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2026.05.27
How do nasolabial folds change with a mid-face lift? A plastic surgeon explains the indications and effects.
As a plastic surgeon certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, I have been involved in many cases of trauma, reconstruction, and congenital diseases, and have cultivated precise techniques and a deep understanding of anatomy. He entered the field of cosmetic surgery out of a desire to bring the power of cosmetics to his patients, as a change in one's appearance can also make one's mind more positive. Her specialties include general treatment of the eye area, injections, and sagging skin. I provide treatments that focus on beauty with the medical stance of "sincerely addressing the ideals of the patient.
Hello!
Designing natural beauty with trust.
I am Masataka Fujihashi, a board-certified plastic surgeon of the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Many people come for consultations about smile lines, and we often hear questions like, “Even after getting hyaluronic acid, I'm still concerned” or "Is there a way to fundamentally improve them?" At this point, it's important to correctly identify the cause of why the smile lines are noticeable.
Actually, nasolabial folds are not merely wrinkles. In many cases, they are emphasized by structural changes in the face. This time, we will explain the relationship between a mid-face lift and nasolabial folds from a structural perspective.
Are nasolabial folds caused by more than just wrinkles? The concept of the mid-face.
"Nasolabial folds" are often thought of as simply "skin wrinkles," but in reality, that's not always the case. In actual consultations, we often see cases where changes in cheek position (mid-face) are involved.
What is the midface? The cheek area related to nasolabial folds
The mid-face refers to the area from below the eyes to the center of the cheeks. This area is an important zone that influences the three-dimensionality and youthfulness of the face. Originally, cheek volume is positioned high, but this position gradually lowers due to aging and tissue changes.
Then,
- Cheek position lowers
- The middle of the face looks long.
- My nasolabial folds are noticeable.
This leads to more frequent changes.
Changes in the face that occur when nasolabial folds appear deep
There are several factors that make nasolabial folds noticeable.
- Cheek fat sagging
- Loosening of tissues (ligaments) that support the cheeks
- Changes in midface volume balance
When these overlap, it creates a structure where the difference between the fullness of the cheeks (mountains) and the groove of the nasolabial folds (valleys) is emphasized. In other words, many nasolabial folds are not simply wrinkles in the skin, but rather a state where the difference is emphasized due to the sagging of the cheeks or changes in volume.
How do nasolabial folds change with a mid-face lift?
One of the procedures considered for such structural changes is the mid-face lift.
How a mid-facelift works and its relationship to nasolabial folds
A mid-face lift is a procedure that brings the droopy position of the cheeks closer to their original position. It aims for the following changes not by simply pulling the skin, but by bringing the mid-face tissues closer to their original positional relationships.
- To lift the cheek
- To balance the midface
- As a result, the appearance of laugh lines changes.
What's important here is that the treatment directly addresses the *cause* of nasolabial folds, rather than the folds themselves.
The difference between a mid-face lift and hyaluronic acid injections
The difference from hyaluronic acid injections, which are often used for nasolabial fold care, is also important.
- Hyaluronic acid injection: A procedure to restore volume
- Mid-facelift: A procedure to reposition and lift.
Hyaluronic acid injections make grooves less noticeable by adding volume, but if the cheeks themselves have sagged, they may become noticeable again over time. On the other hand, a mid-face lift addresses the structure by repositioning the cheeks.
▶Bianca Clinic Mid-Face Lift Menu Page
Reasons why mid-facelifts are said to be ineffective
You may come across comments online or on social media claiming that “mid-face lifts are ineffective against nasolabial folds.” However, in actual clinical practice, this is almost always a matter of patient suitability or unrealistic expectations.
Cases not suitable for a mid-face lift
For example, if the cause of nasolabial folds is as follows, procedures other than a mid-face lift may be more suitable.
- Wrinkles in the skin itself
- Low volume
- Mild sagging
In such cases, even if you choose a mid-face lift, you may find it difficult to achieve the desired changes and feel like it was "ineffective."
A mid-face lift is a procedure often considered by those in their 40s and 50s who are particularly concerned about sagging cheeks or nasolabial folds, but it can also be considered by people in their 20s. Eligibility is not determined solely by age, so it is important to make a judgment based on the structure and condition of your face.
The gap between expected changes and reality
Another common reason for it to be called "ineffective" is the discrepancy with expectations.
- I think the nasolabial folds will completely disappear.
- I think it will make a big difference.
In such cases, a gap between expectation and the actual result is likely to occur. A mid-face lift is a procedure that aims for natural changes by restoring the overall balance of the face. Therefore, it is important to understand it as a procedure that reshapes the structure and alters the impression, rather than dramatically erasing wrinkles.
A Mid-Face Lift as an Option for Nasolabial Folds | BIANCA CLINIC Cosmetic Surgery
While nasolabial folds are often seen simply as wrinkles, their appearance actually changes due to multiple factors, including cheek position, fat, skin, and bone. Among these, if the mid-face has dropped, adjusting the overall facial balance with a mid-face lift can potentially alter the appearance of nasolabial folds.
However, this treatment is not suitable for all nasolabial folds, and the best approach depends on the underlying cause. It is important not to make a decision based solely on appearance, but to accurately identify the cause. At Bianca Clinic, we examine the condition of your entire face and recommend the treatment method best suited to your individual needs. If you are concerned about your nasolabial folds, please feel free to consult with us at Bianca Clinic.
