The treatment of nasolabial folds with hyaluronic acid is among the most common requests in aesthetic-oriented medicine. This natural fold, which connects the wings of the nose to the corners of the mouth, tends to deepen with age, sometimes giving the face a tired or stern expression that does not reflect the patient’s inner state. For several years now, hyaluronic acid injections have made it possible to restore lost volume and re-harmonize the lower face, without surgery or downtime.
But what do patients really think about this treatment ? Are the results up to expectations ? What are the possible pitfalls ? And how does the physician ensure a result that is considered natural and satisfying ? This text offers an informed opinion, supported by clinical experience, patient testimonials, and the commitment to a measured, aesthetic and professional approach.
Patients who consult for a correction of the nasolabial fold are not necessarily looking to erase this line : they want to restore softness to their expression, lighten the lower face, or simply reduce an impression of tiredness. Very often, they report that people around them find them “stern”, “sad” or “tense”, even though they do not feel that way inside.
The opinion expressed before treatment is therefore rarely driven by an aesthetic obsession : it is rather about a discrepancy between appearance and personal feeling, which the patient wishes to correct subtly, without visible transformation. This motivation directly influences the type of result expected : naturalness takes precedence over perfection.
A large majority of patients notice a visible change right after the session : the folds appear less deep, the transition between the cheekbones and the lips is smoother, and the face looks visibly more rested. This immediate feeling, although partial (the final result appears after three weeks), is often a source of relief and satisfaction. One often hears : “I finally recognize myself in the mirror”, or : “People look at me differently, without knowing what I’ve done.”
Most opinions are positive, even enthusiastic, when the treatment has been properly performed without excess product. Patients express their satisfaction through the discretion of the result : it is not about a visible change, but a subtle improvement perceptible to those around them.
Several elements are consistently mentioned in the positive feedback from patients treated for nasolabial folds :
This widely shared feeling explains the lasting adherence of patients to this technique when it is performed with precision.
In some cases, feedback can be more mixed. This often concerns :
These cases, although rare, highlight the importance of attentive listening beforehand, precise diagnosis, and the physician’s educational role, who must always ground their practice in a deep understanding of the patient’s emotional expectations.
From a medical point of view, hyaluronic acid injections in the nasolabial folds, when properly performed, generally provide a very satisfactory result. This treatment, part of aesthetic-oriented medicine, is appreciated by patients because it softens facial features and rejuvenates the face without surgery. However, as with any procedure, certain rules must be strictly followed.
An excess of product or an inappropriate technique can lead to a result that appears too visible. In such cases, the fold may look artificially filled, which can create an impression of stiffness during facial expressions or even the formation of a small lump under the skin. These undesirable effects can be avoided if the injection is performed with precision and respect for the overall harmony of the face.
Experience shows that the most natural result — and the one that receives the most positive feedback — is often obtained by preserving a slight trace of the fold. This subtlety ensures effective correction while maintaining the mobility and authenticity of facial expressions. In other words, the goal is not to completely erase the nasolabial fold, but to make it less noticeable, resulting in a rested and harmonious appearance.
When the treatment is repeated over time, patients often develop a trusting relationship with hyaluronic acid injections. After a first satisfying experience, they learn to recognize when the effects begin to fade (usually around the 10ᵗʰ or 12ᵗʰ month) and return for another session without apprehension, sometimes even as part of a preventive maintenance approach.
Their opinions then become more nuanced : it is no longer only the visible result that is mentioned, but also the quality of care, the consistency of follow-up, and the physician’s attention to the natural evolution of their face. Some even express greater satisfaction after the second or third session, due to better technical adjustments. Loyalty to both the technique and the physician thus reflects patients’ adherence to a treatment that, far from freezing their features, accompanies their face over time.
An often overlooked element in assessing the patient’s experience is the feedback from their entourage. Many patients report that those around them said they looked “brighter”, “rested” or “more relaxed”, without ever suspecting any aesthetic procedure. Such remarks, when sincere and spontaneous, play a major role in shaping a positive opinion of the treatment.
It is precisely because the result is discreet that it is better accepted. Conversely, when a change is too visible or prompts comments such as “Did you have something done?”, some patients may feel unexpected discomfort. Hence the importance, once again, of aiming for harmony rather than transformation, so that the final opinion remains sustainably positive.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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