urilax Deep, formulated with 24mg/ml high-density hyaluronic acid, effectively treats moderate to severe nasolabial folds by restoring lost volume with just 0.5-1ml per side. Clinical trials show an 85% improvement in wrinkle depth (measured via 3D imaging) after one session, with results lasting 12-18 months. For optimal lifting, experts recommend a fanning technique (27G cannula) combined with bio-stimulatory threads for 30% enhanced collagen support. Avoid overcorrection—maintain a 15% underfill margin for natural movement. Post-treatment, apply arnica cream to reduce bruising (70% faster resolution).
What Are Nasolabial Folds?
Those lines framing your nose and mouth? They’re called nasolabial folds. Often nicknamed “smile lines” or “laugh lines,” they’re one of the most visible signs of facial aging, affecting nearly 80-90% of adults over 30 to varying degrees. Formed by the natural crease between your cheek and upper lip, they start as subtle dynamic lines that appear when you smile, laugh, or talk. Over time, due to a mix of factors, these folds can deepen and become static – meaning they’re visible even when your face is completely at rest.
Nasolabial folds aren’t wrinkles in the traditional sense. They’re primarily creases formed by the complex anatomy where facial tissues meet. Think of them more like the valley between two hills – where the plumpness of your cheek transitions down towards your lip.
Several key factors contribute to why they become more prominent:
- Volume Loss: This is the biggest driver. As we age, we naturally lose essential structural components:
- Bone: Gradual bone resorption in the midface reduces underlying support.
- Fat Pads: The fat pads beneath the cheek skin thin and descend downward over time.
- Collagen & Elastin: Production of these crucial skin proteins decreases significantly – collagen drops about 1% per year after age 20, and elastin fibers weaken. This leads to less skin elasticity and resilience.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): The skin’s natural HA content declines, reducing hydration and plumpness. Young skin holds up to 1000mg/kg of HA, but this can drop dramatically over decades.
This combination – less bone support, downward shifting/shrinking fat, and thinner, less elastic skin – creates a hollowing effect and deepens the existing natural crease.
- Skin Quality Changes: Cumulative sun exposure (photoaging) breaks down collagen and elastin faster. Smokers experience accelerated collagen loss. Dehydration and poor skin care make skin less supple, making folds appear sharper.
- Repetitive Facial Expressions: The muscles around the mouth and cheeks are constantly moving when we talk, eat, smile, and express ourselves. Years of muscle contraction contribute to the formation and deepening of the fold, just like creasing a piece of paper repeatedly makes the fold permanent.
Nasolabial Fold Severity Over Time: A General Progression
| Decade | Typical Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 20s & Early 30s | Folds appear only during active expressions (smiling, talking). Smooths completely at rest. |
| Mid 30s – 40s | Fold starts to leave a faint shadow or slight line at rest, especially visible in bright lighting. Deepens considerably with expression. |
| 50s & Beyond | Folds become distinct static lines clearly visible at rest. Often accompanied by significant volume loss in the upper cheeks, making the fold appear as a sharp demarcation. |
The depth and visibility of nasolabial folds vary greatly between individuals due to genetics, lifestyle, and skin type. They are not a flaw, but a natural response to aging dynamics. However, the loss of underlying volume and supportive tissue is what transforms them from temporary creases to persistent, noticeable folds. The goal of treatments like dermal fillers isn’t to erase expression lines entirely (which would look unnatural), but to restore lost volume and support alongside the fold, softening its appearance and creating a smoother transition between the cheek and lip area. Understanding this underlying anatomy and why the fold deepens is crucial when considering treatment options.
Why Treat with Hyaluronic Acid?
Let’s cut through the noise: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) isn’t just trendy skincare jargon. It’s the workhorse molecule naturally keeping your skin plump and hydrated from the inside out. Think of it as your face’s built-in cushioning. A young face packs a hefty punch of HA – we’re talking concentrations upwards of 1000mg per kilogram of skin! But here’s the aging kicker: By your 40s, your skin might retain only 25-50% of its youthful HA content. This steep decline directly contributes to that deflated look where nasolabial folds deepen. Targeting these folds with HA filler isn’t just adding volume; it’s strategically replacing what time stole.
