ABSTRACT

Nasolabial folds are natural facial contours that can become more prominent with age, projecting a fatigued or drawn appearance. Reduction of the nasolabial folds is one of the most commonly performed dermal filler treatments. The three classes of dermal fillers currently in use are: Absorbable products, slowly absorbable products and non-absorbable products. Hyaluronic acid products are the most widely used dermal fillers in Europe and USA. Complications associated with temporary or biodegradable fillers are usually mild and transient and they most commonly present as erythema and swelling as a result of traumatic injection, or as asymmetry caused by inappropriate placement of the filler. Fillers are now the second most common minimally invasive procedure performed among dermatologists, behind botulinum toxin injections. Dermal fillers are an aesthetic treatment and patients should be made aware of the complications that can arise from their use. Simple preventive steps such as an aseptic technique, use of smaller gauge needles and hyaluronic acid, avoiding make-up, and use of prophylactic antibiotics help to reduce the incidence of sideeffects.