Nasolabial Filler – A Trendy Aesthetic Treatment or a Relic of the Past?

Many people notice their nasolabial folds by chance. Makeup no longer goes on smoothly, light hits the face differently, and the reflection in the mirror looks tired, even when you feel refreshed. Your gaze always wanders to the same spots: the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Nasolabial folds are rarely the main problem. Often, they are a visible sign that a lot has happened in the entire midface.

The varied changes in the faces of older adults:

• The skin loses its elasticity
• fat tissues shrink and shift position
• the facial support structures weaken
• even the bones change

As all these changes accumulate, the nasolabial folds begin to stand out more and more clearly.

Filling nasolabial folds does not automatically mean injecting filler directly into the crease itself. In fact, filler treatment may not always be the best option for correcting nasolabial folds.

– Aesthetic Nurse Essi Ojala

This article explains

• Why do nasolabial folds form?
• How are nasolabial folds filled?
• Who is a good candidate for nasolabial filler?
• What kind of results can one realistically expect?
• What are the benefits, limitations, and drawbacks associated with filler treatments?
• What are some genuinely good alternatives when you don't want to undergo filler treatment?

Five Facts About Nasolabial Folds

1. Nasolabial folds – the problem lies deeper than the skin

If facial aging were simply a matter of the skin wrinkling, the solutions would be simple.

In reality, most of the changes associated with aging occur far deeper than the skin's surface. These changes also begin long before they become visible in the mirror.

• As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and supple.
• At the same time, the subcutaneous fat pads lose volume and sink down slightly.
• Muscles and muscle membranes also age.
• Even the facial bones change.

Individual changes associated with aging are so subtle that they go unnoticed. However, as these changes accumulate, the proportions of the face change surprisingly much.

• Support for the midface decreases
• The cheeks drop just a little lower
• Nasolabial folds become more visible.

It's easy to focus on the fine lines visible on the skin, even though the real problem lies deeper.

2. The tissue support of the nasolabial region develops in the midface

Even the deepest plot doesn't always reveal where the real problem lies.

• A scar may appear in one place, even though its cause lies elsewhere.
• An aesthetic problem is almost always solved right where it arose.
• Simply filling in the lines doesn't always produce the most natural or beautiful result.

Unless the nasolabial fold is caused by atrophy of the nasolabial region, compulsively filling the fold can make the middle and lower parts of the face appear heavier. In the worst-case scenario, repeated filler treatments can result in what is known as “pillow face.”

– Essi Ojala

Aesthetic medicine does not focus on just one feature, but rather on the anatomy and balance of the entire face. The role of an experienced professional is to determine the true cause of each change and to address the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.

Sometimes the solution lies in the skin of the nasolabial area. Even more often, the problem is resolved by building up tissue support in the cheeks or even the entire midface area.

As support in the midface decreases and the tissues of the cheeks sag, the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth also become more pronounced. A good result is achieved by treating the actual cause of the change, not just the visible lines.

3. The skeletal structure determines the basic outline of the face

Have you ever wondered why your peers seem to have almost no wrinkles, even though your own nasolabial folds have been visible for years? The explanation lies in your genetic makeup.

You can think of the facial skeleton as the load-bearing structure of a house. If the load-bearing structures are different, the overall structure resting on top of them will also look different. Our genes determine the shape of our facial bones, the height of our cheekbones, the structure of our upper jaw, and also how much support the area around the sides of the nose and the mouth receives.

You shouldn't compare your own photo to a friend's. Comparing it to a photo of your mom or dad is actually a much smarter idea.

In aesthetic medicine, treatment is not planned based on age. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s facial structure and the unique progression of aging changes.

4. The Mirror Reveals Everyday Choices

Genes set the stage. But that’s not the end of the story. The way you live and care for your skin shows on your face—albeit gradually and quite subtly.

• Sunbathing, smoking, and drastic weight fluctuations accelerate the inevitable weakening of the skin's natural support structure.
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits make the skin saggy and rob it of its elasticity.
• Even the subcutaneous fat pads are affected.
• As a result of a life of indulgence, nasolabial folds become more pronounced sooner than they should.

You can't stop aging—and why would you want to? You can, however, chart a course for yourself that will keep you looking fresh and beautiful as the decades go by.

– Essi Ojala

Regular skincare, sun protection, and a healthy lifestyle are small steps. Yet they have a lasting impact well into the future.

