Deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth are among the first visible signs of facial aging. The folds form where skin loses volume and elasticity, and treating them well starts with knowing what actually changes the underlying structure — not what simply claims to. Injectable filler is the standard approach doctors use, and the FDA’s own device database confirms its approval for this exact area.
Why Fillers Are The Standard Treatment
Nasolabial folds are a volume problem. Topical creams mostly hydrate the surface of the skin, while dermal fillers physically plump the crease from beneath. The FDA classifies absorbable soft-tissue fillers as approved for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and skin folds, specifically including nasolabial folds.
Because these are implantable medical devices, a trained professional should always administer them. The FDA notes that approved uses apply to adults 22 years of age or older.
Most modern fillers use hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally present in skin that attracts and holds water. The FDA has approved several specific products for dynamic facial wrinkles and folds such as the nasolabial area. Two contemporary lines stand out in the FDA’s records: Evolysse and RHA.
| Filler Line | Approval Date | Approved Use |
|---|---|---|
| Evolysse Form, Evolysse Smooth | February 2025 | Moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles and folds (includes nasolabial folds), adults 22+ |
| RHA2, RHA3, RHA4 | October 2017 | Moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles and folds (includes nasolabial folds), adults 22+ |
| Non-absorbable fillers | Various | Nasolabial folds and cheek acne scars only |
Older literature also references materials like Restylane, Zyderm, Zyplast, Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast, Hylaform, and autologous fat as options used over the years, though several of those are no longer common in current practice.
Recovery And Aftercare After Injection
What you do in the days after treatment affects how well the area settles.
Swelling and redness are normal in the first day or two. The cold compress approach keeps discomfort manageable without disturbing the product.
A common mistake is assuming all fillers are interchangeable. A practitioner should match the product to your anatomy and the depth of your folds — not just pick whichever brand is on the shelf.
If you’re exploring non-injectable approaches to soften the appearance of folds, our tested roundup of creams for nasolabial folds covers what topical options can realistically do.
FAQs
Do topical creams actually reduce nasolabial folds?
Creams cannot rebuild volume lost beneath the skin, so they won’t eliminate an established fold. Some ingredients temporarily plump the skin’s surface, but the change is subtle and fades quickly. For a visible structural improvement, injectable filler remains the only proven approach.
How long do nasolabial fold fillers last?
RHA fillers are designed to move with facial expressions, which some patients find helps them feel more natural in the fold area.
Are nasolabial fold injections painful?
Most providers use a topical numbing cream or a local anesthetic before injecting, and many hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Patients typically describe a brief pinch or pressure, followed by manageable soreness for a day or two that responds well to cold compresses.
References & Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers).” Documents approved uses, age requirements, and product indications for dermal fillers.