What Is Fat Transfer to Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds are the creases that form between your nose and mouth as you age. Often called smile lines or laugh lines, most people view them only as an unwanted sign of aging rather than symbols of a lifetime of laughter and smiles, as their name might suggest. Fat transfer to the nasolabial folds can be the perfect solution for those who want rid of these facial creases without dermal fillers, which are temporary and man-made. The procedure collects fat from various areas of the body and then injects it into the area to smooth the folds out, creating a softer and more youthful look.
Why the Nasolabial Fold Area Is So Tricky
While certainly not one we can’t overcome, correcting nasolabial folds is a challenge. The tissue volume in the nasolabial folds is different than it is in the cheeks or lips, making it harder to add volume naturally. A good skincare routine and a few facial exercises aren’t going to do it; you’ll need the help of a plastic surgeon.
But even plastic surgeons face challenges when working in this area when patients prefer the idea of treating with dermal filler. The nasolabial area is a highly mobile one that moves often, including when you smile, laugh, or speak. This is what makes the folds so deep. It’s also a condition that can cause filler to migrate, creating an unflattering shelf effect as it gives in to gravity. A fat transfer to the nasolabial folds solves this issue, however, since transferred fat permanently integrates into the area in a way that fillers cannot.
Fat Grafting for Nasolabial Folds vs. Dermal Fillers
Generally speaking, fat transfer to the nasolabial folds is often a better solution than dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers do have the advantage of being easily reversible if you don’t like your results. Dissolving filler is a simple matter of getting another injection. Fat grafts, however, are considered permanent. If you feel your surgeon overfilled the nasolabial area, you can remove some of the transplanted fat via a liposuction procedure, but it won’t restore you to exactly the same place you were before your fat graft augmentation.
In every other area, however, fat transfer usually beats dermal filler when it comes to addressing nasolabial folds. Unlike fillers, fat transfer doesn’t require ongoing maintenance and upkeep, which can get expensive over time. Transferred fat also won’t drift or move into places where you don’t want it, which fillers can do in high movement areas like the nasolabial folds. As an added bonus, some studies suggest that adipose-derived stem cells in the transferred fat may improve the elasticity, hydration, and texture of the skin.
There is a lot to think about when choosing between dermal filler and fat transfer, and both have their place. We’ve put together a brief table to highlight the main differences more clearly as they pertain to nasolabial fold treatment.
| Treatment | Duration | Migration | Texture | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HA Fillers | 6-12 months | May migrate over time | Can look puffy and shiny | Yes |
| Fat Transfer | Years (considered permanent) | Won’t migrate – integrates with existing tissue | Softer, more natural feel | No |
Combination Procedures to Consider
A fat transfer to the nasolabial folds isn’t as simple as injecting fat into the creases themselves. It’s about sculpting the tissue around them to create the most desirable effect. Our surgeons will never push you to get more work than you need or want, but it is important to understand that your cheeks, chin, and lips all work in conjunction with the nasolabial area.
Many patients with deep nasolabial folds also have downturned lip corners, a thinning upper lip, and hollowing near the oral commissure (the corners of the mouth). Thinning and sagging of the lips can worsen the appearance of nasolabial folds. So can hollow cheeks. As such, many patients combine a fat transfer to the nasolabial folds with procedures that can support the fat transfer and help create a more cohesive look rather than creating a “patchwork” of improvements. These procedures include:
- Marionette line correction
- Fat transfer to the lips
- Fat transfer to the cheeks
- Chin lipo or augmentation
- Jawline contouring procedures
Realistic Improvements vs. Unrealistic Expectations
Plastic surgery can achieve some striking results when performed by a skilled surgeon. But there are limits to what surgery can achieve. Patients who go into a procedure expecting something unrealistic often end up disappointed and frustrated. It’s important to understand what a surgery can and can’t do for you.
In the case of a fat transfer to the nasolabial folds, it’s important to realize that the procedure is meant to soften—not erase—deep folds and wrinkles. It’s ideal for folds caused by volume loss due to aging or significant weight loss. If your folds are caused or exaggerated by loose skin, a facelift will give you a much better result than a fat transfer. If you’re looking for immediate results, you will likely be happier with dermal fillers.