The magic of HA for nasolabial folds boils down to its unique physical properties and how it interacts with your skin. Forget water bottles – HA is nature’s ultimate moisture magnet. A single gram can bind up to six liters of water. That’s staggering water retention power directly injected where you need it most. In the context of nasolabial folds, this hydration boost plumps the area immediately.
More importantly, the HA used in fillers like Purilax Deep isn’t just loose liquid; it’s crafted into stable gel particles suspended in fluid. When injected precisely along the fold’s deeper layers (near the cheek bone) by a skilled professional, these gel particles act like microscopic scaffolding. They physically lift the sunken tissue causing the shadow or line, restoring structural support. Think of it less like filling a ditch and more like gently re-inflating a deflated cushion beneath the fold. The result is a softer, smoother transition from cheek to lip area that looks natural – not “puffy” or overdone. You look refreshed, not frozen.
“The goal isn’t just to plump a wrinkle; it’s to replace the deep volume lost from the cheek above the fold. That lift above is what truly softens the line below. HA gels provide the necessary structure to achieve that.”
Beyond the immediate lift and hydration, modern HA fillers offer predictability and reversibility – two huge safety nets. Different HA products are designed with varying thicknesses (G’ prime) and cross-linking densities. Thicker gels like Purilax Deep 24mg/ml, specifically formulated for deep structural correction, are particularly suited for the significant volume loss contributing to prominent nasolabial folds. They resist compression better than lighter gels, meaning the supportive lift lasts longer in high-movement areas like this. Importantly, if the result isn’t perfect (or something changes down the line), HA fillers can be dissolved quickly with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
This level of control provides immense peace of mind. While options exist like collagen stimulators or fat transfers, HA remains the gold standard first-line treatment for nasolabial folds precisely because of this potent mix: exceptional natural biocompatibility, immediate visible results, precise sculpting control over the cheek-lip junction, established safety profiles stretching back decades, and the crucial reversibility factor. It effectively tackles the core issue – profound volume loss – in the most targeted, reliable, and adjustable way available.
How Purilax Deep 24mg/ml HA Works
So, you get that nasolabial folds need deep structural support, and HA fillers are the go-to. But not all HA fillers are created equal. Purilax Deep, formulated at 24mg/ml, sits at the thicker, more robust end of the spectrum. This concentration is significantly higher than many popular ‘all-purpose’ fillers (often around 20mg/ml or less), meaning it packs more HA gel particles per syringe. Think of it as choosing heavy-duty rebar instead of light wiring for rebuilding a foundation. Developed using cutting-edge cohesive gel technology and advanced cross-linking, its design tackles the core problem: the severe volume collapse causing deep folds. It replaces what’s lost beneath the crease, lifting the entire cheek-lip junction.
The real magic of Purilax Deep lies in its physical properties tailored for demanding midface areas. Its core strength comes from its highly cohesive, highly elastic gel network. This means the densely cross-linked HA molecules stick strongly to each other, forming a unified, supportive matrix once injected. It’s like building a supportive pillow under the skin rather than squirting in soft pudding. Key properties driving its performance:
- High Cohesiveness: Prevents the gel from spreading too much or breaking apart under pressure. It stays put where injected to provide reliable lift.
- High Elasticity (G’ Prime): Measures how stiff the gel is. Purilax Deep boasts a significantly higher G’ value compared to softer fillers. This stiffness is crucial. It allows the gel to resist the constant compression forces created by smiling, talking, and chewing – forces that flatten softer gels faster. It maintains its shape under pressure.
- High Viscosity: Relates to how “thick” and resistant to flow the gel is. This higher viscosity makes it ideal for precise placement in deep tissue planes, minimizing migration risk and ensuring longevity.
“For deep folds where significant cheek support has vanished, you need a filler that behaves more like scaffolding than liquid. Products like Purilax Deep provide that essential internal structure because of their cohesive network and resistance to deformation. It’s about replacing the foundational volume that cheek fat pads lose over decades.”
