Nasolabial Fold Injections
Nasolabial folds are sometimes known as worry lines because they can give the face a troubled appearance. They run from either side of the nose down towards the corners of the mouth.
Nasolabial folds can become particularly deep and have a marked effect on the face and overall appearance. They may make you look worried or unhappy even when you do not feel that way. If they extend into pronounced marionette lines below the corners of the mouth, the impression of age and sadness can become even more noticeable.
Do you simply have to accept nasolabial folds? Fortunately, there are several treatment options and injectable substances available. Nasolabial fold injections in Berlin are a routinely performed procedure at Dottore Caletti’s specialist practice.
What Causes Nasolabial Folds?
Despite their association with worry or sadness, these folds are primarily a consequence of the natural ageing process in the face.
Certain factors can, however, accelerate skin ageing. As a result, lines and folds may develop sooner than we would wish.
What Is a Wrinkle?
Wrinkles develop when the skin no longer returns fully to its original smooth position after movement. This reflects a loss of the elasticity it once had. The facial muscles are constantly active and play an essential part in our expressions and non-verbal communication.
We smile, grimace or purse our lips when concerned. Over time, these repeated facial movements leave increasingly visible lines in the skin.
As the skin loses moisture and elasticity with age, fine lines initially develop where areas of skin repeatedly come together. The skin literally folds with each movement. The less elastic the surrounding tissue becomes, the more readily these lines develop into deeper folds.
Lifestyle Also Plays an Important Part
UV radiation from the sun can accelerate and intensify skin ageing. Adequate sleep, diet, physical activity, hydration, alcohol consumption and other lifestyle choices also affect the condition of the skin.
Smoking and inadequate sun protection both accelerate the development of wrinkles. Certain measures can therefore help to delay visible skin ageing, although most people will develop nasolabial folds sooner or later.
Pronounced nasolabial folds may also appear after a calorie-restricted diet causes rapid, substantial weight loss. Although the lower number on the scales may be welcome, the face can lose a considerable amount of supporting fat and, potentially, fluid in the process. Beyond a certain age, this lost volume may not recover without treatment.
Nasolabial Fold Injections in Berlin – The Treatment
Drawing on my specialist knowledge of aesthetic treatments and cosmetic procedures, I offer several techniques for treating nasolabial folds with injections.
The treatments differ primarily in the injectable substance used to restore volume and soften the folds.
Below, I answer some common questions about nasolabial folds:
- Which injectable substances are available?
- How is the treatment performed?
- What factors are important?
- When will I see the result, and how long will it last?
- Is wrinkle treatment painful?
- How much does treatment cost?
Nasolabial Fold Injections in Berlin – Which Injectable Should Be Used?
A well-established way to treat nasolabial folds is to inject either hyaluronic acid or your own fat. Every treatment is tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy and needs. I place great importance on a thorough consultation before each procedure, allowing potential risks to be assessed and minimised as far as possible.
Hyaluronic Acid for Nasolabial Folds
As explained above, hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and helps retain moisture. Injected hyaluronic acid adds volume and smooths the treated area, making it a well-established option for wrinkle injections in the nasolabial folds.
Hyaluronic acid injections may also have a beneficial secondary effect by supporting the formation of new collagen fibres in the treated area.
Specific gel formulations are available for hyaluronic acid injections. Selecting the appropriate product and technique depends on factors including the depth of the fold and the treating doctor’s experience. Hyaluronic acid gel is generally well tolerated, and treatment is considered relatively low-risk when performed appropriately.
Redness and swelling may occur after treatment. Cooling the treated areas carefully can help, and most patients are able to resume social activities after a short period.
More serious complications are uncommon but may occur, including in the event of an adverse reaction to hyaluronic acid. During a detailed consultation, I assess whether any individual factors could make hyaluronic acid treatment unsuitable for you.
Nasolabial Fold Injections in Berlin – Fat Transfer
If the nasolabial folds are very deep and age-related facial fat loss is substantial, fat transfer may also be considered. In some cases, hyaluronic acid and fat transfer are combined over separate treatment sessions. Fat transfer is a more involved procedure because fat must first be harvested from another area of the body by liposuction. It is then processed and prepared for injection.
