What you need to know about nasolabial fillers

Over time, human skin loses its elasticity, folds and wrinkles appear on it. This is a natural process that cannot be avoided. The most problematic and noticeable area goes from the wings of the nose to the corners of the lips. It is almost impossible to correct and remove them with creams or skin tightening, so the only effective method is to use dermal fillers injected into the nasolabial folds. Such a procedure allows you to fill in the voids in the tissues, activate the production of collagen, and smooth the epidermis, reducing folds to a minimum.

More about nasolabial folds and how they occur

Nasolabial folds are furrow-shaped wrinkles that run between the corners of the nose and mouth. They are almost invisible, but they show up well during a smile or a conversation. The folds gradually become clearer and deeper.

There are several main reasons, as well as trigger factors that accelerate their occurrence:

• the physiological process of skin aging – it manifests itself in the lowering of the facial tissues downward, a decrease in adipose tissue, a decrease in muscle tone;
• sudden weight loss or frequent weight change;
• lifestyle – unhealthy habits, non-compliance with the daily routine, stress;
• features of the anatomical structure, including malocclusion.

Conventionally, nasolabial wrinkles in cosmetology are divided according to their severity into the following types:

• dash fold;
• gap fold;
• gradient fold.

In mild cases, folds can be removed with the help of external agents and procedures – moisturizing and cleansing the skin, massage, laser resurfacing. Gradient wrinkles are most often combined with other deformation signs of aging, such as drooping of the soft tissues of the face, pastiness, puffiness, and other age-related changes. This requires an integrated approach.

The simplest and most effective method would be to use gel-like products that are injected under the skin and used to fill in wrinkles. The rejuvenation effect is usually more significant in the case of correction and surrounding areas.

What properties should a nasolabial fold filler have?

Previously, synthetic drugs were widely used but they did not dissolve in the subcutaneous tissues. Today, the most in-demand products are based on hyaluronic acid. It is part of the skin, where it takes part in the processes of tissue regeneration. The acid does not cause allergic reactions and is not rejected by the body, gradually biodegrading, and its effect is provided due to the ability to retain water, which gives the required volume.

When choosing fillers, it is better to consider options from well-known brands that test the clinical efficacy and safety of their products. It is preferable that the preparation for the procedure is selected by a beautician who knows the features of the brand’s product line. The best products for nasolabial are those with a high concentration.

The duration of the effect depends on the quality of the drug, the metabolic processes of the patient’s body, and the correct choice of the concentration of hyaluronic acid. On average, such procedures are performed once every 6–12 months.

Filler in nasolabial folds

Reading reviews about the introduction of fillers into the nasolabial folds, you will probably notice that injections are done after anesthesia. Thanks to this, the procedure is completely painless, although it can cause some discomfort. It is carried out in five main stages:

1. Determination of the amount of injected drug and the injection site. An experienced cosmetologist selects a suitable preparation, determines the place and depth of injection, the amount of gel, and other parameters.
2. Anesthesia is carried out using a special cream – it is applied to the desired area and covered with a film in order to achieve the maximum effect. After 20-25 minutes, it completely anesthetizes the working area, after which you can start the procedure. The remains of the cream are washed off, the skin is disinfected.
3. Administration of the drug. The filler is injected through the finest needle. The patient practically does not feel anything. 2-3 injections are made on each side – the beautician squeezes out the gel, which smoothes the existing creases.
4. Gel distribution. After the filler is injected on both sides, the beautician smooths it out and shapes it in the required areas with massaging movements. At this stage, unpleasant sensations are possible, but the patient does not feel any pain.
5. Skin disinfection, consultations. The doctor removes possible blood droplets that appear at the injection sites, disinfects the skin, and cleanses it. After that, she/he examines the result and tells the patient about the next steps.

Contraindications

There are several contraindications for the procedure:

• Pregnancy and lactation. It is recommended to postpone the procedure to a later date, in order to not risk the health of the baby.
• Infectious disease, poisoning, fever.
• Allergic reaction or irritation in the area of drug administration.
• Inflammatory or chronic diseases.
• Poor blood clotting.