Why use hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds ?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the dermis. Its main role is to attract and retain water, contributing to skin hydration, firmness and thickness. This product is used to restore lost volume and soften static wrinkles, particularly in the middle and lower thirds of the face, such as nasolabial folds.
However, there is no single hyaluronic acid. Pharmaceutical laboratories now offer a wide range of products with varied physicochemical characteristics : concentration, degree of cross-linking, cohesivity, viscosity, elasticity and tissue integration capacity. Product selection for nasolabial fold treatment therefore cannot be arbitrary. It must rely on precise analysis of fold depth, skin quality, facial mobility and the desired aesthetic result.
What type of hyaluronic acid should be chosen for nasolabial folds ?
The essential parameter in choosing hyaluronic acid is its viscoelasticity, meaning its ability to withstand mechanical stresses and integrate harmoniously into tissues. For nasolabial folds, moderately cross-linked hyaluronic acid is recommended, neither too fluid (risking overly rapid resorption) nor too dense (risking a rigid, unnatural effect).
A highly cohesive product with intermediate viscosity is generally preferred. It effectively fills the fold's hollow while following facial movements. This type of gel also distributes well in deep planes, ensuring a smooth, even result that can be reversed if necessary.
What is the best hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds ?
Several types of hyaluronic acid have demonstrated effectiveness and safety in treating nasolabial folds. Experienced doctors have different formulations available, each with technical characteristics allowing product choice to be adapted to the patient's needs.
These include :
- Volumising gels designed to restore structural midface support. They are often used alongside direct fold treatment, for example in the malar region, to restore fullness and indirectly reduce nasolabial fold depth.
- Cohesive, adaptable gels suited to moderate to pronounced folds, offering a good balance of suppleness, resistance and longevity.
- So-called « dynamic » hyaluronic acids, formulated to follow facial movements and particularly indicated for deep folds while preserving naturalness.
- Gels with high tissue integration capacity, useful in transition areas (such as the fold) and providing harmonious correction, particularly when migration risk needs to be limited.
- Volumising gels with high projection capacity, recommended for pronounced volume loss, particularly in patients with thick or lax skin.
The choice of hyaluronic acid type depends on clinical analysis, skin thickness, fold depth and the patient's facial anatomy.
A cautious initial injection is generally recommended, followed if necessary by an additional session after about a fortnight to optimise the result.
Which hyaluronic acid should be chosen for a superficial nasolabial fold ?
When nasolabial folds are not yet pronounced, or for finer superficial wrinkles (particularly in younger patients or preventively), the aim is not filling but intensive skin rehydration and repairing early skin creases.
Skinboosters stand out for their effectiveness in improving skin quality. They consist of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acids injected as microdeposits within the dermis. Their aim is not to fill a fold, but to hydrate deeply, stimulate dermal synthesis and restore the skin's natural elasticity. They are particularly useful for very superficial folds, especially when accompanied by thin, wrinkled or dehydrated skin.
This treatment often complements deeper filling as part of an overall, consistent skin rejuvenation approach. Skinboosters are also indicated for younger patients beginning to develop fine lines. In this case, they maintain dermal quality and preserve a fresh, radiant appearance.
How long does hyaluronic acid last in nasolabial folds ?
The longevity of nasolabial fold filling varies with several factors, including product type, injected area, the patient's metabolism and lifestyle. Smoking, excessive sun exposure and oxidative stress can accelerate gel resorption. On average, results achieved with hyaluronic acid last between nine and fifteen months.
To maintain a harmonious, rested face, a maintenance session is generally recommended around the twelfth month, before the product has been fully absorbed. This gradual approach prolongs treatment benefits without abrupt visual change and maintains facial radiance naturally. The aim is to preserve facial balance and authenticity over time rather than transform the features.
How can a natural result be achieved with hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds ?
Facial enhancement or rejuvenation should not produce a caricature-like disappearance of wrinkles, but rebalance volume, restore natural facial light and soften shadows that harden expression. Nasolabial fold injections should be considered in this light : as a step in overall facial ageing management rather than a simple filling procedure.
An experienced doctor guides the patient towards the most appropriate type of hyaluronic acid, taking account of facial structure and expressed expectations. The aim is to regain a rested face without altering its identity.
