Best Treatment For Deep Nasolabial Folds: What Actually Works?
Best Treatment For Deep Nasolabial Folds: What Actually Works?
Deep nasolabial folds, often called smile lines or laugh lines, are one of the most common signs of facial ageing. These lines extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth and can become increasingly noticeable over time due to volume loss, skin changes and shifts in facial structure.
Many patients searching for the best treatment for deep nasolabial folds want to know whether fillers, skin boosters or other non surgical treatments can help. The answer depends on what is causing the folds to become prominent in the first place.
At It's Me & You Clinic, a doctor led aesthetics clinic and skin clinic in Kingston upon Thames, we regularly help patients from London, Surrey, Richmond, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Walton on Thames and surrounding areas achieve natural looking facial rejuvenation through personalised treatment plans designed to address the root causes of facial ageing.
What Are Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds are the natural lines that run from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth.
Everyone has these folds to some degree. However, they often become deeper and more visible with age due to:
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Volume loss
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Skin laxity
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Collagen reduction
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Changes in facial fat distribution
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Gravity
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Natural ageing processes
Deep nasolabial folds can sometimes make the face appear:
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Older
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More tired
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Less refreshed
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Heavier around the lower face
Understanding why the folds have developed is essential for choosing the most effective treatment.
What Causes Deep Nasolabial Folds?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that deep smile lines are caused solely by ageing skin.
In reality, several factors contribute.
Mid Face Volume Loss
As we age, volume loss occurs in the cheeks and mid face.
When cheek support diminishes, the skin and soft tissues can descend slightly, making nasolabial folds appear deeper.
This is one of the most common causes of prominent smile lines.
Loss Of Collagen
Collagen production gradually decreases with age.
As collagen declines, the skin becomes:
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Less firm
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Less elastic
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More prone to folding
This contributes to deeper and more noticeable facial folds.
Skin Laxity
Looser skin can increase the appearance of smile lines by allowing tissues to settle lower on the face.
Genetics
Some individuals naturally have deeper nasolabial folds due to their facial anatomy and inherited facial structure.
Weight Loss
Significant weight loss can reduce facial volume, making smile lines appear more prominent.
What Is The Best Treatment For Deep Nasolabial Folds?
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause.
For many patients, dermal fillers remain one of the most effective non surgical treatments.
However, the answer is often more complex than simply injecting filler directly into the fold.
Nasolabial Filler For Deep Smile Lines
Nasolabial filler is commonly used to soften the appearance of deep folds.
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can help:
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Restore support
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Improve facial contours
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Soften lines
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Create a fresher appearance
Benefits include:
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Immediate improvement
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Natural looking results
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Minimal downtime
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Long lasting effects
For suitable patients, nasolabial filler can significantly improve the appearance of deep smile lines.
Why Cheek Filler Is Often More Important
One of the most important concepts in facial rejuvenation is understanding that deep nasolabial folds are often a symptom rather than the primary problem.
When cheek volume is lost, support structures weaken and tissues descend.
This means that restoring volume in the cheeks may improve smile lines indirectly.
Cheek filler may help:
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Lift the mid face
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Improve facial support
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Reduce fold prominence
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Restore youthful facial proportions
In many patients, combining cheek filler with nasolabial filler produces the most balanced and natural looking outcome.
Skin Boosters For Nasolabial Folds
Skin boosters focus on improving skin quality rather than restoring volume.
Popular treatments include:
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Profhilo
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Redensity 1
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Jalupro Super Hydro
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NCTF
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Neauvia Hydro Deluxe
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Xela Rederm
These treatments may help improve:
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Hydration
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Skin texture
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Elasticity
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Skin quality
While skin boosters can enhance the appearance of ageing skin, they are generally not sufficient on their own for treating deep nasolabial folds caused by significant volume loss.
Polynucleotides For Skin Quality
Polynucleotides are regenerative treatments that support tissue repair and skin rejuvenation.
Benefits may include:
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Improved skin quality
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Better hydration
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Enhanced elasticity
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Collagen support
Like skin boosters, polynucleotides may complement filler treatments but do not replace lost facial volume.
HarmonyCa And Radiesse For Collagen Stimulation
Patients with more advanced ageing changes may benefit from treatments that combine volume restoration with collagen stimulation.
