6 Causes of Nasolabial Folds: Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment vs. Smile Line Needles

As women age, they begin to notice wrinkles appearing on various parts of the face, especially the common nasolabial folds. Generally, wrinkles can be classified into three types: superficial wrinkles, expression wrinkles, and deep wrinkles. Superficial wrinkles are caused by dehydration; expression wrinkles appear mostly on the upper face, such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet; while the most familiar nasolabial folds (also called “smile lines”) are deep wrinkles — signs of aging and an extension of expression lines.

Facing prominent nasolabial folds, many women are unsure how to address them. To solve this issue effectively, it’s essential first to understand your type of nasolabial folds, the underlying causes, and then select the right treatment. We’ll also explore the differences between smile line needles and Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment, highlighting which option excels in comfort, safety, and effectiveness.

1

What Are Nasolabial Folds? Also Known as Smile Lines or “Bitterness Lines”!

Nasolabial folds are a familiar term with many alternative names: smile lines, puppet lines, figure-eight lines, and the lesser-known “bitterness lines”. They are called “bitterness lines” because they give a subtle impression of sadness. Despite the different names, all refer to the same facial folds extending from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth.

These lines can make one appear more mature, and many women wish to minimize their appearance to maintain a youthful look. Young women often monitor whether their nasolabial folds are deepening, as pronounced folds can make their faces look older than their actual age.

2

The 6 Main Causes of Smile Lines — Beyond Genetics, Aging, and Facial Expressions

Typically, smile lines arise from genetics, natural skin aging, and frequent facial expressions. But other factors contribute as well, including UV exposure, air pollution, sudden weight loss, and lifestyle habits. Let’s explore which factors might be causing your smile lines:

1. Genetics

Smile lines, like facial features, can be inherited. Some women are predisposed to deep folds due to their facial structure. For example, high cheekbones or dental misalignment can make facial muscles pull more on the skin, increasing the risk of pronounced folds.

2. Natural Skin Aging

As we age, collagen levels decline and skin loses elasticity, leading to sagging. Collagen acts as a natural filler for facial hollows, so reduced collagen means folds deepen over time.

3. Frequent Facial Expressions

Smiling, laughing, frowning, or other expressive movements engage numerous facial muscles. Repeated movement in these areas can deepen folds, creating dynamic wrinkles. Severe folds may remain visible even when the face is at rest, forming static wrinkles.

4. UV Exposure and Air Pollution

UV rays damage the skin’s protective barrier, accelerate aging, and encourage pigmentation. Pollution adds further stress, making proper skincare and sun protection essential.

5. Rapid Weight Loss

Fast weight loss can reduce facial fat and collagen quickly, causing hollowing and more pronounced folds.

6. Lifestyle Habits

Habits like resting your head on your hands, sleeping on one side, or applying skincare products too aggressively can tug at facial skin, gradually worsening folds.

Understanding the causes allows for targeted solutions, whether aiming to reduce existing folds or prevent new ones.

3

The 3 Types of Nasolabial Folds — Which One Are You?

To effectively reduce nasolabial folds, identifying your fold type is crucial:

1. Hollow Type

Hollow smile lines are caused by age-related collagen loss and facial hollows. High cheekbones or certain facial structures can make these folds deeper. A smile line needle can fill in the depressions, smoothing the skin surface effectively.

2. Muscle Type

Muscle-type folds result from frequent facial expressions. Upper folds near the nose may deepen from frowning, mid-folds above the mouth from laughing or speaking, and lower folds near the mouth from pursing lips. Smile line needles can stimulate collagen growth and reduce overactive muscles, smoothing these expression-related wrinkles.

3. Sagging / Aging Type

Aging folds appear due to sagging cheeks and weakened facial muscles. Non-invasive treatments like Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment can tighten the underlying skin, lifting the cheeks and improving overall facial contours without injections.

4

Are Nasolabial Folds Needles “Universal”? How Risky Are They?

Nasolabial folds needles can effectively fill and lift various fold types. The treatment injects fillers into hollow areas, smoothing the skin and stimulating collagen production. Different fold types may require different injection techniques and fillers.

However, any invasive procedure carries risks, including potential skin trauma. For optimal results, it’s crucial to work with an experienced and skilled practitioner.

5

Non-Invasive Alternative — Perfect Medical’s Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment

For a painless, non-invasive, and fast-acting solution, the Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment is an excellent alternative to smile line needles, offering superior comfort, safety, and effectiveness.

Unlike needles that inject fillers, Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate natural collagen production, lifting and firming the skin from within. Its patented technology works from the surface to deeper layers, enhancing elasticity, filling in folds, and rejuvenating the skin without downtime.

The treatment targets the entire nasolabial area and surrounding facial muscles, achieving a tighter, smoother, and more youthful appearance. Because it is non-invasive, it is particularly suitable for those sensitive to pain.

First-time clients can enjoy a complimentary trial session of Thermage FLX, along with a professional skin analysis. Experience smoother, firmer skin after just one session!