further Reading & Clinical References

The following external resources provide independent clinical and regulatory information.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Clinical governance

Page last reviewed: March 2026

Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical Director (GMC 6159259) — Last reviewed: February 2026

Request a Clinical Assessment

Book a medical consultation to discuss diagnosis and an individualised treatment protocol.