Chinese mustache (nasolabial folds): filling and other treatments

Nasolabial folds, commonly known as “Chinese mustache”, are a very common aesthetic concern for both men and women, which is why the demand for effective treatments to reduce these wrinkles has grown significantly in recent times.

In this article, we’ll look in detail at the causes and existing treatments for the Chinese mustache, such as fractionated CO2 laser, hyaluronic acid fillers or Morpheus8.

What is a Chinese mustache?

A Chinese mustache is a colloquial term used to describe the expression lines that form between the nasal wings and the corners of the mouth.

These lines tend to become more visible as we get older. However, they don’t only appear in older people; they can also appear in younger people due to genetic factors, lifestyle (diet, smoking, sleeping habits, etc.) and skin care. They also sometimes appear in young people who lose weight quickly and end up with more sagging faces.

What are the causes of the Chinese mustache?

Several causes contribute to the development of the Chinese mustache, including:

Aging: Aging is the most common cause. Over the years, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity, which can result in wrinkles and expression lines;

Weight loss and consequent sagging: When you lose weight quickly, your skin may not be able to adapt to the loss of volume in your face at the same speed. As a result, the skin can appear more flaccid and wrinkles, including the Chinese mustache, can become more visible;

Exposure to the sun: Excessive exposure to the sun can accelerate the skin’s aging process. Ultraviolet rays damage collagen and elastin, contributing to the formation of wrinkles, including the Chinese mustache;

Smoking: Smoking is strongly associated with premature skin aging. The chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow to the skin, impairing its ability to regenerate;

Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the formation of Chinese mustaches. If your parents or grandparents have pronounced nasolabial folds, you are more likely to develop them too.

Treatments for Chinese mustache

There are several effective treatments for reducing the appearance of the Chinese mustache and restoring youthfulness to the skin. The choice of treatment varies from case to case and a combination of treatments is often suggested. Some of the most common treatments include:

Chinese Mustache Filling with Hyaluronic Acid

This treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the nasolabial folds to fill in wrinkles and restore lost volume. Hyaluronic acid is a safe substance, naturally found in the skin, and generally very well tolerated.

There are several scientific studies that prove the efficacy and safety of filling these types of wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, such as:

• Treatment of Nasolabial Folds with Fillers
• Tissue Fillers for the Nasolabial Fold Area: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Fractional CO2 Laser for Chinese Mustache

The Fractional CO2 Laser is the most effective laser treatment for facial rejuvenation on the market. It is especially used to treat wrinkles and blemishes on the face. The treatment of wrinkles, such as the Chinese mustache, with Fractional CO2 Laser has proven to be highly effective, with the advantage of rapid recovery

After the topical anesthetic has been applied, the laser is applied to the face (complete) in around 20 to 30 minutes. Treatment of the face as a whole is recommended so that there is no difference between the treated and untreated areas.

Morpheus 8 (microneedling with radiofrequency) for Chinese Mustache

Morpheus 8 is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation technology that combines microneedling with bipolar fractional radiofrequency (RF) energy.

Small needles pierce the skin (microneedling) and apply RF energy at different depths. The heat from the RF in conjunction with the perforation of the needles causes microlesions in the skin that will trigger a response from the body that results in the production of collagen and elastin, which will be the elements that give the skin firmness and a rejuvenated appearance.

Before the treatment, a powerful anesthetic is applied so that the patient is as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Morpheus8 is a safe treatment that has been approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for many years.

Collagen Biostimulators for Chinese Mustache

Collagen biostimulators are often used to treat wrinkles, including the Chinese mustache.

These products stimulate the natural production of collagen in the skin, helping to improve its firmness and elasticity, which in turn can reduce the visibility of wrinkles.

Collagen is a structural protein in the skin that is responsible for keeping the skin firm and smooth. As we age, collagen production decreases, which leads to the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines. Collagen biostimulators, such as Sculptra or Radiesse, are injected into the skin and gradually stimulate the production of new collagen. This creates a natural filling effect that reduces the appearance of these wrinkles.

Naturally, several treatment sessions spaced out over time are required to achieve optimal results. The results are progressive, with a continuous improvement in skin texture and wrinkle reduction.

Skinboosters for Chinese mustache

Skinboosters are substances used in injectable form to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. They usually consist of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, so as to moisturize without generating volume in the skin. An example of a skinbooster is Profhilo, which consists of a concentrated product of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights with the aim of moisturizing the skin at various levels, while also improving wrinkles and expression lines.

Who carries out the aesthetic treatments for Chinese mustaches?

All the treatments mentioned above are carried out by doctors (dermatologist or doctor dedicated to Aesthetic Medicine).