New developments in facial implants have made it easier than ever to augment the nasal labial fold, also known as the buccolabial (byou-koh-LAY-bee-uhl) fold, which is the groove that runs from your nose to the corner of your mouth. People with less prominent cheekbones tend to have deeper nasal labial folds. After an individual analysis, doctors can usually fill in the folds using a synthetic implant called Gore-Tex® for short. This synthetic material was originally used in cardiovascular and renal (REE-null) transplant surgery, but has become popular as a soft tissue implant due to its form and the lack of complications encountered. When filling the nasal labial fold, the doctor threads the implant through a surgical needle and pulls it underneath the skin. The doctor uses a small dissolvable suture to close the entrance and exit openings. Deep folds may require repeat implants after about three months. Consult a cosmetic or plastic surgeon in your area for more information about Gore-Tex® implants.
