As we age, our face tells a story, of laughter, life experiences, and time. One of the most recognisable signs of this story is the appearance of nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These folds can deepen with age, prompting many patients to seek non-surgical treatments to restore facial harmony. But is filling the fold directly always the answer?
At Dr Pierre Zakhour Clinic in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, we approach facial rejuvenation with a medically-informed, holistic view. This blog delves into the real cause of nasolabial folds, the science behind their formation, and why midface support, not just fold filler, is often the key to natural-looking results.
What Are Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds are natural skin creases that exist in everyone, but they become more noticeable with age. These lines are often among the earliest signs of ageing in the lower face, contributing to a tired or sagging appearance.
At What Age Do Nasolabial Folds Appear?
These folds typically become noticeable in the early 30s to mid-40s, depending on genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, and environmental factors like sun exposure. Some patients first notice these lines after dramatic weight loss or periods of stress that accelerate facial volume loss.
What Causes Nasolabial Folds?
Contrary to the belief that folds form solely because of skin ageing, nasolabial folds are primarily a result of volume loss in the midface. Specifically:
- Fat pad descent: The deep fat compartments in the cheeks shift downward with age, creating a hollow under the eyes and heaviness above the mouth.
- Loss of bone support: The maxilla (midface bone structure) recedes subtly over time, reducing structural support for the overlying tissues.
- Skin laxity: Ageing skin loses collagen and elastin, causing it to sag and deepen the appearance of folds.
So, while it may seem intuitive to inject filler directly into the fold, it’s often not the most effective,or safest, approach.
Are Nasolabial Folds Caused by Fat?
Yes, but it’s not fat gain, it’s fat redistribution and loss. The facial fat pads that once gave you youthful contours gradually shrink and descend, pulling the skin downward and exacerbating the fold. Think of the face as a scaffold, when the upper levels collapse, pressure builds below.
What Is the Best Non-Surgical Treatment for Nasolabial Folds?
At Dr Pierre Zakhour Clinic, we advocate for a lift-and-support technique, an approach that targets the root of the problem: midface volume loss.
1. Midface Filler for Structural Support
By restoring volume to the cheeks and upper midface, we can subtly lift the skin and reduce the shadowing and heaviness of the nasolabial area, often without placing any filler into the fold itself.
This method:
- Provides a natural, lifted appearance
- Reduces risk of overfilling the fold (which can lead to an unnatural look)
- Maintains dynamic movement of the face
2. Small-Volume Nasolabial Fold Filler (If Needed)
In select cases where the fold is particularly deep or etched, a conservative amount of hyaluronic acid filler can be placed directly into the area to soften the crease. But this should be the final touch, not the starting point.
3. Skin-Boosting Treatments
Complementary treatments such as polynucleotides, bio-remodellers, and microneedling with RF can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen production, further supporting the results of filler.
A Medically-Led Philosophy to Facial Rejuvenation
Dr Pierre Zakhour believes in using his deep anatomical knowledge and artistic eye to treat the face as a whole, not as isolated areas. When addressing nasolabial folds, he assesses:
- Facial symmetry
- Cheek volume and structure
- Skin quality
- Overall facial balance
This ensures a harmonised result that refreshes the face, not changes it. Directly filling the folds without understanding the cause often leads to overdone, puffy results that draw attention for the wrong reasons.
The Patient Journey at Dr Pierre Zakhour Clinic
Every treatment begins with an in-depth consultation. Our team takes time to listen to your concerns, assess your facial structure, and explain the treatment options, always grounded in safety, science, and subtlety.
Located at 6205 Prince Muteb St, Madinat Al Umal, Al Khobar, we welcome patients from across Saudi Arabia seeking expert, natural-looking non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Real Results, Refined Techniques
Our results speak for themselves: refreshed, lifted, and confident clients who feel like the best version of themselves. We don’t chase trends. We enhance timeless beauty through medically grounded techniques.
If you’ve been considering nasolabial fold treatment, remember, the solution isn’t always what you think. Supporting the midface is often the key to softening lines and restoring youthful balance.
Ready to Refresh Your Look?
Book your consultation at Dr Pierre Zakhour Clinic today and discover a customised, clinically led plan that restores harmony and confidence, without looking “done.”
📍 Visit us at 6205 Prince Muteb St, Madinat Al Umal, Al Khobar 34443
📞 Call +966 55 163 6368
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