Key points - Hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds in Geneva
How can nasolabial folds be removed? Effective medical solutions can reduce nasolabial folds, rejuvenating and refreshing the face.
Hyaluronic acid injections fill nasolabial folds and restore lost volume, this treatment also hydrates the skin and improves its elasticity. Results are immediate and natural.
Non-surgical lifting techniques using lifting threads or hyaluronic acid reposition drooping facial tissues, improving the nasolabial fold.
Complementing these filling methods with skin-densifying techniques is recommended : laser, mesotherapy or Skinbooster.
This combination smooths nasolabial folds naturally and lastingly.
It is essential to consult an experienced doctor to determine the most suitable treatment according to skin type and nasolabial fold severity. A personalised approach ensures optimal results for a harmonious, revitalised face.
Why do I have nasolabial
folds ?
How do nasolabial folds form ? A true nasolabial fold is a wrinkle that appears with age, however, this line may be present in young people at rest and/or when smiling.
This aesthetic concern may be :
- Constitutional : this is a false nasolabial fold. It is simply caused by facial morphology, particularly a prominent, low cheekbone. It can be reduced, but complete elimination should not be sought, as this would round out the face.
- Related to ageing and photoageing : nasolabial folds appear around the thirties in men and women.
As the years pass, fat at cheekbone level diminishes and gradually descends towards the jawline, bone is resorbed and its supporting role is lost. The skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
External factors worsen nasolabial fold progression : smoking, weight fluctuations, sun exposure, lack of sleep and insufficient hydration.
Nasolabial folds : stages and progression
Nasolabial folds worsen over time. This process is influenced by factors such as age, genetics and repeated facial expressions.
At the early stage, folds are visible only during movement, for example when smiling. They are fine and shallow. They can often be reduced easily with creams containing active ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid injections are strongly recommended to prevent them from worsening.
At the moderate stage, folds become more pronounced and visible at rest. At this stage, hyaluronic acid injections are needed to restore lost volume and smooth the skin.
At the advanced stage, nasolabial folds are deep and permanent, accompanied by a significant loss of skin volume and elasticity.
For optimal results, filler injections into the hollow should be combined with hyaluronic acid injections using a lifting technique.
How can you get rid of nasolabial folds ?
Nasolabial fold treatment
Nasolabial fold treatment is a frequent reason for consultation. Women request treatment from their thirties; men consult from their forties because they can conceal the folds beneath a beard and consider them an attractive feature.
Hyaluronic acid creams cannot make them disappear, and make-up cannot camouflage them.
It is important to understand that this wrinkle should be reduced rather than erased to avoid rounding out the face ; and that the two sides are not symmetrical and never will be, as perfect symmetry is neither achievable nor physiological.
Indications for nasolabial fold treatment
Nasolabial fold treatment can be considered for the following indications :
- Patients with very deep nasolabial folds.
- Ageing of the middle third of the face.
- A severe, tired appearance.
How can nasolabial folds
be removed with hyaluronic
injections ?
Hyaluronic acid is a biocompatible gel whose uses include wrinkle treatment. Dr Romano's approach to the face is natural and physiological, every treatment should aim to correct the causes of age-related changes and bring the face closer to ideal beauty proportions (beautiphication technique).
Nasolabial fold treatment is personalised and varies according to the patient's anatomy and wishes.
Several techniques are available.
- The lifting technique : nasolabial folds are almost always caused by descent of the superficial malar fat. The 8-point lift technique, a variation of the MD Codes devised by Brazilian plastic surgeon Mauricio di Maio, raises tissues through injections at strategic points adapted to each face. The injection is performed with a needle, placing the product deeply against the bone, the hyaluronic acid used is firm and has lifting properties.
- Injecting the wrinkle : filling the wrinkle is often combined with the lifting technique for optimal results. In the treatment sequence, tissue lifting should precede wrinkle injection , to avoid rounding out the face. The only exception is the constitutional fold found in young people, where injecting only the fold is preferable.
The injection is performed with a cannula (a blunt-ended needle) for vascular safety, placing the product in the skin at different depths. - Bolus injection into the canine fossa : a hyaluronic acid injection is sometimes performed in the perinasal triangle. The product is dense and placed against the bone.
These techniques can be combined. Injecting nasolabial folds, like all facial injections, is complex and requires an experienced eye, medical expertise and a fully mastered technique.
Hyaluronic acid injection procedure to reduce nasolabial folds
Hyaluronic acid injections are a quick, simple and effective procedure performed in the medical practice.
