Nasolabial Fold
Pronunciation: nay-zo-LAY-bee-ul FOLD
The bilateral skin crease running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, commonly targeted in aesthetic dermatology for filler treatment.
Full Definition
The nasolabial folds, also referred to colloquially as 'smile lines' or 'laugh lines', are the bilateral facial grooves that extend from the lateral alar base to the oral commissure. Their depth increases with age due to a combination of subcutaneous fat atrophy, loss of skin elasticity, and repetitive facial movement. In aesthetic dermatology editorial content, the term is frequently misspelled ('nasiolabial', 'nasolabiel') or confused with the marionette lines, which run vertically below the oral commissure. The correct anatomical spelling is 'nasolabial', without an 'i' after 'naso'. The fold is a common injection site for hyaluronic acid fillers, and editors may encounter the abbreviation 'NLF' in treatment records.
Usage
Usage note: Common misspelling: 'nasiolabial'. Always spell 'nasolabial' as a single word without a hyphen. Distinguish from marionette lines, which originate at the oral commissure and descend toward the chin.
In Context
- "The patient requested correction of deep nasolabial folds bilaterally using a high-G-prime hyaluronic acid filler." — Aesthetic consultation note
- "Authors should avoid the colloquial term 'smile lines' in peer-reviewed manuscripts and use 'nasolabial folds' throughout." — Journal style guide