Nasolabial Folds Surgery

The nasolabial folds also known as marionette lines or smile lines, run from the nose to the corner of the mouth. They separate the cheeks from the upper lip. As we age, the creases formed in the nasolabial folds can become more prominent due to several factors, such as excess skin, thinning of skin, and ptosis or drooping of cheek fat. That’s why nasolabial folds are the areas of the face targeted by facial anti aging surgery.

The surgeon will inject the area with local anesthesia and excise the nasolabial fold, and then detached the sagging skin and cheek from the face. The loosened skin and cheek fat pad are then pulled upward and re-suture the area up with hairline sutures.

Duration of the operation:

This usually only takes 30 minute to1 hour.

Post operative care:

Upon waking up in the recovery room, you may be groggy from the anesthetics and/or oral medications. You will have to sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated. There may be some degree of bruising and swelling that will subside gradually. You must not excessively speak or animate the face so that the sutures are not disturbed and excess scar tissue does not form. You should be able to alleviate discomfort with your prescribed pain medications. Take those antibiotics on time. Be careful not to bend over or lift heavy objects. And be careful not to raise the blood pressure for at least 3 weeks as this could cause internal bleeding at your treatment area. Do not participate in contact sports for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

Recovery period:

You can go back to work within two weeks. You must sleep with your head elevated for about two weeks to help alleviate swelling. Sutures will be removed after five to seven days. The staples in your scalp, if there are any, won't be removed until around day 10 because your scalp takes longer to heal.

Possible risk and complications:

Most facelifts are performed without complications but all forms of cosmetic surgery procedure carry some degree of risk. Some complications may include excessive pain, infection, hematoma, redness, elevated temperature, scarring, asymmetry and general dissatisfaction. If these occur, contact your surgeon immediately.

Anesthesia use:

Patients are usually under local anesthesia, meaning they will be awake but drowsy and insensitive to pain.

Hospital admission:

The Nasolabial fold correction procedure may be performed in the cosmetic surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or at a hospital. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Preparation before Surgery:

• Assessment of the medical history (any allergies, serious medical condition and all medications taken both prescribed and non-prescribed), physical examination, and laboratory tests will be performed during consultation.
• Blood and urine samples will be collected for routine preoperative laboratory tests.
• Smoking must be avoided for about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine interferes with circulation and will greatly affect healing process.
• You will likely to be asked to stop drinking alcohol, a week before the surgery and throughout your recovery period.
• Avoid taking any medications such as hormones, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids and supplements at least 4-6 weeks to prevent complicating medical factors prior to surgery. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.