Nasolabial fold

Nasolabial fold is a term used in anatomy to describe the skin creases that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These folds, also known as "smile lines" or "laugh lines," are a normal part of the human face and become more prominent with age due to the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin.

Anatomy

The nasolabial folds are located on each side of the nose and extend to the corners of the mouth. They are formed by the movement of the facial muscles, particularly the zygomaticus major and levator anguli oris muscles, which are responsible for smiling and laughing.

Aging and Nasolabial Folds

As a person ages, the skin loses its elasticity and volume, leading to the deepening of the nasolabial folds. This is due to the decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. In addition, the fat pads in the face, which provide volume, begin to shift downward, further accentuating the nasolabial folds.

Treatment

There are several treatment options available to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. These include dermal fillers, which are injected into the skin to add volume and smooth out the folds; laser resurfacing, which uses light energy to stimulate collagen production; and facelift surgery, which tightens the skin and underlying muscles to reduce the appearance of the folds.

See Also

• Facial aging
• Dermal fillers
• Laser resurfacing
• Facelift

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