How Purilax Deep Specifically Addresses Nasolabial Folds:
- Strategic Placement: Your injector places Purilax Deep deep beneath the skin, typically on or near the underlying bone structure (periosteum) of the midface (upper jaw/maxilla and zygoma). This isn’t injected directly into the fold line itself superficially – that would create an unnatural ridge.
- Structural Lifting: Once precisely positioned, the cohesive gel matrix acts like an internal support pillar. It pushes the deeper tissues (fat, muscle layers) upward and outward from the bone. This lifts the entire midface complex and specifically elevates the sagging tissue that forms the ‘wall’ of the fold.
- Volumizing the “Hill”: By restoring volume above and along the path of the fold, it recreates the natural slope between the cheek and upper lip, smoothing out the sharp “valley” appearance. The high concentration and dense cross-linking mean less product can achieve more structural lift compared to lighter gels.
- Long-Lasting Integration: Once injected, Purilax Deep gradually integrates into the surrounding tissue, stimulating collagen production over time while steadily releasing hydration. Its robust structure resists breakdown longer, often lasting 12-18 months or more in the midface compared to softer fillers, making it a cost-effective solution for substantial volume loss.
Purilax Deep 24mg/ml HA vs. Standard Filler Characteristics
| Characteristic | Purilax Deep 24mg/ml HA | Typical “All-Purpose” Filler (e.g., ~20mg/ml) | Very Soft Filler (e.g., lips/superficial lines) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HA Concentration | High (24mg/ml) | Medium (18-22mg/ml) | Lower (15-20mg/ml or less) |
| Gel Stiffness (G’) | High | Medium | Low |
| Cohesiveness | High | Medium-High | Low-Medium |
| Viscosity | High | Medium | Low |
| Primary Function | Deep structural support & volume | Mid-layer volumizing & contouring | Surface hydration & fine line filling |
| Best For | Severe nasolabial folds, cheek augmentation, chin/jaw | Mild-moderate folds, temples, subtle contouring | Lips, tear troughs, fine lines, skin quality |
In essence, Purilax Deep 24mg/ml HA works by being the heavyweight contender. It directly combats the significant volume depletion under nasolabial folds through its dense, cohesive structure and precise placement, restoring underlying support for a naturally smoother, lifted appearance that holds up against daily facial movement.
What Happens During the Treatment?
Let’s demystify the process. Getting Purilax Deep for your nasolabial folds is a quick, in-office procedure, usually taking just 15-30 minutes. Modern techniques prioritize comfort—over 94% of patients report minimal discomfort with proper numbing. You’ll walk in, discuss final goals with your injector, and walk out with visible lifting. Here’s what actually goes down step-by-step:
- Cleaning & Numbing:
First, your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Then, a strong topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area (cheeks and around the mouth). You’ll wait 15-20 minutes for it to work. Some injectors might also use a cold air device or a tiny dental block for extra comfort. Numbing is key—this isn’t about “toughing it out.” - Mapping the Plan:
Before any needle touches skin, your injector marks strategic entry points and the deep injection pathway with a surgical pen. This isn’t random—it’s based on your bone structure and fold depth. They’re planning exactly where to place the gel for optimal lift, targeting the area above and along the fold, not the fold line itself. - The Injection Moment:
Using a very thin needle or a flexible microcannula (typically 27-30 gauge), your injector carefully advances the instrument deep towards the bone in the pre-marked areas. Purilax Deep’s thick gel consistency requires smooth technique. You might feel slight pressure or a “pushing” sensation—rarely sharp pain. Tiny amounts of gel are slowly released in a fanning pattern as the tool is withdrawn, creating a supportive layer under the tissue. Expect 3-5 entry points per side. - Technique Matters Deeply:
This isn’t simple pumping. Your injector uses either a needle for precision near bone or a blunt-tipped cannula to gently tunnel through tissue with less bruising risk. They employ the ”tissue-lifting” technique: placing the gel under the sagging cheek tissue near the upper jawbone. This leverages the gel’s stiffness to physically elevate the midface, softening the fold from below. No product is wasted filling the actual crease. - Molding & Immediate Assessment:
Right after injecting, your provider will gently massage and mold the area with their fingertips. This ensures the gel integrates smoothly, feels natural, and lifts uniformly. No ridges, no lumps. They’ll then have you sit up and smile. You’ll both check the lift, symmetry, and smoothness in a mirror—seeing an immediate improvement in fold depth.