This procedure is also considered relatively low-risk when performed correctly by an appropriately qualified and experienced surgeon.
The Importance of Your Doctor’s Experience
The doctor’s experience and technical expertise are crucial to achieving a good result. The appropriate volume of hyaluronic acid or fat must be determined for each treatment. The likely number of sessions is also planned in advance and may be adjusted as treatment progresses. Blunt-tipped cannulas can be used to place the required amount of filler accurately and with less tissue trauma.
A balanced, natural-looking result depends on using the appropriate amount of product, as before-and-after photographs can illustrate. The risk of complications also depends significantly on careful planning and technically correct injection.
Hyaluronic Acid or Fat Transfer for Nasolabial Folds?
The right choice depends on each patient’s anatomy, needs and preferences. In many cases, a combination of the two treatments can complement each other effectively when treating nasolabial folds.
As the less involved option, hyaluronic acid injections are generally the first choice for folds between the nose and mouth, as well as lines around the corners of the mouth. Particularly pronounced lines in this area may require treatment with a sharp needle and a larger volume of product.
When Will the Result Be Visible?
Immediately after treatment, the area around the nasolabial fold may be slightly red and swollen. These effects can sometimes persist for several days, so the final degree of smoothing cannot be assessed just a few minutes after the injection.
Hyaluronic acid begins adding volume within minutes, but it is too early to judge the result at that stage. Once the swelling has subsided and the skin has settled, the outcome becomes clearer.
How Long Can the Result Be Expected to Last?
The duration always varies according to individual anatomy and circumstances. Most patients can expect the result to last for around ten months.
In some patients, the result of nasolabial fold treatment lasts somewhat longer, whilst in others it may persist for only a few months. Hyaluronic acid, and to some extent transferred fat that does not establish a lasting blood supply, is gradually broken down by the body.
The quality of the result matters just as much as the number of months it lasts. When treatment is planned and performed correctly, it can soften nasolabial folds and reduce the sad or tired impression they may create.
Hyaluronic acid injections can restore volume in a way that make-up and topical skincare cannot. By supporting the area around the nose and mouth, treatment can reduce a drooping or unhappy appearance and create smoother, more balanced contours.
Are Nasolabial Fold Injections Painful?
Wrinkle injections are generally not very painful. Although the idea of treatment with a blunt-tipped cannula may sound concerning, it often causes less discomfort than patients expect. A topical anaesthetic cream can also be used. Any discomfort after treatment should usually remain mild. Pain tolerance varies, however, and every nasolabial fold treatment is individual. The level of discomfort associated with fat transfer likewise depends on the specific procedure and personal circumstances.
After the Procedure
Appropriate sun protection is important after any cosmetic treatment.
Immediately after nasolabial fold injections, cooling can help reduce swelling and mild redness. You can usually return to everyday activities quickly, although strenuous exercise should generally be avoided for one week.
How Much Do Nasolabial Fold Injections Cost in Berlin?
Only an approximate cost range can be provided before consultation. Treatment generally costs from €350 to more than €600. If you have particularly pronounced nasolabial folds and fat transfer is required, the cost will be higher. All fees are discussed transparently during your consultation, so you will know the expected cost before proceeding with nasolabial fold treatment.
For Natural-Looking Facial Results – Practice Caletti
Nasolabial folds can have a considerable effect on how you perceive your appearance. As a specialist in aesthetic treatments, I use hyaluronic acid or fat transfer to achieve balanced, natural-looking results. The downturned or unhappy expression created by these characteristic deep folds need not remain unchanged. Together, we can determine the most suitable treatment for your individual needs.
My team and I will be pleased to answer your questions if you are considering nasolabial fold injections in Berlin. Personalised advice is central to our practice and just as important as the quality of the treatment itself. Over the days and weeks following hyaluronic acid injections, the area around the mouth and nose can appear smoother, fresher and more youthful. Contact us here to arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation.