Nasolabial Groove Correction
Orientals generally have broad and flat cheekbones and relatively prominent upper palates, so they are prone to form an obvious depression at the interface between the cheekbone and upper palate, which starts from the alar base margin to the lateral side of the mouth corner, presenting a shadow similar to a triangle and called the nasolabial groove as it is located at the connecting area between the ala nasi and upper lips, commonly known as the nasolabial folds. However, the analysis of causes and structures indicate that there are still some differences between the paranasal depression and nasolabial folds:
Paranasal depression
caused by the inward sinking of the congenital cheekbone or outward protrusion of the mouth, which is seen in many patients from a young age, and manifests as a triangle-shaped depression shadows at the bilateral ala nasi. As the skin elasticity is mostly normal, it is generally not the result of aging or laxity. However, if left untreated, it induces prematurely more obvious nasolabial folds. Because it is a problem of the congenital skeleton and gum, treatment is aimed at correcting the bone deficiency.
Nasolabial folds
mostly caused by skin aging, midface droopiness, and other acquired factors. Some cases are derived from the early paranasal depression, which appears with not only an obvious depression at the bilateral ala nasi but also an extension of skin superficial static lines to both mouth corners. Because most nasolabial folds are formed due to congenital skeleton and soft tissue drooping, besides filling of the structural depression, an additional injection to the superficial skin is necessary to obtain complete improvement.
Either the paranasal depression or nasolabial folds are located at the side of the gum and are difficult to reverse once formed. Therefore, performing the appropriate surgery in the early stage is critical to prevent or postpone such a problem. At present, Dr. Chuang offers the following two effective surgical methods: