The right nasolabial folds treatment depends on why your nose-to-mouth lines look deeper. If the cause is lost volume, dermal filler in the fold or the cheek above it may help. If the skin itself has become thinner, drier or less firm, Profhilo or skin boosters are often a better fit. Many people have a bit of both.
First, a reassurance about nasolabial folds
Everyone has nasolabial folds. They are the natural creases running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, and they deepen every time you smile. Even young faces show them. The aim of treatment is to soften lines that look deeper or heavier than you would like, not to erase a fold that is part of a normal, expressive face. Trying to remove the fold entirely is one of the quickest routes to an unnatural result.
Why nose-to-mouth lines get deeper
A fold usually looks more noticeable for one or more of these reasons:
- Mid-face volume loss. As the cheek fat pads shrink and descend with age, the skin above the fold has less support and the shadow beside it deepens.
- Changes in skin quality. Reduced collagen, elastin and hydration make the skin thinner and less springy, so creases are more visible and slower to smooth out.
- Your natural anatomy. Some people simply have more prominent folds, often visible from their twenties.
- Lifestyle factors. Sun exposure, smoking and significant weight changes can all affect skin and facial volume.
Working out which of these is driving your lines is the most important part of choosing a treatment.
Your three main options
Option 1: Dermal filler
Filler is a hyaluronic acid gel used to restore volume. For nose-to-mouth lines it can be used in two broad ways:
Directly in the fold. Small amounts placed along the line can soften a deep crease. This is often what people mean when they search for nose-to-mouth filler. Done conservatively, it can make the area look less shadowed while keeping natural movement when you smile.
Supporting the cheek above. Sometimes the fold is a symptom rather than the problem. Restoring support in the mid-face can soften the shadow below without filling the line itself. Adding too much filler directly to the fold, when the real cause is higher up, can make the lower face look heavy.
At our clinic, smile line and nasolabial fold correction is listed alongside other filler areas on our dermal fillers Liverpool page, with treatment from £140 for a 45-minute session. The final cost depends on the volume and areas needed.
Option 2: Profhilo
Profhilo is a high-concentration hyaluronic acid injectable that spreads beneath the skin to improve hydration and support collagen and elastin. It does not add volume or change your features. Instead, it can improve firmness, texture and the look of crepey skin in the lower face, which may make lines around the mouth look softer.
Most plans begin with two sessions about four weeks apart, and each appointment usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Find out more on our Profhilo treatment page.
Option 3: Skin boosters
Skin boosters deliver hydrating ingredients into the skin to improve moisture, texture and elasticity. They are not designed to fill a deep fold, but they can help when fine lines around the mouth, dehydration or dullness are part of the picture. Our skin booster treatments in Liverpool include options focused on hydration as well as polynucleotides, which aim to support skin repair.
Which approach fits your lines?
| What you notice | Likely driver | Options often discussed |
|---|---|---|
| A deep shadow that stays when your face is relaxed | Volume loss | Filler in the fold or cheek |
| Flatter cheeks as well as deeper folds | Mid-face volume loss | Cheek support, sometimes with fold filler |
| Fine creasing and crepey skin around the mouth | Skin quality | Profhilo or skin boosters |
| Both deeper folds and tired, dry skin | Volume and skin quality | A combined plan |
When combining makes sense
Filler addresses structure; Profhilo and skin boosters address the skin. Because they work in different ways, a combined plan can sometimes give a more balanced result than relying on one approach. The order and timing are decided at consultation. Anti-wrinkle injections are not generally used to treat nasolabial folds, because these lines are mainly about volume and skin support rather than muscle movement.
What a consultation looks at
A good assessment for nose-to-mouth lines looks at the whole face, not just the fold. Expect your practitioner to consider:
- How the fold looks at rest compared with when you smile
- Volume in the cheeks and mid-face
- Skin hydration, texture and firmness around the mouth
- Your medical history and any previous treatment in the area
- What you want to change, and what would look natural on you
From there, you should get a clear explanation of which option suits your lines, and why.
Safety: who should wait and what to watch for
- Injectable treatments are usually postponed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an active skin infection or inflammation in the area.
- Tell your practitioner about any medical conditions, allergies, medications and previous treatments in the area.
- Swelling, tenderness, redness, small bumps and bruising are common for a few days.
- The area around the nose has important blood vessels. Contact the clinic urgently if you notice severe or increasing pain, or skin that looks pale, blotchy, grey or dusky after filler. If you cannot reach the clinic, seek urgent medical care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for nasolabial folds?
There is no single best option. Filler suits volume-related folds, while Profhilo and skin boosters suit skin-quality concerns. Many people benefit from a mix.
Can nasolabial folds be removed completely?
No, and they should not be. They are a natural part of your face. Treatment aims to soften how deep or heavy they look.
How long does nose-to-mouth filler last?
Dermal filler generally lasts between 6 and 18 months depending on the area, the product and your metabolism.
Will skin boosters fill my nose-to-mouth lines?
Not on their own. Skin boosters improve hydration and skin quality rather than adding volume, so deep folds usually need a different or combined approach.
Book a consultation in South Liverpool
An assessment will show whether your lines are mainly about volume, skin quality or both. The clinic is at Business First Centre, Goodlass Road (L24). Book a consultation online or call 0151 804 4207.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for a personal consultation. Suitability for any treatment is assessed individually.
