What should you know about nasolabial fold botox?

Botulinum toxin type A temporarily reduces signals between nerves and selected muscles. That can soften lines created mainly by repeated muscle activity, such as some forehead lines or [Crow's Feet](/conditions/crows-feet/). A nasolabial fold, however, is also shaped by cheek support, skin elasticity, facial volume and the attachment of tissues around the mouth.

For that reason, injecting directly into the fold is not automatically the right solution. Excessive muscle relaxation near the mouth can affect expression or functions such as smiling, speaking and drinking. An experienced medical injector assesses movement at rest and during expression before recommending treatment.

Discuss your goals, previous injections, medicines, neuromuscular conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any swallowing or breathing problems. A clinician may suggest botulinum toxin for a specific muscle pattern, or explain why another approach is more suitable. [Botulinum Toxin Type A](/materials/botulinum-toxin-type-a/) and [Botox](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-injection/) explain the material and treatment. [Wrinkles](/symptoms/wrinkles/) provides wider context; [Dermal Fillers](/treatments/injectables/dermal-fillers/) may be considered when support or volume is the main issue.

After injection, obtain urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swallowing, widespread weakness, or vision changes. Contact the treating clinician promptly for severe or increasing pain, unusual skin colour, marked asymmetry, or swelling that continues to worsen.

Ask which muscle is being treated, how mouth movement could change, whether the fold is mainly structural, what alternatives exist, when improvement should be reviewed, and which symptoms need urgent help.