Nasolabial Folds

What is Nasolabial Fold Filler?

Nasolabial folds are the lines that run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth — often called "smile lines" or "laugh lines" because they become more visible when you smile. While everyone has some degree of nasolabial fold, they tend to deepen and become more permanently visible as you age, simply because of the way your face changes over time.

This happens for a few connected reasons. As you get older, your mid-face — the cheek area sitting just above the fold — gradually loses volume, fat pads shift and settle lower, and the skin itself loses collagen, elastin and natural hyaluronic acid. The result is less cushioning and support around the nose-to-mouth area, so the fold that was once a subtle smile line becomes a static groove or shadow that is visible even at rest.

Dermal filler placed strategically along the nasolabial fold — and very often combined with restoring volume in the cheeks above it — softens the appearance of these lines for a smoother, fresher, more rested look. Rather than simply masking the line, the goal is to gently replace what time has taken away, so your face looks like a refreshed version of you rather than "done".

This is one of our most requested treatments precisely because nasolabial folds are one of the first areas clients notice changing, and one of the most rewarding to treat — small, precise adjustments here can make a genuinely noticeable difference to how fresh and relaxed your whole face looks.

The Filler We Use

We use premium, medical-grade hyaluronic acid based dermal filler for nasolabial fold treatment. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body already produces naturally — it is what keeps skin hydrated, plump and supported — which makes this type of filler highly biocompatible, safe, and very well tolerated. It integrates smoothly with your own tissue, and importantly, it is reversible: if you are ever unhappy with the result, it can be dissolved.

Treating nasolabial folds well is rarely just about filling the line directly. In most cases, the most natural-looking and longest-lasting improvement comes from also restoring support in the surrounding mid-face and cheek area, so the fold softens as a result of better structure beneath it, rather than looking like it has simply been "filled in". We think of this as a lift, not just fill approach — addressing the underlying cause of the fold, not only its visible line.

During your consultation, we will assess your individual facial structure, the depth and pattern of your folds, and your skin’s natural elasticity to decide on the right combination of filler placement — whether that is directly along the fold, in the cheek, or both — to achieve a smooth, balanced and natural result.

What Can I Expect?

Your appointment typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy treatment to fit into a lunch break or busy day. We will begin with a thorough consultation to discuss your goals and assess your face, before applying a numbing cream and, where needed, a local anaesthetic within the filler itself to keep you comfortable throughout.

Using a fine cannula or needle — whichever is most appropriate for your individual anatomy — filler is placed gently and precisely along the nasolabial fold and, if agreed during your consultation, into the cheek area to provide additional support. Our technique is slow and considered, with frequent checks to ensure symmetry and a natural-looking result as we go.

You will see the fold visibly soften immediately after treatment. It is common to experience some mild swelling, tenderness or light bruising at the injection sites over the first few days — this is a normal part of the healing process and settles quickly, allowing the final, refined result to come through.

Results & How Long Do They Last?

You will notice a visible softening of your nasolabial folds straight away, with the fold appearing smoother and the surrounding area looking more refreshed. Any initial swelling will settle over the following days, and the final, settled result typically becomes fully apparent within around two weeks, once the filler has integrated fully with your tissue.

Results generally last between 9 and 12 months, though this varies depending on the specific product used, the area treated, and individual factors such as your metabolism, skin quality and lifestyle. Some clients find their results last a little longer, particularly when cheek support has also been restored.

We recommend a review appointment so we can assess how your results are settling and advise on the right timing for a top-up, helping you maintain a consistently smooth, natural appearance without ever needing to start from scratch.

Am I a Good Candidate?

This treatment is ideal if you have started to notice your smile lines becoming more pronounced — visible not just when you smile, but as a permanent shadow or groove running from your nose to the corners of your mouth. This is an entirely natural part of ageing and volume loss, and one of the most common concerns we see at the clinic.

You may be a good candidate whether your folds are relatively mild and just beginning to show, or more established and accompanied by broader volume loss across the mid-face and cheeks. During your consultation we will talk through exactly what is happening in your face and what realistic, natural-looking improvement looks like for you.

At Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, our philosophy is always to work with your natural facial structure rather than against it, aiming for results that look like you — only smoother, fresher and more rested — never overdone.

Aftercare

Caring for your skin properly after treatment helps ensure the smoothest healing and the best possible result. Please follow this simple aftercare guidance:

• Avoid touching, rubbing or applying pressure to the treated area for 24–48 hours after your appointment to allow the filler to settle properly.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and excessive heat (including saunas, steam rooms and hot baths) for 24–48 hours, as these can increase swelling and bruising.
• Mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites is completely normal and typically settles within a few days — gentle cooling can help if needed.
• If you notice anything that concerns you, or have any questions during your recovery, please contact the clinic — we are always happy to advise and review your results.

Why Skin Rejuvenation Clinic?

At Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, every nasolabial fold treatment is carried out with genuine practitioner expertise and an eye for natural, balanced results. We use only medical-grade, premium dermal filler, and take the time to understand your individual facial structure before recommending the right approach for you.

You can visit us at either of our two clinics — Cippenham, Slough or Harley Street, London — for the same high standard of care. If you would like to find out more about softening your nasolabial folds, we would love to see you for a free consultation to discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have.

Before & After Treatment Images

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