5. Every nasolabial fold has its own story

The nasolabial folds of two people may look almost identical. Yet the underlying causes can be completely different. In one person, the folds are related to the sagging of soft tissues; in another, to the facial skeleton; and in a third, to skin aging.

This is precisely why there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. What works for one person may not necessarily be the best solution for another.

In aesthetic medicine, the focus is always on the face as a whole—not just on what you see first in the mirror.

– Surgeon Ville Männistö

Once the true cause of the change is identified, treatment can be tailored to the individual. The result is not just a reduction in nasolabial folds, but a balanced and youthful appearance that looks natural.

Sometimes, traditional nasolabial filler is the right solution

Nasolabial fold fillers are a good option when the line is clearly defined and there is no significant loss of midface support underlying it. In such cases, even a small amount of filler can reduce the visibility of the line and restore timeless harmony to the face.

The goal of filler treatment is not to completely eliminate fine lines, but to make the change look as natural as possible. Small irregularities and wrinkles are a natural part of a living person’s face, and they should be visible when the person smiles and speaks.

The natural-looking result is such that an outsider can't tell what has happened to the face.

Basic nasolabial filler treatment can be a good solution, for example, when

• The twitch is also noticeable when the face is at rest
• The cheek area remains firm and well-defined
• The crack can be repaired with a small amount of filler
• The goal is a subtle and natural change

It's not always a good idea to inject filler directly into a vein

The most obvious problem isn't always the right target for treatment.

If a nasolabial fold has formed because of a loss of cheek volume, simply filling the fold can lead to a heavy and unnatural-looking result. The fold can be temporarily made less pronounced, but the overall appearance of the face will not improve.

Direct nasolabial filler injection may not be the best solution if

• The fullness of the cheeks has clearly decreased
• The streaks are mainly caused by tissue settling
• The buildup makes the area feel heavy or swollen

Less is more

In aesthetic medicine, success is not measured by the amount of filler used, but by the final result. The more natural the face looks, the more successful the treatment has been.

The nasolabial area is a good example of this. Excessive filler can make the face look stiff or heavy, even if the intention was the opposite. That is why a moderate approach is often the best solution.

Often, the most successful results are achieved when facial balance is corrected in small steps and, if necessary, in several sessions.

"A good treatment plan doesn't start with a filler injection or milliliters," Essi points out. "It starts with a careful analysis of the face."

What on earth is the pyriform fossa?

Many people think that nasolabial folds are corrected by injecting filler into the entire depth of the fold. In reality, the best solution may actually be found right next to the nose.

The pyriform fossa is a bony depression located on the side of the nose. It serves as one of the support points for the midface. The pyriform fossa supports the side of the nose, the upper lip, and the upper part of the nasolabial fold.

As we age, the bony support of the face decreases. As a result, the sides of the nose sink inward, and the nasolabial folds appear deeper than before.

You can compare this situation to a tent. If a support pole sags downward, simply smoothing out the fabric won’t solve the problem. When the support is restored to its proper position, the surrounding structure will also settle more evenly.

The filler injected into the pyriform fossa supports and lifts the deepest part of the nasolabial fold.

Nursing techniques may be considered, particularly when

• There is a distinct indentation next to the nose
• The deepest shadow of the nasolabial folds is at the sides of the nose
• The area between the upper lip and the nose appears to have lost its support
• Filling a straight groove would require a lot of filler material
• An anatomical study shows that bony support has decreased

The treatment is usually performed using a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler. The filler is injected deeply, close to the bone. The appropriate amount, product, and injection technique are always selected based on the anatomy of the face.

The pyriform fossa is an anatomically challenging treatment area, as many important blood vessels run through this region. The procedure is always performed by a healthcare professional who is well-versed in facial anatomy and the management of filler complications, and who has extensive experience with filler treatments.

Here's how nasolabial filler treatment is performed

Many people are more nervous about their first filler treatment than they need to be. In reality, nasolabial fold filler treatment is a fairly quick appointment, and the most important part is over before the first injection is even given.

A thorough assessment is the foundation of a successful outcome.

Before injecting the filler, the aesthetic doctor or nurse will examine the anatomy of your face, assess the underlying causes of your nasolabial folds, and discuss with you what kind of result will look good and natural on your specific face.

– Aesthetic Nurse Essi Ojala

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment begins with an examination of the face and continues with the development of a personalized treatment plan. Once the analysis and planning are complete, the treatment area is cleansed. The hyaluronic acid filler is then injected into the targeted areas using a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula.

