Why Have My Nasolabial Folds Suddenly Deepened?
Mar 17, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Qiang
Introduction
Why Do Nasolabial Folds Suddenly Deepen?
1. Medical Conditions: Certain diseases can cause laxity and downward displacement of the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue, thereby deepening the nasolabial folds.
2. Rapid Weight Loss: Excessive or rapid weight loss may outpace the skin’s ability to retract, resulting in increased prominence of the nasolabial folds.
3. Skin Aging: As we age, collagen and moisture in the skin gradually diminish, contributing to the formation and deepening of nasolabial folds.
Nasolabial folds are two vertical lines extending downward from the sides of the nostrils. They represent a classic sign of skin tissue aging, resulting in surface depressions on the face. Their presence often makes individuals appear older. The two primary causes of nasolabial folds are age-related skin laxity and excessive facial expression.
Why Do Nasolabial Folds Suddenly Deepen?
1. Medical Conditions
Certain diseases can cause loosening and downward displacement of skin and subcutaneous fat tissue, thereby contributing to the formation or deepening of nasolabial folds.
2. Rapid Weight Loss
Significant or rapid weight loss may outpace the skin’s ability to retract fully due to diminished elasticity, leading to deeper nasolabial folds.
3. Skin Aging
As we age, the skin naturally deteriorates: collagen and moisture levels decline, resulting in skin laxity, aging, and facial volume loss—particularly in the midface—which deepens nasolabial folds.
4. Excessive Facial Expressions
Frequent or exaggerated facial movements—especially those involving the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle (located just above the nasolabial fold)—can repeatedly stretch and stress this area, progressively deepening the fold.
5. External Factors
Environmental stressors such as air pollution or radiation exposure, as well as habitual one-sided sleeping positions, may also contribute to the worsening of nasolabial folds.
6. Congenital Skeletal Development
Congenital underdevelopment of the maxilla—particularly the nasal base—can result in naturally deeper nasolabial folds from an early age. Conventional treatments for improving nasolabial folds primarily involve medical devices or minimally invasive procedures.
The above outlines the main reasons why nasolabial folds may suddenly deepen. For pronounced nasolabial folds, treatment options include midface lift surgery (e.g., cheek lift), autologous fat grafting, hyaluronic acid fillers, or collagen-based dermal fillers—all aimed at restoring volume and smoothing the contour. We hope this information is helpful to you.