Before the session
An initial consultation precedes the procedure. It begins with a clinical examination of the face at rest and during movement. Dr Romano assesses nasolabial fold depth, skin quality, midface volume and facial proportions. Medical history, current treatments and any contraindications are also reviewed to ensure safe care.
This assessment is used to establish a personalised treatment plan. Depending on individual needs, injections can be performed directly into the folds or combined with medical lifting techniques to reduce the pull on tissues and achieve a more balanced correction.
During the session
After careful skin disinfection, hyaluronic acid is injected using a fine needle or microcannula, according to the technique best suited to the patient's anatomy. The procedure is performed precisely to achieve gradual correction while respecting natural facial features.
The session generally lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Most hyaluronic acid products used contain a local anaesthetic, helping improve comfort during injections. The volume injected is adapted to fold depth and the intended result, without overcorrection
After the session
The patient can resume normal activities immediately afterwards. Slight redness, mild swelling or small bruises may appear at the injection points. These reactions are common, temporary and generally disappear within a few days.
Avoiding massage of the treated area, intense physical exertion, prolonged exposure to significant heat (sauna, steam room) and excessive alcohol consumption during the first 24 hours is recommended.
The result is visible immediately after the session, but its final appearance can be assessed once the slight initial swelling has subsided, generally within a few days.
Which hyaluronic acid should be used for nasolabial folds ?
The acid used for the lifting technique and injection into the canine fossa must be very firm, moderately volumising and have strong lifting capacity.
For hyaluronic acid injection into the wrinkle, if the wrinkle is very superficial, the acid will be injected very superficially and its particles will be very small. Dr Romano uses a highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid deeply or a Skinbooster in the superficial dermis. If there is fat loss in this area, a volumising acid will be injected more deeply.
The two techniques can be combined if necessary, this is known as the sandwich technique.
How can nasolabial folds be reduced in men ?
Men, like women, may wish to correct nasolabial folds.
The techniques used to reduce these folds differ slightly because male skin is thicker and richer in collagen.
The hyaluronic acid used, for example, is often thicker and more cross-linked.
Having the procedure performed by an experienced doctor is important to avoid making the face puffy or feminising it.
How can nasolabial folds
be removed ? Injections of
Sculptra
Sculptra stimulates collagen synthesis.
This product is indicated to improve nasolabial folds when the patient has a significant reduction in skin thickness and fat loss in the cheeks (very hollow cheeks).
As a preventative measure, Dr Romano offers this treatment to all female patients after their thirties, its action works synergistically with hyaluronic acid injections to slow facial ageing.
The number of sessions and injection sites must be adapted to the patient's anatomy.
Nasolabial folds before / after
Before/after photographs of nasolabial fold correction convincingly demonstrate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections for this indication.
Before injection, nasolabial folds can make the face look tired and severe, create an impression of lost volume around the cheeks and mouth, and age the face.
After treatment, the folds are filled, their depth is significantly reduced and the face is rejuvenated overall.
Before/after photographs demonstrate the rapid effectiveness of this non-invasive treatment, which restores a youthful, harmonious appearance while respecting the face's characteristics.
Results of hyaluronic acid on nasolabial folds
Injections to reduce nasolabial folds offer natural results : the face looks rested, softer and more harmonious, the folds are reduced physiologically or completely erased according to the patient's request (which will be respected).
The lifting technique restores the triangle of youth and refines the jawline.
These results are highly appreciated for their subtlety and ability to rejuvenate the face without altering its natural features.
How soon are results visible after an injection ?
Results are visible immediately after treatment. However, slight swelling or redness may occur in the treated areas, generally disappearing within a few hours to a few days.
Final results are often fully visible after a few days, once the product has integrated into the skin tissues and any swelling has subsided.
How long does a nasolabial fold injection last ?
The duration of a nasolabial fold injection depends on the product used, but is generally 9 to 18 months. Hyaluronic acid is naturally resorbed over time. This resorption can be influenced by individual factors such as skin type, the patient's metabolism and lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking, etc.). Maintenance injections are required to preserve results.
Aftercare
Immediate after-effects involve slight swelling. Small bruises are rare and last no more than a few days. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after injections.
Price of a nasolabial fold injection
In Geneva, a hyaluronic acid injection to fill nasolabial folds costs 600 CHF per syringe. A Sculptra injection costs 900 CHF per vial.
What is the price of an injection to reduce nasolabial folds in Geneva ? The price varies according to several factors : the type of product used (particularly firmness and cross-linking), the quantity needed to fill the folds effectively and the technique employed.