The filler is injected gradually, and the progress of the treatment is assessed throughout the procedure. The goal is not to fill the lines as much as possible, but to restore balance, radiance, and luminosity to the face. If necessary, more filler can be added later.

Adding filler is always easier than removing it.

– Ville Männistö

The injection itself usually takes about 15–30 minutes.

Does the treatment hurt?

Most people describe the treatment as mildly uncomfortable. The injections usually feel like small pinpricks. Juvéderm fillers contain a local anesthetic, which makes the treatment more comfortable. If necessary, the treatment area can also be numbed before the procedure.

The pain is quite mild. Many people find the sensation of pressure more unpleasant than the pain itself.

– Surgeon Ville Männistö

When will the results be available?

The change is visible immediately after the procedure, as the filler instantly adds volume to the treated area. However, the final result can only be assessed once the initial swelling has subsided and the filler has settled—that is, integrated into the tissues.

You shouldn't judge the success of the treatment immediately after leaving the clinic or even during the first week. Swelling doesn't subside at the same rate in all areas. That's why the treated areas may even look asymmetrical.

The success of the treatment can be reliably assessed no sooner than two weeks later.

How long do the results last?

The effects of nasolabial filler injections are temporary. Hyaluronic acid is gradually broken down by the body, which is why the effects diminish over time. Factors that influence the duration of the results include the type of filler used, the treatment area, individual metabolism, and facial movements.

Many patients enhance the results of their treatment with regular maintenance sessions before the filler has completely dissipated. The appropriate treatment interval is always determined on an individual basis during the consultation, based on the patient’s facial anatomy, treatment goals, and previous results.

The results of nasolabial filler injections can also be enhanced and maintained with collagen-stimulating treatments.

– Aesthetic Nurse Essi Ojala

Nasolabial Fold Filler: Before and After

Few people hope to look completely different after treatment, and even fewer want to look like they’ve had work done. Most people want to regain a rested, refreshed, and youthful version of themselves. This is precisely the result that nasolabial filler treatments aim to achieve.

At their best, you’ll notice the results of your skincare routine yourself every morning when you look in the mirror. Outsiders, however, won’t be able to pinpoint why your face looks so refreshed. They might just ask if you’ve been sleeping better than usual or if you’ve been on vacation.

Fall in love with the natural-looking results

The goal of successful filler treatment is not to create a flawless face. Small lines are a natural part of life and contribute to one’s unique facial features.

When dermal filler treatment is performed skillfully, the results look natural even when you smile, speak, or make facial expressions.

Patience is key

One of the most important principles of aesthetic medicine is moderation. It is not necessary—nor advisable—to remove every single wrinkle. Excessive filling can make the face look heavy and puffy, even if the intention is the opposite.

I doubt any of us miss the duck lips, overfilled lips, and "pillow face" caricatures from ten years ago.

The best results are achieved when only those changes that truly disrupt the balance of the face are addressed. Sometimes even a small correction is enough to transform the entire appearance. When the treated face still looks like your own, the results are long-lasting and will continue to please you for a long time.

How much does nasolabial filler cost?

It’s not a good idea to judge the cost of nasolabial filler based on the price per syringe or per milliliter. The practitioner’s technical and aesthetic expertise is more important than the number of milliliters.

"Above all, you're paying for careful and safe treatment, modern, professional injection techniques, and a natural-looking result," Ville explains.

Nevertheless, filler treatments are generally priced based on the amount of filler used. Sometimes one milliliter of filler injected directly into a wrinkle is sufficient; at other times, the best results are achieved by treating a larger area and using more filler.

Beauty Has Its Downsides—The Risks of Filler Treatments

Nasolabial filler injections are a common cosmetic procedure, but as with all filler treatments, they also carry side effects and risks. Safety depends on careful patient selection, knowledge of facial anatomy, proper injection technique, and the ability to quickly identify and treat any potential problems.

The Most Common Side Effects

Most symptoms following filler treatment are common and temporary. The most common include redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, mild pain, tingling, and itching at the injection sites. During the first few days, the treated area may also feel firmer or harder than usual. All of these symptoms are part of the normal healing process and will gradually subside.

The swelling is most severe during the first few mornings.

Swelling may subside unevenly and at different rates. The first couple of weeks will require patience.

