Dermal Fillers — Deep Folds (Hyaluronic Acid)

Hyaluronic acid dermal filler placed to soften deeper static folds — the nasolabial lines running from nose to mouth, the marionette lines down from the corners of the mouth, and the deep frown line. Rather than freezing movement, filler restores support where the face has lost volume so the folds sit less deeply. Treatment is performed by a surgeon under topical anaesthetic, and the result can be dissolved if an adjustment is ever wanted.

As the face ages it loses deep structural volume, and the folds that form — particularly the nasolabial lines from the nose to the mouth and the marionette lines below the mouth — become set into the skin. Hyaluronic acid filler addresses these by replacing support beneath and within the fold so it sits less deeply, giving a softer, less tired appearance. At QKA the doctor assesses the whole area rather than simply filling a line, so that correcting one fold does not unbalance the surrounding face. Topical EMLA or Anesderm anaesthetic is applied first, and most fillers also contain lidocaine for comfort. The gel is placed with a fine needle or a blunt cannula depending on the area; results are visible immediately and continue to settle over one to two weeks as any initial swelling resolves. Mild swelling, tenderness or small bruises are normal for a few days. Hyaluronic acid results typically last around nine to eighteen months depending on the product and the area before the gel is gradually broken down by the body. A practical safety advantage of hyaluronic acid is that it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, which the clinic offers should you wish to reverse or adjust a result. This treatment is suited to adults whose main concern is deepening nasolabial or marionette folds or a pronounced frown line, and it is commonly combined with botulinum toxin as part of a wider plan. Suitability and contraindications are reviewed at consultation.