Nasolabial fold treatment, Wakefield, Yorkshire
If you’ve noticed deeper lines running from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth, you’re not alone. Nasolabial folds, also called smile lines or laugh lines, are one of the most common signs of facial ageing, and for many people, they’re one of the first areas to draw attention in the mirror. While they’re completely natural and form as part of our expressions, they can start to look more permanent over time. Thankfully, there are several non-surgical treatments that can soften their appearance and restore a fresher, more balanced look to your face.
Why do nasolabial folds form in the first place?
Nasolabial folds are caused by a combination of factors. As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, two of the key proteins responsible for keeping it firm and resilient. At the same time, the fat pads in our face begin to shift and shrink, particularly in the cheeks. This results in less volume and support in the mid-face, causing the skin to fold more deeply into the nasolabial area. Repetitive facial movement also contributes, but the biggest driver is structural change.
Interestingly, nasolabial folds are not always best treated directly. While they may appear to be the problem, they’re often a symptom of volume loss higher up in the face. That’s why a good practitioner will assess the face as a whole before jumping in with treatment, because the most natural results come from understanding where support is truly needed.
Dermal fillers: Restoring structure and softening the fold
Dermal fillers are often the first treatment we consider when addressing nasolabial folds. But it’s not just about injecting directly into the line. In many cases, the fold is the result of a lack of volume higher up in the cheek. By carefully restoring this volume with filler, we can gently lift the mid-face, which in turn reduces the depth of the fold itself.
In some cases, we may also place a small amount of filler directly into the fold to refine the result, but always with a light hand. The goal is not to erase all movement or expression, it’s to support the natural structure of the face and soften areas that have lost their definition. When done well, filler in this area creates a subtle yet noticeable difference that simply makes you look more open, rested, and energised.
HIFU: Tightening and lifting the lower face
For those who aren’t ready for filler or prefer a treatment that focuses on lifting rather than volume, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) can be an excellent option. HIFU works by delivering focused ultrasound energy deep beneath the skin to stimulate collagen production and contract the deeper tissues. Over time, this leads to firmer, tighter skin and a subtle lift in the areas most prone to sagging.
When it comes to nasolabial folds, HIFU doesn’t fill or plump the line, but it can help reduce its depth by lifting the cheek and improving skin firmness. It’s a good choice if you’re starting to see early sagging or want to firm up the lower face without injectables. Results appear gradually over two to three months, and for the right candidate, it can provide a noticeable improvement in facial contour and fold definition.
Morpheus8: Skin tightening with added depth
Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that’s particularly effective for improving both skin texture and firmness. It works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin while delivering heat deep into the dermis, stimulating collagen and elastin in a more targeted way than traditional microneedling alone.
For nasolabial folds, Morpheus8 doesn’t add volume like fillers do, but it can significantly improve the structure and quality of the skin around the fold. It’s especially beneficial for patients experiencing early to moderate laxity and who want a treatment that improves firmness without downtime. While results take a few weeks to build, the gradual tightening and strengthening of the skin around the fold can make the area appear smoother and more supported.
So, which treatment is right for you?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some, the best approach is restoring volume with expertly placed filler. For others, especially those noticing early signs of sagging, HIFU or Morpheus8 may be a better starting point. Often, a combination of treatments provides the most balanced and natural result. What matters most is choosing a plan that addresses not just the fold itself, but the overall facial structure and what’s contributing to the change.
If you’re noticing your smile lines deepening and want to explore your options, we’d love to help. Book a consultation at our Wakefield Clinic and we’ll talk through your concerns, assess your facial structure, and recommend the most effective way to soften the folds while maintaining your natural expressions and individuality.
