Nasolabial folds are caused by a number of factors that all sum up to one thing – collagen loss. Excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoking, and aging all results in the breakdown of collagen which causes your skin to lose elasticity and sag. Additionally, dramatic weight loss or gain can make nasolabial folds worse. With weight loss, excess skin sagging from the cheeks can accentuate the folds. With weight gain, an increase in facial fat can accentuate the folds.

Although nasolabial folds are natural, some people may have deep set folds that they find unflattering. There are a number of treatment options that help to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds without having to resort to surgery.