Nasolabial folds

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Nasolabial folds are the deep wrinkles or lines that form from the bottom of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They are also known as "smile lines" or "laugh lines". These folds are a normal part of the human facial anatomy, and become more prominent with age as the skin loses its elasticity and volume.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The anatomy of the nasolabial folds involves several facial structures. The fold is formed by the movement of several facial muscles, including the levator labii superioris and the zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor muscles. The skin overlying these muscles is attached to the underlying facial structures, and this attachment creates the fold.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Nasolabial folds become more prominent with age as the skin loses its elasticity and volume. This is due to the natural aging process, which involves the loss of collagen and elastin, two proteins that help to maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. Other factors that can contribute to the development of nasolabial folds include sun exposure, smoking, and genetic factors.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There are several treatment options available for reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds. These include dermal fillers, which are injected into the skin to add volume and smooth out the folds; laser resurfacing, which uses laser energy to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin; and facelift surgery, which involves the surgical removal of excess skin and the tightening of the underlying facial muscles.

See also[edit | edit source]

Nasolabial folds Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD