The nasolabial folds, those lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, are among the first visible signs of facial aging. Over time, the loss of volume, tissue sagging, and decreased skin elasticity accentuate these wrinkles, giving the face a tired or even severe appearance. To correct these folds gently and naturally, hyaluronic acid injections are now the reference solution. However, not all hyaluronic acids are the same : their selection depends on a set of anatomical, technical, and aesthetic criteria that must be carefully evaluated.
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the dermis. Its main role is to capture and retain water, thus contributing to the skin’s hydration, firmness, and thickness. This product is used to restore lost volume and smooth static wrinkles, particularly those of the mid and lower face, such as the nasolabial folds.
However, there is no single type of hyaluronic acid. Pharmaceutical laboratories today offer a wide range of products with varying physicochemical characteristics : concentration, degree of cross-linking, cohesivity, viscosity, elasticity, and tissue integration capacity. The choice of product to treat the nasolabial folds should therefore never be arbitrary. It must be based on a precise analysis of the fold’s depth, skin quality, facial mobility, and the desired aesthetic outcome.
The essential parameter in choosing hyaluronic acid is its viscoelasticity — its ability to resist mechanical stress and integrate harmoniously into the tissues. For nasolabial folds, it is recommended to use a moderately cross-linked hyaluronic acid, meaning neither too fluid (which may resorb too quickly) nor too dense (which may result in a stiff and unnatural effect).
A product with high cohesivity but intermediate viscosity is generally preferred. It effectively fills the depth of the fold while following the natural movements of the face. This type of gel also ensures good diffusion within the deeper planes, providing a smooth, even, and reversible result if necessary.
Several types of hyaluronic acids have demonstrated their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of nasolabial folds. Experienced physicians have access to different formulas, each with technical characteristics that allow the choice of product to be adapted to the patient’s needs.
We can distinguish in particular :
The choice of the type of hyaluronic acid depends on the clinical analysis, the thickness of the skin, the depth of the fold and the anatomy of the patient’s face.
It is generally advisable to proceed with a cautious first injection, then, if necessary, consider a complementary session after about fifteen days in order to optimize the result.
When nasolabial folds are not yet pronounced, or in the case of fine, more superficial lines (especially in younger patients or for preventive purposes), the goal is not to fill but to deeply rehydrate the skin and repair early dermal creases.
Skinboosters stand out for their effectiveness in improving skin quality. They are made of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acids, injected in micro-deposits within the dermis. Their purpose is not to fill a fold but to act deeply on hydration, stimulate dermal synthesis, and restore the skin’s natural elasticity. They are particularly useful in the treatment of very superficial folds, especially when accompanied by thin, wrinkled, or dehydrated skin.
Often, this treatment complements a deeper filling procedure, forming part of a global and consistent skin rejuvenation approach. Skinboosters are also indicated for younger patients who are beginning to show fine lines. In such cases, they help maintain dermal quality and preserve a fresh, radiant appearance.
The longevity of nasolabial fold correction varies according to several factors, including the type of product used, the injection area, the patient’s metabolism, and lifestyle habits. Smoking, excessive sun exposure, and oxidative stress can accelerate gel resorption. On average, results obtained with hyaluronic acid last between nine and fifteen months.
To maintain a harmonious and refreshed appearance, it is generally recommended to plan a maintenance session around the twelfth month, before the product is completely resorbed. This gradual approach helps extend the benefits of the treatment without a visible break and keeps the face naturally radiant. The goal is not to alter the features but to preserve the balance and authenticity of the face over time.
Facial enhancement or rejuvenation should not result in a caricatural disappearance of wrinkles, but rather in a rebalancing of volumes, a restoration of the face’s natural light, and a softening of the shadowed areas that harden the expression. It is with this perspective that the injection of nasolabial folds should be considered : not as a simple filling procedure, but as a step within a comprehensive approach to facial aging.
The experienced physician will guide the patient toward the most appropriate type of hyaluronic acid, taking into account facial structure and expressed expectations. The goal is to restore a rested appearance without altering the face’s identity.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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