Dermal fillers have become a popular facial rejuvenation choice among more than 1 million men and women each year, especially when you have nasolabial folds. These common wrinkles run from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth and affect everyone differently. The lines become more noticeable as we age because our …
Dermal fillers have become a popular facial rejuvenation choice among more than 1 million men and women each year, especially when you have nasolabial folds. These common wrinkles run from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth and affect everyone differently. The lines become more noticeable as we age because our bodies produce less collagen and lose facial fat.
Dermatologists recommend dermal fillers as their primary treatment for nasolabial folds. The results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. FDA-approved options like Juvederm Ultra and Restylane Refyne offer different benefits that might suit your specific needs.
Understanding Nasolabial Folds and Why They Form
Nasolabial folds are distinctive creases that run from each side of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. These lines appear naturally in everyone’s face except newborns, and they become more noticeable with age.
The folds contain dense bundles of fibrous tissue and muscles. They develop where the cutaneous insertions of the lip elevators fuse with ligamentous structures created by the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) and deeper facial fascia. This fusion creates a natural boundary between your cheeks and upper lip.
Age-related changes make these creases deeper through several mechanisms:
- Collagen and elastin loss: Your skin loses its bounce and knows how to hold its shape when these proteins decline.
- Facial volume changes: Your inner cheekbone and deep cheek fat diminish, which leads to midface volume loss.
- Fat redistribution: Your cheek fat moves downward and creates a sagging fold. Dense fascia-to-dermis connections prevent fat from crossing the nasolabial fold.
- Bone structure alterations: Changes in your maxillary skeleton and dental vertical dimension make these folds deeper.
Several external factors can make nasolabial folds more prominent:
- Sun exposure breaks down collagen faster
- Smoking speeds up facial aging
- Your skin stretches with weight changes
- Regular facial expressions leave lasting lines
- Your sleep position puts pressure on facial tissues
These folds fall into three distinct categories based on their mechanisms:
| Type | Primary Cause | Characteristics |
| 1 | Volume deficiency | Lack of volume near nasal alar; hollow appearance in the buccal area |
| 2 | Skin attachment and sagging | Enlarged superficial fat above wrinkle line; reduced buccal fat below |
| 3 | Muscle fiber related | Connected to specific fibers of upper lip elevators |
Dermal fillers are a great way to get results for nasolabial folds. Knowing how these folds develop helps you choose the right treatment approach for your specific case.
Comparing the Best Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Folds?
Patients need to understand each dermal filler’s unique properties to choose the right one for nasolabial folds. The market today features three main categories that work differently to address these stubborn creases.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers lead the market as the most popular choice. These gel-like substances deliver immediate results with minimal downtime by using naturally occurring molecules that attract water to plump the skin. Several HA products work well for nasolabial folds. Juvederm Vollure was created precisely for nasolabial folds, offering results that last up to 18 months. Restylane Defyne provides excellent support for deeper nasolabial creases, while Restylane Refyne works well on milder lines.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers, particularly Radiesse, provide a thicker consistency than HA fillers. These fillers boost natural collagen production and create immediate volume enhancement with long-term skin improvement. Radiesse typically lasts around 12 months for most patients.
Polylactic acid (PLLA) fillers like Sculptra take a different approach by stimulating your body’s collagen production. Unlike other fillers, Sculptra results show up gradually over several weeks but can last more than 2 years.
Comparison of Leading Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Folds
| Filler Type | Popular Brands | Duration | Average Cost (AUD) | Benefits for Nasolabial Folds |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Juvederm XC, Vollure, Restylane Defyne, Refyne | 6-18 months | $458-$993 per syringe | Immediate results, reversible |
| Calcium Hydroxylapatite | Radiesse | 12 months | $1,070-$2,293 per syringe | Immediate results plus collagen stimulation |
| Poly-L-lactic Acid | Sculptra | 24+ months | $1,223-$2,293 per session | Long-lasting, gradual improvement |
Clinical studies show patients are highly satisfied with all three filler types. The largest longitudinal study reveals that patients see the most important improvements with any filler type during their first follow-up appointment. Each filler has unique characteristics that make it ideal for specific nasolabial fold types and severity levels.
How to Choose the Right Filler for You
The right dermal filler for nasolabial folds depends on several personal factors that go beyond picking the most popular option. Your individual anatomy plays a significant role in determining which filler will give you the best results.
The severity of your nasolabial folds matters first. Thicker fillers with stronger lifting capabilities work better for deeper lines, while smoother formulations might suit thinner skin better. Your age affects this choice too – older patients usually need denser fillers that provide more support than younger ones.
A qualified professional should guide your decision. Dermatologists suggest you schedule a face-to-face consultation to evaluate your facial structure and set realistic expectations. You should ask to see their portfolio of previous work with similar cases during this visit.
Several factors determine the cost of dermal fillers:
Dermal Filler Cost Comparison (AUD)
| Filler Type | Price Per Syringe | Duration | Best For |
| Hyaluronic Acid | $380-$996 | 6-12 months | Most nasolabial folds, reversible |
| Calcium Hydroxylapatite | $1,055-$1,834 | 12+ months | Deeper folds, collagen stimulation[162] |
| Poly-L-Lactic Acid | $1,342-$3,057 | 24+ months | Gradual improvement, collagen boost[162] |
Your location affects pricing by a lot. Treatment costs in major cities range from $1,528-$3,057 per syringe, while smaller towns charge $917-$1,834. Provider expertise affects both cost and results—highly skilled practitioners might charge more but deliver superior outcomes.
Make sure your provider has proper credentials for optimal safety. Australian regulations state that your first injectables consultation must be with a doctor who will prescribe your products. The authorizing doctor must explain the procedure and potential risks fully before getting your written consent.
Fillers don’t last forever. Think about how maintenance fits your lifestyle since you’ll need to refresh hyaluronic acid fillers every 6-12 months.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers work well to treat nasolabial folds. You can choose from temporary hyaluronic acid treatments to poly-L-lactic acid injections that last longer. Juvederm Vollure and Restylane Defyne dominate the market for moderate to severe folds. Your perfect match depends on several individual factors.
Healthcare providers usually suggest hyaluronic acid fillers as a starting point, especially for newcomers. These fillers create natural-looking results and can be reversed if needed. Patients looking for longer-lasting results might benefit more from Radiesse or Sculptra. These options need careful thought because of their semi-permanent nature.
The right filler is just one part of a successful treatment. You’ll also need a qualified provider, a clear understanding of maintenance needs, and realistic goals. Most patients come back for touch-ups every 6-24 months, based on their chosen filler type.
Ready to Smooth Your Smile Lines?
At Elevated Aesthetics, we specialize in customized dermal filler treatments tailored to your unique features and goals. Our expert providers prioritize safety, natural results, and client education—so you feel confident every step of the way. Whether you’re new to fillers or looking for long-lasting solutions, we’re here to guide you with advanced techniques and top-tier products.Book your personalized consultation today and experience the Elevated difference. Your refreshed, youthful look is just one appointment away.
