HOW MUCH DOES AN INJECTION FOR THE NASOLABIAL FOLD COST ?

Hyaluronic acid nasolabial fold Geneva

The nasolabial folds, those creases that connect the wings of the nose to the corners of the lips, are among the first wrinkles to appear with age. Their formation is natural, but their progressive deepening can give the face a tired, hardened, or even shadowed expression. The injection of hyaluronic acid into this area is a safe, quick, and effective aesthetic solution to restore balance and harmony to the facial features. However, beyond the medical and technical aspects, one question regularly arises during consultations : what is the price of an injection intended to correct the nasolabial fold ?
This text aims to provide a clear answer to this question, taking into account the various factors likely to influence the cost of a filler treatment in this specific area of the face.

Contents

Indicative price range in Geneva

In French-speaking Switzerland, and more specifically in Geneva, the average cost of a hyaluronic acid injection to correct a nasolabial fold generally ranges between CHF 600 and CHF 750 per session, depending on the complexity of the treatment and the amount of product injected.
This price cannot be reduced to a simple figure. It is not a standardized procedure, but a personalized intervention, where every detail – from the anatomical structure of the face to the quality of the skin – influences the chosen strategy, and therefore its cost.

Factors determining the cost

Several elements come into play in determining the final price of a nasolabial fold injection. The main factors are :

  • The type of hyaluronic acid used : there are many ranges of hyaluronic acids, with very different physicochemical properties. Some are specifically designed for the nasolabial area. These latest-generation products, more cohesive, more stable and better integrated into the tissues, have a higher manufacturing cost that is reflected in the price of the procedure.
  • The amount of hyaluronic acid injected : a moderately marked fold can be corrected with 0.5 ml to 1 ml per side. However, in a patient with significant facial sagging, the treatment will often require 1 to 2 full syringes, or more, especially if a medical lifting technique needs to be performed before filling the fold.
  • The expertise of the doctor : the price of an injection also reflects the doctor’s expertise. A doctor specifically trained in aesthetic-oriented medicine injections, mastering the latest injection techniques, safety protocols, and possessing a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, will charge a fee proportional to the quality of the procedure. Professional experience directly affects safety, the naturalness of the result, and the management of any potential complications. A significantly lower price may sometimes correspond to a procedure performed by a less experienced practitioner or in a medically less rigorous setting.
  • The associated protocol and complementary care : the quoted price may also include or exclude certain elements that should be taken into account when evaluating the cost, such as the pre-injection consultation, essential for establishing a precise aesthetic diagnosis, the reassessment at fifteen days, with the possibility of a touch-up, or the follow-up after the procedure.

The notion of investment in a natural and lasting result

To evaluate the cost of a nasolabial fold injection, it is important to go beyond a purely financial approach and consider it above all as a reasoned aesthetic investment. A natural, harmonious, and lasting result relies on three inseparable elements : the quality of the product used, the mastery of the medical procedure, and a comprehensive approach to facial aging.
A well-conducted treatment often allows more invasive or major procedures, such as surgical lifting, to be postponed, while preserving the harmony and vitality of the features. The price should therefore be considered in relation to the duration of the result, which averages between nine and fifteen months, along with the discretion and reversibility of the treatment, as well as the gain in confidence and quality of life frequently reported by patients.

Caution regarding low-cost offers 

In the face of the proliferation of promotions on the internet or social networks, some patients are tempted to accept very attractive pricing offers. However, a hyaluronic acid injection in the nasolabial folds is a medical procedure. A price that is too low should raise concerns about several points : the origin and quality of the product, the practitioner’s level of competence, the absence of follow-up after the procedure or recourse in case of complications, and the frequent lack of medical insurance or professional liability, as the injection is often performed by a non-doctor.
A failed result or poorly managed complication can lead to costs far exceeding the initial savings, not to mention the emotional impact.

Is the correction of the nasolabial fold covered by insurance ?

In Switzerland, as in most European countries, hyaluronic acid injections for aesthetic purposes are not covered by health insurance, whether basic or supplementary. This is a voluntary procedure, medically unnecessary, and entirely at the patient’s expense.
Certain exceptions may exist in cases of congenital malformations or post-traumatic sequelae, but these concern very specific situations, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Medical studies on the cost of hyaluronic acid injections

Scientific publications and specialized journals in aesthetic-oriented medicine, such as Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, and Dermatologic Surgery, have addressed the question of average costs of aesthetic injections, not only from an economic perspective but also from a cost-benefit evaluation standpoint.
A comparative study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2021) highlights that the average cost of a syringe of hyaluronic acid in Western Europe varies according to the type of product, its origin (pharmaceutical laboratory), and the logistical costs related to its secure storage. The article also notes that the price charged to the patient includes not only the product, but also the time spent, the infrastructure, follow-up, and possible touch-ups, which justifies an overall price range of 600 CHF to 750 CHF per treated area.
A European multicenter study, published in 2022 in Aesthetic Medicine, confirms that the treatment of nasolabial folds is among the most economically accessible aesthetic procedures, especially when compared to areas requiring large volumes, such as the cheeks, temples, or jawline. The article emphasizes, however, that the results obtained depend closely on two essential factors : the quality of the product used and the expertise of the doctor.
The study also notes that in private practices offering a high level of traceability, the average price is 20 to 30 % higher. However, patients report significantly higher satisfaction, notably due to comprehensive, high-quality care and a procedure performed in complete safety.
These data remind us that the cost of a well-executed injection is not simply a matter of price, but part of a coherent medico-aesthetic approach, combining safety, efficacy, and durability of results.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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