Nasolabial Filling | Op. Dr. Gökhan Beyhan — Etiler/Levent, İstanbul

The two lines that run from the edges of the nose to the corners of the lips — nasolabial grooves, colloquially known as “smile lines” — are one of the earliest and most obvious signs of aging. As it deepens, it can give the face a tired, sad or even angry expression. Nasolabial filling is one of the procedures that narrows these grooves, giving the face a more rested and youthful appearance, but is also the easiest to notice when not applied correctly. That is why technique and planning are paramount here.

Why Do Nasolabial Lines Deepen?

The formation of these lines does not depend on a single cause — several processes proceed simultaneously:

Mid-face drop: With age, the fat pads on the cheekbones slide down and inward. This slip creates a build-up along the nose-lip line and deepens the groove. That is, the problem is most often not in the line itself, but in the displacement of the tissue on it.

Bone loss: The upper jaw bone (maxilla) thins and regresses with age. As the skeleton that supports soft tissue shrinks, the skin and adipose tissue on it begin to fold.

Loss of collagen and elastin: With a decrease in the structural proteins of the skin, the skin can become thinner and lose its elasticity. This causes the groove to appear both deeper and more prominent.

Repetitive mimics: Daily movements such as smiling, talking and eating constantly fold the skin in this area. Dynamic lines transform over time into static lines — that is, permanent traces that appear even without movement.

Genetics, sun damage and weight changes It can also speed up the process.

How do I approach treatment?

The nasolabial region is such a nuanced area that it can not be called “make a filling and late.” My approach is as follows:

First understand the reason: Treatment of not every deep nasolabial line is the same. In some patients, the problem is the loss of volume directly in the groove - in this case, the filling in the nasolabial area is sufficient. But in many patients, the main problem is a decrease in the middle face, in which case only filling the groove creates an artificial bulge. Applying support filler to the cheekbones and midface area first can noticeably narrow the nasolabial line even without filling it directly.

Thinking in three dimensions: The face is not a flat surface. When treating the nasolabial groove, I also evaluate the cheeks, cheekbones, chin line and lip circumference together. Sometimes the best nasolabial filling is a midface restoration, which is performed without touching the nasolabial area at all.

Less with a lot of effect: There is nothing so dangerous in this area as “excess”. Excessive filling makes the face look puffy and artificial. I take a gradual approach: I meet part of the need in the first session, assess the result at 2-3 weeks later control and complete it if necessary. Thanks to this, a natural result is guaranteed.

What Products Do I Use?

The choice of filler in the nasolabial region depends on the depth of the groove and the quality of the skin:

For superficial lines: Soft, low viscosity HA fillers. It is placed just below the skin, filling in fine lines and providing a smooth surface.

For grooves of medium depth: HA fillings of medium viscosity. It both provides volume and creates a natural transition.

For deep grooves: High viscosity HA fillers or CaHA (calcium hydroxyapatite) based products. Provides deep structural support, lifting capacity is high. CaHA also offers a long-term healing contribution by stimulating collagen production.

Sometimes I use two different products layered on the same patient — structural support to the deep layer, a fine correction to the superficial layer.

How is the transaction carried out?

Topical anesthetic cream is applied to the treatment site. Then the filler is injected under and around the groove with a thin needle or blunt-tipped cannula. The use of cannulas is a technique I particularly prefer in this area — it reduces the risk of bruising and provides a more uniform distribution.

Total processing time for both parties 15—25 minutes. The result is noticeable immediately, but due to slight swelling, the full result becomes clear after 7—10 days.

Post Process

• Mild edema and tenderness are normal; regress in 2—4 days
• In rare cases, bruising may occur; disappears in 5—7 days
• Avoid intense exercise, sauna and alcohol consumption in the first 24 hours
• Do not massage the injection site for the first 48 hours
• When sleeping, prefer to lie on your back if possible

permanence

The permanence of the nasolabial filling depends on the product used:

• HA based fillings: 12—18 months
• CaHA-based fillings: 12—18 months + collagen stimulation effect

Because this area is a moving area of the face, persistence is usually better than lip fillers — the filler is less displaced. With regular maintenance sessions, the result can be sustained.

Who is Nasolabial Filler Not Applied to?

• Patients during pregnancy and lactation
• Those who have an active infection or skin disease at the injection site
• Those with known allergies to filler components
• Patients with advanced skin sagging (in this case, surgical facelift may be more appropriate)

Combination with Other Treatments

I rarely apply nasolabial filler alone. The best results are achieved by the combined approach:

• Cheek filler + Nasolabial filling — Raises the middle face up to make the groove shallower, then smooths the remaining depth with padding
• Botox + Nasolabial filler — Comprehensive rejuvenation by addressing upper facial wrinkles
• Smart Filler + Nasolabial Filler — Structural improvement with collagen stimulation, instant volume with HA
• Inside the liquid facelift protocol — The nasolabial area is treated as part of a holistic facial rejuvenation plan

The Next Step

I conduct a face-to-face assessment to determine the cause of your nasolabial lines and the most appropriate treatment approach for you. The preliminary interview is free of charge.

For an appointment or question: WhatsApp: +90 544 469 66 88 · Phone: +90 544 642 63 98

This page is for medical informational purposes only. The exact treatment plan is determined after a doctor's examination.