Examples include:
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HarmonyCa
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Radiesse
These treatments may help improve:
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Facial support
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Skin quality
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Collagen production
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Overall facial rejuvenation
They are often considered as part of a comprehensive anti ageing treatment plan.
Can Deep Nasolabial Folds Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes.
Many patients achieve excellent results without surgery.
Modern aesthetic medicine offers a range of effective non surgical options that can:
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Restore volume
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Improve skin quality
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Support collagen production
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Improve facial harmony
While non surgical treatments cannot replicate a surgical facelift, they can provide significant improvement for many patients.
What About Anti Wrinkle Injections?
Anti wrinkle injections are generally not considered the primary treatment for nasolabial folds.
Unlike forehead lines or crow's feet, nasolabial folds are largely caused by structural changes and volume loss rather than muscle activity.
This is why dermal fillers and volume restoration treatments are usually preferred.
Why A Full Facial Assessment Is Essential
One of the biggest mistakes in aesthetic medicine is treating deep smile lines in isolation.
The most effective treatment plan often involves assessing:
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Cheek volume
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Mid face support
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Skin quality
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Facial proportions
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Overall ageing patterns
At It's Me & You Clinic, every patient receives a detailed facial assessment before treatment recommendations are made.
This allows us to create personalised plans that address the underlying causes of facial ageing rather than simply treating visible symptoms.
Deep Nasolabial Fold Treatments In London, Surrey And Kingston Upon Thames
Patients searching for treatment for deep nasolabial folds in London and Surrey often want natural looking rejuvenation without surgery.
Located within Siddeley House in Kingston upon Thames, It's Me & You Clinic provides doctor led facial rejuvenation treatments for patients throughout South West London and Surrey. We regularly welcome patients from Richmond, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Walton on Thames, Weybridge and neighbouring areas.
Our aesthetics clinic and skin clinic offers a discreet and confidential environment with convenient access via Kingston railway station, nearby Bentall Centre parking and additional town centre parking facilities. Many patients appreciate receiving expert medical care close to London while avoiding the busy Central London clinic environment.
Why Choose It's Me & You Clinic?
Patients choose It's Me & You Clinic because we provide:
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Doctor led aesthetic treatments
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Treatments performed by doctors or qualified nurses
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Comprehensive facial assessments
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Personalised treatment plans
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Premium quality products
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Evidence based care
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Natural looking results
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Detailed aftercare support
Our philosophy focuses on achieving refreshed and balanced outcomes that enhance natural beauty while preserving facial character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for deep nasolabial folds?
For many patients, a combination of cheek filler and nasolabial filler provides the most effective and natural looking results.
Is cheek filler better than nasolabial filler?
Not necessarily. Many patients benefit from treating both areas because cheek volume loss often contributes to deeper smile lines.
Can skin boosters treat deep smile lines?
Skin boosters improve skin quality but are generally not sufficient for significant volume loss.
Do anti wrinkle injections work for nasolabial folds?
Anti wrinkle injections are not usually the primary treatment because nasolabial folds are mainly caused by structural changes rather than muscle activity.
Can deep smile lines be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients achieve excellent improvement with dermal fillers, collagen stimulation treatments and personalised facial rejuvenation plans.
How long do filler results last?
Most patients enjoy results for approximately 9 to 18 months, depending on the treatment and individual factors.
Conclusion
The best treatment for deep nasolabial folds depends on why the folds have developed. While nasolabial filler is often highly effective, many patients achieve superior results when cheek volume, skin quality and facial support are addressed at the same time.
If you are considering treatment for deep smile lines in London, Surrey or Kingston upon Thames, a consultation at It's Me & You Clinic can help identify the underlying causes and create a personalised treatment plan designed to achieve natural looking, balanced and long lasting results.
About Dr Laura Geige
Dr Laura Geige is a Level 7 qualified aesthetic practitioner and founder of It's Me & You Clinic, a doctor led aesthetics clinic and skin clinic in Kingston upon Thames. She specialises in dermal fillers, HarmonyCa, Radiesse, anti wrinkle treatments, skin rejuvenation and non surgical facial aesthetics. Her approach combines evidence based medicine, personalised treatment planning and premium quality materials to help patients achieve safe, natural looking and balanced results.






