If the nasolabial folds of a patient are superficial static lines rather than an osseous depression, correction is conducted at the superficial skin structure, with the results more direct and effective than those obtained by paranasal augmentation. Traditionally, such a superficial layer surgery utilizes a simple injection of autologous fats to fill the nasolabial folds, but due to the frequent mouth motion, fats are prone to be absorbed or even completely drain away to present short results. Patients with long-term distinct nasolabial fold depression should consider undergoing wire scalpel (nasolabial fold knife) combined with autologous fat or fascia grafting, the results of which are superior to those obtained by simple fat injection and more stable and long lasting.

The so-called nasolabial fold knife is a particularly designed stainless steel saw, and at each end, it contains a long needle that can penetrate the dermal layer of the skin. The steel line connected to the long needle tail dissects and releases the skin to the bottom of the penetration area. It completely releases the tightly connected skin septa and ligaments below the nasolabial folds to fully separate the skin from deep tissues, so the nasolabial fold becomes shallow and fuzzy immediately. However, to avoid the recurrent adhesion of the nasolabial fold skin to below the muscles, the nasolabial fold knife should be frequently combined with autologous fat or strip fascia grafting to prevent the probability of skin adhesion and the occurrence or relapse of nasolabial folds. In general, this surgery improves superficial nasolabial folds by over 60%.