Why do nasolabial folds become more pronounced after losing weight, and what can be done about it?

Oct 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Han Xuefeng

Introduction

In general, weight loss reduces fat in the cheeks, leading to skin laxity that accumulates around the nasolabial folds, causing them to deepen and lengthen. This can be improved through balanced diet, massage, and similar methods. If these measures are ineffective, medical aesthetic treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers, autologous fat grafting, botulinum toxin injections, thread lifting, or facelift surgery can be used to eliminate nasolabial folds.

In general, weight loss can reduce fat in the cheeks, causing the skin to become loose and accumulate around the nasolabial folds, thereby deepening and lengthening them. This can be improved through balanced nutrition, massage, and other methods. If these measures are ineffective, medical aesthetic treatments such as hyaluronic acid fillers, autologous fat transfer, botulinum toxin injections, thread lifts, or facelift surgery may be used to reduce nasolabial folds. Results vary from person to person; it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and follow professional medical advice to choose an appropriate method.

In daily life, maintain a balanced diet and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits such as oranges, strawberries, and broccoli. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, while vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help prevent skin aging. Before bedtime, facial massage can also be performed: using the index and middle fingers of both hands, start from the chin and massage upward along the jawline toward the temples, repeating 10–15 times per session. Massage helps improve facial blood circulation, enhancing nutrient delivery to skin cells, stimulating facial muscles and tissues, increasing muscle elasticity, and improving facial fullness.

Medical Aesthetic Treatments for Nasolabial Folds:

Procedure	Hyaluronic Acid Fillers	Autologous Fat Transfer	Botulinum Toxin Injections	Thread Lift	Facelift Surgery
Principle	Injecting hyaluronic acid into the nasolabial fold area to fill and smooth the lines	Harvesting excess fat from another body area, processing it, and injecting it into the nasolabial fold area	Using high-concentration acid to break down and remove pigmented spots	Implanting protein threads under the skin to stimulate collagen regeneration	Surgically removing excess skin to achieve skin tightening
Duration	6–12 months	3–8 years	6–12 months	2–3 years	5–10 years
Estimated Cost	3,000–5,000 RMB per session	3,500–10,000 RMB per session	3,000–8,000 RMB per session	5,000–20,000 RMB per session	3,000–13,000 RMB per session
Advantages	1. Quick recovery (3–7 days) 2. No visible scars after treatment	1. Long-lasting results 2. High safety profile	1. Simple procedure 2. High safety	1. Minimal side effects 2. High safety	1. High precision 2. Long-lasting results
Potential Risks	1. Skin infection 2. Allergic reaction	1. Skin laxity 2. Unstable results	1. Allergic reaction 2. Skin irregularities	1. Swelling 2. Thread protrusion	1. Bleeding 2. Postoperative infection