Hyaluronic Acid Injection (Alar Base, Nasolabial Folds, Midcheek Groove)

Treatment details: Hyaluronic Acid Injection (Alar Base, Nasolabial Folds, Midcheek Groove)

The alar base, the nasolabial fold and the midcheek groove form a continuous line down the side of the face, and treating only one of them tends to make the untreated segments more obvious. All three were addressed in the same session so the transition stays smooth. Supporting the alar base also lifts the fold above it, which reduces the volume needed lower down. The photograph is taken immediately after injection. Filler along the nasolabial fold is placed deep, close to the bone, because the facial artery runs superficially here in a proportion of patients. Over the following week the injection swelling settles and the correction reads slightly softer than it does on the day.

Injections at the base of the nostril and along the nasolabial fold pass close to the angular and facial arteries, so this region carries genuine vascular risk. Occlusion can cause blanching, pain, and loss of skin, and rare cases of impaired vision have been described after hyaluronic acid in this area. Warning signs are explained before treatment and hyaluronidase is kept ready. Swelling and bruising settle within a week, and gel in the midcheek groove may look puffy or feel lumpy for longer.