– Ville Männistö

For this reason, your face may look slightly different—and even asymmetrical—each day during the first few weeks. You should not evaluate the final result immediately after treatment, but rather 2–4 weeks after treatment.

Serious complications are rare but possible. Therefore, dermal filler treatments should always be performed at a healthcare professional’s office, where any potential problems can be quickly identified and properly treated.

Hyaluronidase is an absolute must in a filler specialist’s first-aid kit. Being prepared to use hyaluronidase is part of their professional expertise.

– Essi Ojala

When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?

You should feel free to contact your treatment center if your symptoms are concerning or differ from what is described in the aftercare instructions. It is also advisable to contact them if the pain increases significantly, the swelling worsens after several days, or the treated area begins to look abnormal.

It is also important to seek medical attention promptly if the skin color changes noticeably to a lighter or darker shade, the area feels extremely painful, or you develop a high fever or other sudden symptoms. Serious complications are rare, but it is important to recognize them early.

A good healthcare provider will give you clear aftercare instructions and contact information that you can use even after your actual appointment.

Aftercare Instructions (fi & en)

Nasolabial Filler or Cheek Filler Treatment?

A logical thought: if a plot point is distracting, just fill it in. But what if the visible change isn't actually the problem?

Let's think about a house for a moment. If a superficial crack appears in the wall of a house, you can fill it in and paint over it to hide it. But if the crack is caused by a sinking foundation, a surface treatment isn't enough. The foundation must be repaired.

A similar phenomenon can occur on the face. If nasolabial folds are caused by the midface losing its support over the years, simply filling the folds will not produce the best or most natural-looking result. The folds may smooth out temporarily, but the underlying problem will not go away.

An experienced aesthetic medicine professional always considers the big picture.

"First, we figure out what's really causing the change. Only then do we decide which area to treat and how," Essi explains.

Filler treatment for the cheeks…

If the central part of the face has changed, dermal filler treatment in the cheeks can restore volume to the area and, at the same time, reduce the visibility of the nasolabial fold. In such cases, the fold itself may not need to be filled at all, or it may be corrected only very moderately.

… or nasolabial folds

If the face is well-proportioned and has good posture, and the change is mainly limited to the nasolabial area, the filler can be injected directly into the wrinkle.

Often, the best results are achieved by combining both treatment methods: first, the cheeks are gently supported and lifted with filler; then, a small amount of filler is injected into the deepest parts of the nasolabial folds, at the sides of the nose.

– Surgeon Ville Männistö

Nasolabial folds don't always require fillers

Filling nasolabial folds is an effective treatment, but dermal fillers are not always the best option. If the lines are caused by sagging skin, a loss of collagen, or the drooping of facial tissues, a more natural-looking result can be achieved using entirely different methods.

Often, the best treatment plan is created by combining different techniques. The goal is not to fill every wrinkle, but to restore balance to the face as naturally as possible.

Profhilo Structura

Profhilo Structura has been developed for cases where facial fat tissue has diminished and support in the midface has weakened. The treatment targets subcutaneous fat pads—deeper than traditional Profhilo.

• Provides support for the face without a plumping effect
• Particularly suitable for treating signs of aging in the mid-face
• Reduces the appearance of nasolabial folds by revitalizing subcutaneous fat pads
• The end result looks natural
• Particularly beneficial for aging skin

Structura is not a filler but rather a biostimulator. It does not alter the size or shape of facial features but rather activates the tissues’ own anti-aging responses.

Mint Lift 

If the problem is sagging facial tissue, thread lifts may offer a better solution than fillers. The threads can be used to support and lift the tissue.

• Suitable for mild to moderate tissue sagging
• Affects the central part of the face in particular
• Reduces fine lines by lightening the appearance of the nasolabial area
• Stimulates collagen production
• The recovery time is fairly short

Collagen-stimulating injection treatments

Sometimes the most important thing is to strengthen the skin's own support structure.

Collagen stimulators are suitable for these kinds of needs.

• Stimulate the skin's own collagen production
• The collagen produced makes the skin firmer than before
• The final result will become apparent over the coming weeks following the course of treatment
• In the midface, the effect may also be visible as a reduction in the depth of the nasolabial folds
• Can be combined with other aesthetic treatments and customized in virtually unlimited ways

Botox treatment

Botox is rarely the first-line treatment for nasolabial folds, but in certain situations, Botox complements the rest of the treatment plan.