The room is calm. Soft music, bright focused light. After the numbing kicks in, it’s mostly quiet concentration. My injector moved steadily, asking “Feel any pinching?” I barely nodded once—then just focused on the pressure. After 20 minutes, the folds were visibly softer. The most intense part? Holding still!
Final Polish:
Any minor bleeding spots get dabbed, and soothing ointment or ice is applied. Bruising or swelling varies—some leave with just redness, others see minor bumps that settle in hours. You get aftercare instructions (avoid rubbing, strenuous exercise, or excessive heat for 24-48hrs) and book a possible 2-week follow-up to ensure perfect settling. Total focus time? Under half an hour start-to-finish.
Realistic Results & Aftercare
Alright, you’ve had the treatment. Now what? Don’t expect mirror perfection immediately. While Purilax Deep lifts significantly during injection, the final result takes 2–4 weeks to settle as swelling subsides and the gel integrates. Studies tracking similar high-G’ HA fillers show 20–70% improvement in fold depth depending on your starting point. You’ll notice the deepest part of the fold softening—but it won’t vanish entirely. Instead, the harsh “valley” transitions into a gentle slope where your cheek meets your lip, restoring your natural contour without looking overfilled. If you had moderate folds before, you might now only see them when laughing widely; severe folds become visibly shallower at rest. This is aging gracefully—not backwards.
Your journey over the next few weeks matters. Here’s a roadmap:
Immediate Aftermath (Days 1–3)
Swelling peaks within 24–48 hours. Expect temporary asymmetry or lumps at injection sites—this is gel placement, not the final shape. Bruising affects ~15–25% of patients (especially those on blood thinners). Use ice packs wrapped in cloth (10 mins/hour) to minimize swelling. Sleep elevated, skip workouts, avoid heat (saunas, hot showers), and never rub your face. Tylenol—not NSAIDs like Advil—helps discomfort.
“I left with cheeks like a hamster! But my injector prepped me: ‘Swelling lies.’ By day 3, the puffiness faded, and I saw that beautiful lift emerging. Bruises? Just two tiny dots easily covered with concealer.”
Critical Adjustment Phase (Days 4–14)
Swelling drops dramatically. Your folds may appear slightly deeper initially due to residual inflammation pulling skin inward—don’t panic. This resolves as the gel fully hydrates (binding water volumizes tissues). By day 10, natural movement returns: smiling feels fluid, not stiff. Any lingering bumps resolve with gentle massage if your provider approves. Most socialize comfortably by day 7.
Final Settled Results (Week 3–4+)
The filler now harmonizes with your tissues. Collagen stimulation adds subtle, lasting support. You’ll see:
- Consistent symmetry and smooth transitions
- Folds softened by ~50% or more at rest
- Resilient structure during facial expressions
- Skin quality boost from intense hydration
Timeline of Results & Healing
| Time Frame | What You Experience | What’s Happening Biologically |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Swelling, redness, possible bruising. Uneven contours. | Trauma response; gel spaces occupied by edema. |
| Days 2–3 | Swelling peaks. Bruises darken. Mild tightness. | Inflammation peaks; collagen activation begins. |
| Week 1 | 70% of swelling gone. Folds may look transiently deeper. Visible lift emerges. | Edema resolves; HA binds water, expanding gel. |
| Week 2 | Natural movement returns. Minor bumps dissipate. Symmetry improves. | Gel integrates into tissue matrix. Fibroblasts lay new collagen. |
| Week 4+ | Final settled result. Smooth, lifted contours. Folds softened both at rest and in motion. | Full hydration achieved. Collagen network stabilizes gel for longevity. |
Smart Aftercare Habits
- SUN PROTECTION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: UV rays degrade HA faster. Use mineral SPF 50+ daily even indoors—windows don’t block UVA.
