Nasolabial Folds Treatment: Complete Guide to Smoothing Smile Lines

Nasolabial folds — also known as smile lines or laugh lines — are the deep creases that run from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They naturally deepen with age due to volume loss, skin laxity, and midface sagging.

While they’re a normal part of facial anatomy, many people feel they make the face look older, tired, or heavier. The good news: modern aesthetic treatments offer multiple solutions depending on anatomy, severity, and age.

This guide breaks down the top treatments for nasolabial folds and how to choose the right option.

What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds form and deepen due to:

✔ Volume loss in the midface

Cheek fat pads descend, creating a shadow around the fold.

✔ Skin aging

Collagen and elastin decrease, making folds more visible.

✔ Repetitive expressions

Smiling and laughing contribute over time.

✔ Genetics

Some people develop strong folds earlier.

✔ Bone resorption

Aging reduces underlying structural support.

✔ Fat descent

Jowling and lower-face sagging add heaviness.

Understanding the cause helps determine the right treatment.

Best Nasolabial Fold Treatments

Korean and international clinics use a combination approach to treat folds, since lifting, volumizing, and smoothing often work better than a single method.

1. Dermal Fillers (Most Popular)

Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm add volume to soften the folds.

Benefits:

• Immediate results
• Natural softening effect
• Minimally invasive
• Customizable

Best for:

Mild to moderate folds.

Longevity:

6–18 months depending on product.

Note: The best technique is not injecting directly into the fold only — also lifting the midface to reduce downward pull.

2. Midface / Cheek Fillers (Structural Approach)

Instead of filling the fold, adding volume to the cheek and deep midface restores natural lift.

Why it works:

Because many nasolabial folds deepen due to cheek descent, not skin folding itself.

Benefits:

• Lifts the fold
• Restores youthful contour
• Avoids overfilling the nasolabial area

This technique is widely used in Korea.

3. Fat Grafting (Long-Lasting Volume)

Autologous fat is injected to soften folds and support the midface.

Benefits:

• Long-lasting
• Natural texture
• Excellent for moderate to deep folds
• Improves skin quality

Best for:

Patients in 30s–50s wanting longer-term correction.

4. Thread Lifting (Subtle Lift)

PDO or PCL threads lift sagging tissues upward.

Benefits:

• Reduces heaviness around folds
• Non-surgical
• Improves jawline and midface at the same time

Best for:

Mild sagging and early folds.

5. RF Microneedling (Texture + Tightening)

Devices such as Secret RF and Morpheus8 improve deep lines and skin elasticity.

Benefits:

• Stimulates collagen
• Tightens lower face
• Reduces line depth

Best for:

Fine-to-moderate folds.

6. Laser Treatments (Skin Rejuvenation)

Fractional CO₂, Er:YAG, and resurfacing lasers help soften the appearance.

Benefits:

• Improves skin texture
• Smooths superficial wrinkles
• Stimulates collagen

Best for:

Fine lines + overall skin aging.

7. Botox (Selective Use)

Botox can be used sparingly around the nasolabial area to reduce muscle pull, but it must be used very carefully.

Best For:

Softening dynamic wrinkles.

8. Surgical Options (For Severe Folds)

If folds are deep due to structural sagging, surgery may be the most effective option.

Surgical choices include:

• Deep Plane Facelift (best for severe folds)
• SMAS Facelift
• Midface Lift
• Fat repositioning
• Lower face lift

Benefits:

• Most powerful improvement
• Restores youthful midface
• Long-lasting results

Best for patients 40s–70s with significant sagging.

Which Treatment Is Best for You?

✔ Mild folds:

Fillers, RF microneedling, laser tightening.

✔ Moderate folds:

Midface fillers + nasolabial fillers, thread lifting, fat grafting.

✔ Deep folds:

Fat grafting, structural fillers, or facelift options.

✔ Severe sagging with folds:

Deep plane facelift or SMAS facelift.

Combination Approach (Most Effective)

Most patients see the best results from combining:

• Midface lifting
• Volume replacement
• Skin smoothing

For example:
Cheek filler + nasolabial filler + RF microneedling
or
Fat grafting + thread lift
or
Deep plane facelift + fat repositioning

Korea is known for layered, natural facial rejuvenation.

Final Thoughts

Nasolabial folds are a normal part of facial anatomy, but modern aesthetic treatments can significantly soften, lift, and rejuvenate the smile lines. Whether you prefer fillers, fat grafting, thread lifting, skin tightening, or surgical lifting, the right plan depends on your anatomy and aging pattern.