Smile lines run from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth and often deepen with volume loss and repeated expression.
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The nasolabial fold runs from the lateral nasal ala to the corner of the mouth, separating the cheek from the upper lip. It's defined by a fibromuscular condensation in the deep dermis — a structural component that means some degree of fold is anatomically normal and present in almost everyone.
The fold deepens with age as the malar fat pad descends, removing the structural support that kept it shallow. The tissue above the fold loses its anchor and drops, increasing the fold depth and creating a shadow that reads as heaviness across the midface.
When the midface is restored, the fold often takes care of itself.
The nasolabial fold runs from the lateral nasal ala to the corner of the mouth, separating the cheek from the upper lip. It's defined by a fibromuscular condensation in the deep dermis — a structural component that means some degree of fold is anatomically normal and present in almost everyone.
The fold deepens with age as the malar fat pad descends, removing the structural support that kept it shallow. The tissue above the fold loses its anchor and drops, increasing the fold depth and creating a shadow that reads as heaviness across the midface.
When the midface is restored, the fold often takes care of itself.
Folds visible only with expression; resting face smooth.
Early fold visibility at rest as malar descent begins.
Established static folds; midface volume loss accelerates depth.
Deep folds with structural creasing; midface and direct treatment typically both needed.
Nasolabial folds are present only during expression and disappear completely at rest. The midface is full and well-supported.
Early static fold visibility begins as malar fat pad descends. Faint crease at rest that most patients aren't yet concerned about.
Established fold at rest. Most patients notice it as a heaviness or aging quality in the midface. Direct midface support is typically the priority.
Deep, established fold with a structural crease component. Both upstream midface support and direct fold softening are often needed for optimal results.
Reduce the fold depth that creates a shadow of heaviness across the midface
Restore the cheek volume that's allowing the fold to deepen
Look less tired and less aged without looking overfilled
At CAMI, smile line assessment starts with the cheek. If the fold is primarily the result of midface descent, we treat the cheek first — restoring the support that's allowing the fold to deepen. For many patients, this alone substantially softens the fold without ever placing product into it.
When direct fold treatment is appropriate, we use mid-to-firm flexible fillers that can soften the crease without creating rigidity on movement. We evaluate and treat in a staged approach when needed, allowing the midface correction to settle before assessing whether direct fold treatment adds value.
