What is the difference between nasolabial folds and depressed nasal base?

Generally, the differences between nasolabial folds and nasal base depression include variations in location, causes, affected areas, prevention methods, and improvement approaches. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Different Locations

Nasolabial folds are located in the area from the corners of the mouth to the jawline, appearing as diagonal wrinkles extending downward and outward from the sides of the nose to the outer edges of the mouth. Nasal base depression refers to the area at the base of the nose, specifically the region between the sides of the nostrils and the upper lip, involving sunken appearances in three areas: alar base, nostril base, and columellar base.

2. Different Causes

Nasolabial folds primarily develop due to frequent facial muscle movements such as laughing or making exaggerated expressions, combined with aging-related loss of collagen and elastic fibers in the skin, leading to skin laxity, sagging, and gradual formation of indentations. Nasal base depression is mainly caused by underdevelopment of the bony structure in the nasal base, resulting in a low or hollow appearance. Local trauma or infection may also contribute to tissue damage and indentation.

3. Different Affected Areas

Nasolabial folds tend to deepen with age and affect the overall facial appearance, making the face look older and more stern. Nasal base depression is a localized issue that primarily affects the appearance of the lower part of the nose, causing the face to appear less three-dimensional and full.

4. Different Prevention Methods

Preventing nasolabial folds involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise; avoiding excessive facial expressions; and practicing proper skincare, such as using anti-aging products. Preventing nasal base depression mainly involves avoiding injuries and infections, keeping facial skin clean, and paying attention to the development of facial bones such as the maxilla.

5. Different Improvement Methods

To improve nasolabial folds, facelift surgery can be performed under medical guidance. This procedure uses surgical techniques to make incisions in concealed facial areas, separate and lift the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and then suture them precisely to tighten the skin and enhance facial contours. The general reference cost for facelift surgery is 20,000–120,000 yuan per session. Improvement is typically visible within 10–15 days after surgery, although complications such as infection may occur. To correct nasal base depression, autologous fat grafting can be performed under medical supervision. This involves extracting excess subcutaneous fat from fat-rich areas of the body, purifying it into refined fat particles through special processing, and injecting it into the desired facial areas to improve contour and correct depressions. The general reference cost for autologous fat grafting is 30,000–50,000 yuan per session. Results are usually noticeable within 20–30 days post-surgery, though complications such as skin ulceration may occur.

To maintain a youthful facial appearance, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep, balanced diet, and regular physical activity.