Hello! I am Airi Yokoyama, a cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist.
Every time I look in the mirror, I worry about my nasolabial folds… “I look older when I take off my mask.” “My face looks tired in photos.” Do you have these concerns?
One popular option for these moments is nasolabial fold fillers (hyaluronic acid injections into the nasolabial fold). In this article, I will clearly explain the features, benefits, downtime, and duration of effects of nasolabial fold fillers, making it easy for first-timers to understand.
1. What are nasolabial fold fillers?
Nasolabial fold fillers are a treatment where hyaluronic acid is injected into the nasolabial fold to shallow the wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid is a component that exists naturally in the body and has excellent moisture-retaining properties, which helps to give volume to the skin.
Nasolabial folds appear deep due to “skin sagging caused by aging” and “the influence of cheek fat and bone structure.”
By injecting hyaluronic acid into these areas, the valleys of the wrinkles are plumped up, creating a more youthful appearance.
2. Who is suitable for nasolabial fold fillers?
・Someone who worries about nasolabial folds, not just when smiling but also when expressionless.
・Someone who cannot hide wrinkles with makeup.
・Someone who wants to improve but is not considering surgical options.
・Someone who wants to minimize downtime. It is particularly effective for relatively mild to moderate nasolabial folds. For severe cases, it may be combined with thread lifts or surgical procedures.
3. Procedure flow
・Examination and design by the doctor.
・Pain reduction using local anesthesia or anesthetic cream (optional).
・Injection of hyaluronic acid with a very fine needle or cannula.
・Adjusting the injection site to finish. The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes, making it easy for busy individuals to attend.
4. Downtime
The minimal downtime of nasolabial fold fillers is one of the reasons for their popularity.
・Swelling and redness: several hours to 2-3 days.
・Bruising: may occur and naturally resolve within about a week.
Many clinics allow makeup immediately after the procedure, so there is hardly any disruption to everyday life.
5. Duration of effects
As hyaluronic acid is gradually absorbed by the body, the duration of effects is approximately 6 months to 2 years (depending on the type of products used). However, it can vary based on the type of formulation, amount injected, and individual constitution. Regular additional injections can help maintain the effect.
6. Benefits and precautions
Benefits:
・Easily regain a youthful appearance.
・Short downtime.
・Immediate effect.
・Corrections are relatively easy to make.
Points to Note:
・If too much is injected, it can easily lead to an “unnatural face.”
・Repeated treatments are necessary
・There are very rare risks such as vascular occlusion. It is essential to choose an experienced physician.
7. Differences from at-home care for nasolabial folds
Some may be doing care such as massages, beauty devices, and moisturizing treatments, but there is no medical evidence that these reduce nasolabial folds. In fact, excessive treatment can worsen sagging due to friction. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds has the advantage of immediate effectiveness and the ability to directly improve wrinkles.
Summary
Hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds is a treatment that allows you to experience rejuvenation effects with minimal downtime and ease. Although hyaluronic acid will eventually be absorbed, this is why you can make slight adjustments as aging occurs, and if it becomes unnecessary, you have the option to dissolve it.
It can be viewed as a form of regular maintenance.
For those who feel they look older recently or are anxious about taking off their masks, hyaluronic acid for nasolabial folds is one of the treatments that can positively change your daily life. It’s best to start by consulting a reliable clinic. Our clinic welcomes those who want a consultation, even if it’s just for assessment.
【Profile】
Cosmetic Surgeon/ Dermatologist
Dr. Airi Yokoyama
https://biancaclinic.jp/doctor/yokoyama/
She aspired to become a doctor since her early years and she studied at Hiroshima University, Faculty of Medicine.
She began her career in general medical care and eventually chose to pursue aesthetic medicine, aiming to enrich patients life through beauty.
She has always focused on natural beauty through cosmetic dermatology, but in order to address specific concerns around the eye area she began to perform surgical procedures as well.
Previously, she was involved in establishing a clinic and worked as a director for three years as a cosmetic dermatologist, examining the skin and faces of approximately 20,000 patients and contributing to the clinic’s growth.
Having experience as a clinic director and three overseas study programs, her goal is to provide beauty care to international patients with safe and high quality treatments.
Dr. Airi is fluent in Japanese and English language.
Her speciality in aesthetic medicine includes: Anti-aging care, Injection, Sagging face treatments, Skin rejuvenating boosters, Skin treatments.
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Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/dr.airi
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Clinic Locations
📍 Ginza Clinic
12F Kirarito Ginza, 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
☎ 050-3196-4834
🚇 Access:
🚶♀️ A 4-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
🚶♀️ A 1-minute walk from Exit 7 of Ginza-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.
🚶♀️ A 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyobashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
🚶♀️ An 8-minute walk from the Kyobashi Exit of JR Yurakucho Station.
📍 Omotesando Clinic
Minami-Aoyama 511 Building 2F, 5-11-10 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
☎ 050-1807-1593
🚇 Access:
🚶♀️ A 5-minute walk from Exit B1 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, and Chiyoda Line.
Consultation Hours: 10:00–19:00 Closed: Irregular holidays
About BIANCA Clinic
At BIANCA, we redefine beauty care by offering a holistic approach that transcends traditional cosmetic surgery and dermatology. 20 specialized doctors in different fields including plastic surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, regenerative medicine, gynecology will carefully listen to your needs and help you to enhance your beauty and wellness from the inside out. We are committed to creating personalized treatment plans with precision and care, and ensuring you experience the true spirit of Japanese omotenashi and hospitality.