Nasolabial fold treatment in Geneva can be performed with hyaluronic acid or Sculptra injections, depending on correction needs and skin type.
Hyaluronic acid injection into nasolabial folds, the most commonly used method, costs between 600 and 1200 CHF per session.
For a more gradual approach and natural stimulation of collagen synthesis, Sculptra is also an effective option, priced at 900 CHF per vial. The choice between these two products depends on the medical assessment, fold depth and the patient's expectations regarding results and longevity.
Can nasolabial fold formation be prevented ?
Nasolabial fold formation is largely caused by natural ageing, loss of skin volume and elasticity, and sagging subcutaneous tissues. Although these folds inevitably appear with age, certain measures can help slow their formation and preserve a youthful facial appearance for longer. A suitable skincare routine, including moisturisers, hyaluronic acid serums and products containing antioxidants such as vitamin C and retinol, can help maintain supple, elastic skin. Daily sun protection is also essential to prevent UV damage, which accelerates skin ageing and encourages wrinkles and folds to form.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, alongside good hydration, is also crucial for skin health. Avoiding skin stressors such as smoking, alcohol and prolonged pollution exposure can help prevent premature ageing. Finally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, can help delay nasolabial fold development.
How can nasolabial folds be reduced naturally ? Facial exercises
Facial exercises are a natural method whose effectiveness in reducing nasolabial folds has not been demonstrated. They involve strengthening facial muscles and improving skin blood circulation, which, according to advocates, may help firm the skin when practised regularly.
Common exercises include holding an exaggerated smile for a few seconds before relaxing, repeated around ten times.
Another exercise, known as the “imaginary balloon”, involves puffing out the cheeks by filling the mouth with air, then slowly moving this air from one cheek to the other.
The “V of youth” exercise targets the area around the lips more specifically : place two fingers of each hand at the mouth corners, pull slightly outwards, then try to smile at the same time.
A meta-analysis combining 18 randomised trials and seven clinical studies assessed hyaluronic acid for correcting nasolabial folds. At six months, the mean severity score had fallen by 1.21 points compared with baseline. This synthesis confirms a measurable improvement in the folds with the gels studied, whose performance and tolerability varied between formulations.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials examined fillers used for nasolabial folds. The mean severity score fell from 3.23 before injection to 1.79 one month afterwards, then rose to 2.02 at six months. An improvement remained measurable at twelve months. These results combine different products and protocols; they show that a lasting correction is possible without guaranteeing the same duration for every patient.
A randomised trial with blinded assessment compared two hyaluronic acid gels for severe nasolabial folds, with each patient receiving a different gel on each side of the face. At twelve months, around 80% of participants still showed an improvement according to the severity scale used. Both gels were well tolerated. This follow-up illustrates the possible persistence of results with the formulations and quantities studied.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nasolabial fold ?
The nasolabial fold is the crease that runs from the side of the nose towards the corner of the mouth. Naturally present, it becomes more pronounced when smiling. Its presence does not always require treatment. Some folds are normal.
Why do nasolabial folds deepen with age ?
With age, the fat in the cheeks diminishes and the tissues sag, making nasolabial folds more pronounced. Skin laxity and weight loss can also make them more visible.
Should injections target the nasolabial folds or the cheeks ?
If the deepening is caused by loss of cheek volume, injections in the cheeks may be appropriate. If the crease remains pronounced, an injection directly into the fold may complement the correction. The doctor chooses the areas to treat after examining the face.
Can nasolabial folds be softened without injections ?
Yes, in some cases. Treatments for skin laxity may soften the folds, but their effect depends on the cause and depth of the fold.
What are the risks of injections into nasolabial folds ?
Hyaluronic acid injections can cause swelling, bruising or irregularities. Infection or blockage of a blood vessel is also possible. Unusual pain, skin blanching or a visual disturbance after an injection requires immediate medical attention.
Can nasolabial folds be made to disappear completely ?
Treatment can soften them, but complete disappearance is not always possible or desirable. Excessive correction can make the face look swollen and alter the smile.
Further reading
Causes of nasolabial folds
Understand how volume loss, tissue sagging and facial anatomy contribute to the deepening of nasolabial folds.
Which hyaluronic acid should be used for nasolabial folds ?
Discover how fold depth, skin quality and facial movements guide the choice of gel.
Hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds: before and after
Understand the changes sought after injections and how the result evolves over the following months.
