Dear Dr. Seckel Are there any facial implants that work well in the nasal labial folds or do you have to have a face-lift? If facial implants are available what is the possibility that they will move after they are inserted? Thank you, Richard, Queens, NY
Dear Richard,
There are no implants for the Nasal Labial fold. Facial implants have to rest on top of bone and the Nasal Labial fold is primarily a fold of skin hanging from bone but not directly attached to and overlying the facial bone. I use the face lift to improve the folds. Generally facial implants do not move after a period of 10 days after they are inserted. Generally speaking facial implants stay where they are placed, the facial tissues grow tightly around them. That is why it is so important that they be placed accurately during surgery.
Some surgeons try to lift the fold with cheek implants but I do not like the results and do not believe this operation is effective unless the patient has deficient cheekbones to begin with.
Fat injections when done properly by an experienced skilled board certified plastic surgeon can help lessen the depth of the Nasal Labial Fold–but they often look unnatural and 35 to 60% of the fat dissolves and the final result is unreliable.Some surgeons actually cut the fold out and close with sutures–this produces a very unnatural look and I do not recommend it.
The best procedure in my opinion is a face lift or cheek lift followedafter 3-4 months by a filler injection such as Radiesse. The Face lift corrects the basic problem that causes the Nasal Labial Fold, which is lax facial skin. The filler helps camouflage the line caused by the action of your smile muscle.
For more information on face lifts and plastic surgery read Save Your Face or contact me.
Thank you,
Dr Seckel
Boston, Massachusetts