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Nasolabial Fold Correction

What Is Nasolabial Fold Correction?

There are non-invasive remedies which can be temporary and permanent injectable fillers to more invasive, surgical means such as cheek pad lifts and lateral face lifts. There are even newer mid-face lifting techniques which have proven to its effectiveness. Some patients choose nasolabial implants which are removable/reversible until a better means comes along. Please seek several opinions (several consultations) to go over your many options. Not all surgeons will offer all or even a portion of your options. Research through the Internet and speak with real patients who have undergone the particular techniques you are considering.

Are You a Candidate for Nasolabial Fold Correction?

First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery. Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are. Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.

You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure. This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period. There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue. Please consider this before committing to a procedure. It the above describes you and you have the desire to rid yourself of loose sagging skin of the face and neck, you may be a good candidate for nasolabial correction.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

After checking a few surgeons' backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and discuss your goals and you will disclose all information regarding your health; if you smoke, what medications or vitamins you presently take, etc. - this is very important. You really should consider smoking cessation as this can significantly decrease healing. Check out our Medication and Supplements List for more information.

You will discuss your complaints and concerns and discuss the various looks one can achieve, the amount that can be corrected, etc. Your surgeon will explain the technique and incision placements for removal or implantation/augmentation methods that may be most appropriate for you. he or she should discuss the risks associated with nasolabial fold correction with you, as well.

You will also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your procedure. Most nasolabial fold correction procedures are performed under Light Sleep Sedation, Twilight or regional - sometimes even local with oral sedation. However, some surgeons may use General IV Sedation for actual surgeries. Either way, discuss this beforehand as many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia. If you do go under Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is certified. Please read our Anesthesia Page - the risks regarding anesthesia should be considered for a fully informed choice.

If you would like more information on consultations or a list of questions to ask your surgeon please visit the Consultation Page. If you should choose to book or reserve a surgery date you will usually give a deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times if you cancel a few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable. After paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you will also schedule a preoperative appointment.

Your Preoperative Appointment

This appointment addresses more questions you may not have thought to ask at the initial consultation, such as more surgical details, concerns and even ascertaining that your surgeon is aware of what you desire from your procedure. Just as your surgeon will make certain that you know what it realistically possible from this procedure.

You will also discuss your pre-operative instructions and speak about the recovery period instructions and what to expect in the months ahead. You will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain relievers, or other medications.

Please do not hesitate to address any concerns that you may have during this time and even after your preoperative appointment. If you remember something when you get home or the next day or even the day of surgery - don't be afraid to ask.

Preparing for Your Surgery

You should be given a pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. The packet should include a list of all the medications you should not take starting usually at 2 weeks before your surgery. These medications will include, but are not limited to, a products containing aspirin and products containing ibuprofen. We have a Medication and Supplements List of many products that can cause a problem during surgery or with anesthesia. 

It is quite possible that you will have "blood work" performed. This is normally an extra out-of-pocket expense that the patient must participate in to check your white and red blood cell count and check for disease or disorders beforehand. If you are a female they may take an extra vial for a pregnancy test. Some surgeons ask that you have physical. This can be yet another out of pocket expense so ask at your consultation what will be needed when you are quoted a price.

Surgery will be here before you know it so visit the Preparing For Surgery page and relax. This section contains, printer-friendly pre-op lists, tips and advice as well as things you must do to prepare for your big day.

How Nasolabial Fold Correction Is Performed

Nasolabial fold correction procedures vary with technique. If you are getting simply injections - this usually only takes less than half an hour and perhaps a little bruising and swelling is included in your recovery. Please see our Injectable Fillers Section for more information on your options.

If you are having an excision procedure, you may or may not be sedated. This depends upon your surgeon's protocol. The surgeon will inject the area locally and excise the nasolabial fold from your face and re-suture the area up with hairline sutures. You will be instructed to keep your treatment area very still to encourage proper healing.

For midface lifts please see our Face Lift Section for more information on your options.

The Road to Recovery

If you were sedated, you may be groggy from the anesthetic and/or oral medications and probably won't remember much of the first day or two. You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for 7-14 days - or however long your surgeon suggests. As the days go on the swelling and pain will dissipate. There may be bruising and swelling but this tenderness will go away, as well. So make a mental note of this or you may be shocked into a depression. Bruising and swelling are a normal occurrence in most surgeries.

The recovery for nasolabial excision is pretty minimal. Although one must be very careful not to excessively speak or animate the face so that the sutures are not disturbed and excess scar tissue does not form. You should be able to alleviate this discomfort with your prescribed pain medications. If you have excessive pain, redness, pus or other symptoms that do not appear normal, contact your surgeon immediately! Take your temperature regularly. An elevated temperature could mean an infection. Take those antibiotics on time. Also, don't forget if you are a female taking birth control pills that some antibiotics can interfere so in the event that you do have relations, use another form of protection as well.

Even though you may feel better, you must take it easy for the first 3 weeks. Be careful not to bend over or lift heavy objects. And be careful not to raise the blood pressure for at least 3 weeks as this could cause internal bleeding at your treatment area. Your blood vessels dilate to allow increased blood flow when you raise your heart rate. This may cause problems at internal wound sites. Do not participate in contact sports for at least 6-8 weeks - although ask your surgeon what he recommends specifically.

You may notice odd sensations of "tightness", tingling, the sporadic sharp pain, or "pulling", burning, and cold sensations. These usually subside within the first few weeks. Some patients experience a "lull" or down period where they become depressed or feel unattractive. This is very normal. Please print out our Emotional Preparation Sheet so that you will be able to remind yourself that you will get through your low period.

If you have had injections there is usually no recovery - just swelling and/or bruising may be present in the first week.

Risks and Complications of Nasolabial Fold Correction

Depending upon the technique - the risks and complications may differ. To learn about the risks of injectables please see our Injectable Fillers Section. For risks regarding the mid-face lift, please see the Face Lift Section. For risks regarding the excision technique please read below.

Excision of the nasolabial folds are not without its risks. Risks and complications may include a negative reaction to the anesthetic (please see out Introduction to Anesthesia Section for more information). Other risks include infection, seroma, hematoma, asymmetry, incision puckering, scarring, hypertrophic or keloidal scarring, hypo and hyperpigmentation of the scar, incomplete correction of the nasolabial folds and general dissatisfaction.

The Average Price of Nasolabial Fold Correction

The approximate costs of a nasolabial fold correction procedure varies significantly due to treatment options. Please see our respective sections regarding these options outlined above for their appropriate prices. Excision procedure may cost anywhere from $2,000. - $4,000.US and will vary according to region and surgeon. General anesthesia or hospital operating room costs will also add to this price.