• Affects muscle function; is not filling or rich
• Suitable for reducing nasolabial folds only in carefully selected patients
• Does not replace filler treatment
• Can be used as part of a comprehensive facial balancing routine

Combined Treatments Lead to Success!

It’s rare for a single treatment to solve everything. Nasolabial folds result from the combined effect of several factors, so it’s best to plan your treatment as a comprehensive approach:

• The filler plumps and firms the skin
• Profhilo Structura strengthens the subcutaneous fat pads
• The threads lift the sagging cheeks
• Collagen-stimulating treatments firm the skin

The best treatment does not necessarily fill in the lines. The best treatment corrects the very change that originally caused the nasolabial folds.

Before even the first injection, the anatomy of the entire face is assessed. Good planning is half the battle.

– Essi Ojala

Get Rid of Nasolabial Lines at Home

Nasolabial folds cannot be removed at home, nor can their formation be completely prevented. They are a natural part of the face’s anatomy and the aging process.

However, there are surprisingly many factors that can influence the rate at which veins develop—including home remedies.

The secret lies in skin health. Fine lines develop more slowly on well-cared-for, firm, and supple skin. Small, everyday choices make the biggest difference.

The goal of anti-aging skincare isn't perfectly smooth skin, but skin that looks healthy, radiant, and vibrant year after year.

Focus on what matters:

• Strengthen your skin's collagen with a retinol-infused night cream
• Use sunscreen year-round
• Moisturize your skin regularly
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a varied diet and maintain a stable weight

Keep your zest for life and cherish your inner beauty as well.

Strengthen your skin from the inside

Skin health begins deeper than what you see in the mirror. When the skin’s support network remains strong, the signs of aging won’t catch you off guard.

From the perspective of an aesthetic nurse, the most important thing is not to search for a single miracle product, but to build a comprehensive, effective regimen. This regimen includes a healthy lifestyle, a consistent skincare routine, and ingredients with scientifically proven benefits.

Manage Your Weight

Weight management also plays a role, as significant fluctuations in weight alter the soft tissues of the face. Subcutaneous fat gives the face a plump appearance. Losing weight reduces subcutaneous fat, while gaining weight increases it.

Constant weight fluctuations cause significant damage to the nasolabial area, among other places.

Collagen is the skin's most important structural protein

Collagen is the skin's most important connective tissue protein. Up to 70% of the skin's protein is collagen. Its importance is enormous.

As we age, the production of new collagen slows down. The skin becomes thinner and loses its firmness. Fine lines begin to show more clearly than before.

Collagen production cannot be boosted back to youthful levels after one's youth, but it can still be increased

• a varied diet
• with an adequate protein intake
• by using sunscreen
• by not smoking
• with a consistent skincare routine

In the past, collagen supplements were largely viewed as a matter of faith. Current research indicates that collagen supplements provide a slight benefit to skin hydration and elasticity. However, they are by no means a miracle cure. *

*)
– Myung SK, Park Y. Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The American Journal of Medicine. 2025.
– Pu SY, Huang YL, et al. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023.
– Danessa G, Notario D, Regina R. Effects of collagen-based supplements on skin’s hydration and elasticity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2025.

Skin Care Schedule

Good skincare won't eliminate nasolabial lines, but it helps the skin look brighter, smoother, and more supple. Clear, healthy, and well-cared-for skin goes a long way, even when there are lines and other signs of aging.

Three important products:

• day cream with SPF 50
• a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type
• night cream containing retinol

Protect your skin from the sun

The sun breaks down collagen and accelerates photoaging.

It's a good idea to incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the face into your daily skincare routine year-round, even on cloudy days.

Protecting your skin from the sun is not only a beauty measure but also a health measure.

Moisturize regularly

Hydrated skin looks fresher and smoother than dry skin. Although moisturizer does not eliminate nasolabial folds, it can help reduce the appearance of lines accentuated by surface dryness and strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Sometimes the most effective skincare tip is also the simplest: moisturize your skin regularly and give it time to heal.

Intensive Retinol Treatment

If the goal is to slow down visible signs of aging, retinoids are among the most well-researched active ingredients in skincare. They promote skin renewal and gently support collagen production.

It’s best to introduce retinols and other retinoids gradually. At first, your skin may become red or dry, but with consistent use and by following the instructions, these side effects will subside.

The side effects of retinoids are minimized using the "hamburger" technique: moisturizer on the bottom, retinoids in the middle, and moisturizer on top.