Nose to Mouth Lines

What are Nose-to-Mouth Lines?

Nose-to-mouth lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are the creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They naturally develop with ageing and facial movements, and can make the face appear tired or aged.

Causes

Natural Ageing

• Loss of collagen, elastin, and facial fat → skin loses firmness and volume.
• Gravity – pulls skin downward over time.
• Repeated facial expressions – smiling, talking, or frowning deepen the folds.

Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

• Sun exposure → accelerates collagen breakdown.
• Smoking → damages skin and reduces elasticity.
• Poor nutrition or dehydration → skin becomes less resilient.
• Genetics – some people naturally develop deeper folds earlier.

Symptoms / Appearance

• Creases or folds running from nose to mouth corners.
• May deepen over time, becoming more noticeable even at rest.
• Can cause shadowing, contributing to an aged or tired appearance.
• Often accompanies cheek sagging or loss of mid-face volume.

Treatments

Non-Surgical Options

• Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid or collagen stimulators) – restore volume and soften folds.
• Botox® – used in combination with fillers to relax surrounding muscles.
• Thread lifts – reposition sagging skin.
• Laser resurfacing– improve skin texture and firmness.
• Chemical peels – soften superficial lines.
• Skincare – retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.

View our treatments

Surgical Options

• Facelift or mid-face lift – for severe sagging and deep folds.
• Fat transfer – restores lost volume naturally in cheeks and nasolabial area.

Prevention

• Sun protection (SPF 30+) to prevent premature collagen loss.
• Maintain hydration and a collagen-friendly diet.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
• Medical-grade skincare – retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides help maintain elasticity.
• Early professional treatments can slow progression of deep folds.

FAQs

Q1. At what age do nasolabial folds appear?
They often start in the late 20s to 30s, becoming more pronounced in the 40s and 50s.

Q2. Can fillers completely remove nose-to-mouth lines?
Fillers soften and lift the folds significantly, but very deep lines may require combination treatments.

Q3. Are nasolabial folds the same as marionette lines?
No – nasolabial folds run from nose to mouth, while marionette lines run from mouth corners to chin.

Q4. How long do filler results last in this area?
Typically 6–18 months, depending on filler type and individual metabolism.

Q5. Can skincare prevent these lines?
Skincare helps slow the formation of fine lines, but cannot fully prevent deep folds caused by volume loss and gravity.