Facelift for Nasolabial Folds: Does Surgery Really Help Smile Lines?

Nasolabial folds—often called smile lines—run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. While they are a natural part of facial anatomy, these folds can deepen over time due to aging, gravity, and tissue descent.

Many patients ask whether a facelift can improve nasolabial folds, or if fillers and non-surgical treatments are more appropriate. The answer depends on why the folds are deepening.

This guide explains how a facelift works for nasolabial folds, when it helps, and when other treatments may be needed.

Why Do Nasolabial Folds Deepen?

Nasolabial folds become more pronounced due to a combination of factors:

• Descent of midface fat pads
• Loss of cheek volume
• Skin laxity and reduced elasticity
• Repetitive facial movement over time

Importantly, nasolabial folds are often caused by tissue sagging, not just skin wrinkling.

Can a Facelift Improve Nasolabial Folds?

A facelift can improve nasolabial folds, but it does not erase them completely.

Facelift surgery helps by:

• Lifting sagging midface and cheek tissues
• Reducing downward pull that deepens the folds
• Restoring smoother facial contours

By repositioning deeper facial structures, a facelift can soften the appearance of nasolabial folds, especially when they are caused by cheek descent.

However, a facelift does not directly cut out or fill the folds themselves.

Which Facelift Techniques Help Nasolabial Folds Most?

Not all facelifts affect nasolabial folds equally.

Facelift approaches that tend to help more include:

• Midface lifting techniques that elevate cheek fat pads
• SMAS or deep-plane facelifts that reposition deeper tissues
• Facelifts combined with cheek support or volume restoration

Lower-face–only facelifts that focus mainly on the jawline may have limited impact on nasolabial folds.

Facelift vs Fillers for Nasolabial Folds

Facelifts and fillers treat nasolabial folds in different ways.

A facelift:

• Addresses the cause (tissue sagging)
• Softens folds by lifting the cheeks
• Provides long-lasting improvement

Dermal fillers:

• Add volume directly into the folds
• Provide immediate but temporary correction
• May require repeated treatments

In many cases, surgeons recommend a combined approach—using a facelift to lift sagging tissues and fillers or fat grafting to refine deep folds.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift for Nasolabial Folds?

A facelift may be appropriate if:

• Nasolabial folds are deep due to cheek sagging
• There is visible midface descent
• Fillers no longer provide satisfactory results
• Other signs of facial aging (jowls, laxity) are present

Patients whose folds are mainly due to facial movement or isolated volume loss may benefit more from non-surgical options.

What Results Can Be Expected?

With a properly planned facelift:

• Nasolabial folds typically appear softer and less heavy
• Facial proportions look more balanced
• The face appears refreshed rather than “filled”

It is important to understand that nasolabial folds are not meant to disappear completely—a natural fold is normal and desirable for facial expression.

Facelift for Nasolabial Folds in Korea

Korea is well known for facelift techniques that emphasize:

• Natural midface support
• Balanced cheek elevation
• Avoiding overfilled or tight appearances

Many Korean surgeons focus on anatomical lifting rather than aggressive skin tension, which helps soften nasolabial folds while preserving natural expression.

Final Thoughts

A facelift can improve nasolabial folds, particularly when they are caused by midface sagging rather than surface wrinkles alone. While it does not erase smile lines entirely, it can significantly soften them and restore facial balance.

Choosing the right approach—facelift, fillers, or a combination—requires a careful evaluation of facial anatomy and aging patterns.