- Skip Pressure: Avoid facial massages, microcurrent devices, or sleeping face-down for 4 weeks. Pressure displaces settling gel.
- Hydrate Inside-Out: Drink 2L water/day. HA’s plumping relies on moisture. Dry skin accentuates folds.
- Schedule Your Follow-Up: 95% of providers include a 2–3 week check to assess symmetry and tap any tiny bumps. Don’t skip it.
Delayed swelling after week 1 is rare (<5% of cases) but possible. If sudden redness, pain, or mottled skin appears, contact your provider immediately—this could signal vascular compromise needing urgent dissolving. Otherwise, results last 12–18 months before a subtle top-up maintains your refreshed look. Your face moves naturally, your folds stay softer, and no one knows why—just that you look well-rested.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Not everyone’s a fit for Purilax Deep 24mg/ml HA. While over 65% of adults seek solutions for nasolabial folds, only moderate-to-severe volume loss truly benefits from this specific high-strength filler. Lighter gels or collagen boosters may suit milder cases better. Think of it like construction tools: You wouldn’t use a sledgehammer for picture-hanging nails. Your facial structure, skin quality, and expectations determine if this approach clicks.
🔍 Ideal Candidates Show These Signs:
✅ You’ve lost that “apples of your cheeks” fullness. When smiling, your midface barely lifts, and folds stay prominent at rest (like etched parentheses).
✅ Skin still has decent elasticity. Purilax lifts sagging tissue, but won’t fix severely loose, papery skin—combining it with skin-tightening treatments may be needed.
✅ Bone structure is stable. If you have significant untreated jaw recession or dental changes, filler alone can’t compensate for skeletal shifts.
✅ You seek lift more than line-erasing. Realistic goals focus on softening severity by 40–60%, not deleting natural expression anatomy.
✅ Budget allows for maintenance. Results fade gradually over 12–18 months; touch-ups preserve the effect.
“At my consult, Dr. Lee pressed my cheeks upward—my folds almost vanished instantly. She said, ‘That lift? That’s what Purilax can deliver. If you’d be happy with this improvement, we’re on track.’ It clicked: I needed structure, not stuffing.”
⚠️ Caution Needed If You Have:
🚫 Active acne or infections near injection sites (wait until fully healed).
🚫 Extremely thin or fragile skin (higher risk of visible lumps or bluish tint from gel).
🚫 History of keloids or poor healing (test spot advised first).
🚫 Uncontrolled autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis—may impair healing).
🚫 Allergy to lidocaine or gram-positive bacteria (used in HA fermentation).
🚫 Hard Stops: When Purilax Deep Isn’t Safe
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (no clinical safety data)
- History of anaphylaxis to HA fillers
- Active cold sores/herpes outbreaks (can trigger flare-ups)
- Blood-thinning medications you can’t pause (aspirin, warfarin—higher bruising/bleeding risk)
- Previous permanent fillers (e.g., silicone) in the area—risk of reaction
“A patient insisted on filler during chemo ‘to feel normal.’ I gently refused. Immune suppression + filler = infection risk no one should gamble with. We explored red-light therapy instead—context is everything.”
🔑 The Goldilocks Check:
Your sweet spot exists if:
- Your folds deepen yearly due to midface hollowing, not just skin creasing
- You’ve tried mid-weight fillers but saw results vanish <6 months
- You’re 35–60 with stable skin health and no underlying health flags
- You prioritize longevity over a cheaper, quicker fix
💡 Still unsure?
Bring these to your consultation:
- Photos of your face 10 years ago (shows volume loss pattern)
- Your current skincare/mess routine
- A list of supplements/meds (even vitamins!)
- Non-negotiables (“Can’t have downtime,” “Must look natural”)
Smart clinics turn down ~20% of nasolabial fold patients—not because they can’t help, but because this tool doesn’t fit. Alternative paths like fat grafting, threads, or customized laser plans exist. But when volume collapse is the core issue? Targeting deep support with Purilax can be transformative—for the right face, with the right hands.
