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Nasolabial fold

Nasolabial folds are the creases that run from each side of your nose to the corners of your mouth. While some deepening is natural with age, prominent folds can be softened with dermal fillers, biostimulators, or PDO threads — depending on whether the cause is volume loss, collagen decline, or mid-face laxity.

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What Causes Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds form where the cheek meets the upper lip — a natural crease that deepens with age. The primary driver is volume loss in the mid-face: as fat pads shrink and descend, the tissue above the fold loses its support and the crease becomes more pronounced. Bone resorption in the maxilla accelerates this process.

This is why simply “filling the line” often isn’t the complete answer. A shallow fold in a younger patient may respond well to direct filler placement, but deeper folds in patients with significant mid-face volume loss usually need a strategy that addresses the structural cause — not just the visible crease. Genetics, sun exposure, and smoking all influence how quickly nasolabial folds progress.

Best Treatments for Nasolabial Folds

Treatment depends on whether the fold is primarily a volume problem, a laxity problem, or both. Most patients benefit from some form of filler or biostimulator, but the specific choice depends on how long you want results to last and whether the deeper structure needs attention. Here’s what Dr. Borakowski typically recommends.

Bellafill

For patients who’ve already tried temporary fillers and want something lasting, Bellafill is the only FDA-approved filler with five-year longevity data specifically for nasolabial folds. Its microsphere technology provides immediate correction while building a permanent collagen scaffold underneath — so you’re not refilling the same crease every six to twelve months. That cost-per-year advantage makes it the strongest long-term value for this specific concern. Learn more about Bellafill →

Radiesse

Not everyone is ready for a permanent filler, and that’s where Radiesse fits. It delivers immediate volume correction like any filler, but its calcium hydroxylapatite formula also stimulates your own collagen production over twelve to eighteen months. Think of it as a bridge — longer-lasting than hyaluronic acid fillers, without the permanence of Bellafill. Dr. Borakowski often recommends it for moderately deep folds in patients who want biostimulation without a multi-year commitment. Learn more about Radiesse →

Sculptra

When the nasolabial fold is a symptom of broader mid-face volume loss — not just an isolated crease — filling the line directly doesn’t address what’s actually happening. Sculptra works differently: it gradually rebuilds collagen across the mid-face over several sessions, restoring the structural support that prevents the fold from deepening further. Results develop over months and last two-plus years, making it the better fit when the real problem is facial deflation rather than a single line. Learn more about Sculptra →

PDO Thread Lift

Some nasolabial folds aren’t driven by volume loss at all — they deepen because the mid-face tissue is descending. When laxity is the primary cause, adding filler to the fold can look heavy or unnatural. PDO threads physically reposition the sagging tissue and stimulate collagen along the thread path, addressing the mechanical cause that fillers can’t replicate. Dr. Borakowski typically considers threads when there’s visible mid-face descent alongside the fold. Learn more about PDO Thread Lift →

Most patients begin with the modality that most closely matches their fold depth and primary anatomical driver; additional interventions are added only when clinically indicated. The full list below includes additional options — PRP Biofiller for patients who prefer an all-natural approach, skin resurfacing treatments for texture around the fold, and combination protocols — that may complement your primary treatment plan.

Am I a Good Candidate for Nasolabial Fold Treatment?

Most adults with visible nasolabial folds are good candidates for treatment. The crucial distinction is identifying which underlying anatomical factor must be addressed for a natural, lasting result. Dr. Borakowski assesses each patient’s mid-face structure, skin quality, and the distribution of tissue descent to identify the optimal mix of direct correction, volumetric support, or mechanical lifting required.

How Much Does Nasolabial Fold Treatment Cost?

Current pricing for each treatment is listed below. Total cost depends on the product selected, the number of syringes your anatomy requires, and whether a combination approach is recommended. A personalized assessment during your consultation gives you the most accurate estimate.