What the Procedure Actually Involves
Fat transfer to the nasolabial folds is a minimally invasive procedure that essentially breaks down into three steps: fat harvesting, purification, and injection. The first step is to harvest donor fat using gentle liposuction to preserve as much viable fat for transfer as possible. Many patients take this fat from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, but your plastic surgeon can take excess fat from almost anywhere.
Once collected, the donor fat is run through a centrifuge to remove any unwanted oils and fluids. Your surgeon then carefully reviews the cleaned fat cells, selecting only the healthiest and most viable for injection. They will then inject the fat into your nasolabial folds and the area around them using microcannulas to place very small and precise amounts of fat a bit at a time. The goal is to create and then build on a soft base of fat in layers, working within several different facial planes to create a natural look.
Recovery Realities: What to Expect Day by Day
As briefly mentioned above, fat transfer to the nasolabial folds does not produce instant results. Your body needs time to recover from the procedure. You will start to feel like yourself again quite quickly, but it can take about three months for all of the swelling to resolve and the new fat in your nasolabial folds to “settle in.” Here is what you can expect after the procedure:
- The First Week
- Facial swelling that will likely be more pronounced near your mouth than your cheeks
- Smiling and talking may feel tight
- Sleep slightly elevated to reduce swelling
- Wear a compression garment continually (except when showering) over liposuctioned areas
- Week 2–4
- Facial fat volume stabilizes
- Bruising resolves and you can wear makeup again
- Smile looks more natural again
- Your surgeon may allow you to wear your compression garments during the day only
- Month 2–3
- Remaining swelling fades
- Final contour takes shape
- May still see subtle volume shifts as fat settles
A Note on Cost
When making a purchase, we often focus on cost at the expense of value. At Mia Aesthetics, we strive to keep costs low and work with several financing partners who can help you more easily cover a fat transfer to the nasolabial folds. But it’s important that you consider value as well when considering a cosmetic procedure.
First, understand that you’re making an investment in yourself, which is a pretty worthy cause! When weighing the choice between a fat transfer or dermal fillers, consider fillers’ need for ongoing maintenance and touch-ups. Though initially smaller, this is a cost that can add up over time and may not be the most value-laden approach. It often makes more sense to invest in transferring your own body tissue than in a temporary solution.
While the cost of dermal filler is calculated based on how many syringes of material you need, fat transfer to the nasolabial folds is not. Because the process uses your own fat, there is no “materials” charge. Additionally, harvesting your own fat means getting liposuction, giving you the opportunity to reshape and recontour other areas of your body you wish to improve. We’re happy to offer you a free virtual consultation during which we can answer all of your questions regarding the cost and value of a fat transfer to the nasolabial folds in addition to answering any other questions you may have.
Fat Transfer vs. Fillers for Smile Lines – Patient Thoughts From RealSelf and Reddit
Sometimes it’s helpful to speak to someone who has undergone a cosmetic surgery procedure before you to get their perspective and opinions. To help with that, we’ve gathered a few thoughts from around the web shared by patients who have undergone this procedure.
“I wish I’d done fat instead of years of fillers that added up.”
This is a perfect example of our previous discussion of cost versus value. A fat transfer to the nasolabial folds may cost more upfront, but over time it can be less than continuously topping up dermal fillers. It’s also far more convenient than running back to the plastic surgeon’s office every few months.
“My filler migrated and made the folds look worse when I smiled.”
Although dermal filler migration is rare, it can happen. Unfortunately, it’s more likely to occur in high-movement areas such as the nasolabial folds. The fact that it doesn’t happen often is little comfort if you’re one of the unlucky few who experience this unpleasant complication.
“Fat transfer felt subtle at first, but aged with me better.”
You may not get eye-popping results from a fat transfer to the nasolabial folds, but the procedure is meant to be subtle. As this patient discovered, the assimilation of your own body fat into the area means that it will simply become a permanent part of you. It will age with you rather than disappearing over time. The result is a natural look both now and in the future.
“Didn’t expect much, but it made my mouth area look years younger.”
Just because the results of a fat transfer are subtle doesn’t mean they’re not noticeable. Many patients report a marked improvement after their procedure. The results aren’t instantaneous, but most patients find them well worth the wait.