Can Facial Massage Reduce Nasolabial Folds? Benefits, Risks & Treatment Options Explained by a Doctor

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Specialist clinic for nasolabial folds and wrinkles
Osaka Houreisen Skin Clinic / Tokyo Houreisen Skin Clinic / Nagoya Houreisen Skin Clinic
Shinya Sasagawa, Representative Director, Shingetsukai Medical Corporation View the doctor’s profile

Have you ever looked in the mirror after a bath or while washing your face in the morning and thought, “My nasolabial folds seem deeper than before”?

As nasolabial folds become more noticeable with age, some people would rather try massage at home than immediately consider cosmetic treatment.

But can massage actually make nasolabial folds less noticeable?

In this article, we explain what facial massage may and may not do, precautions to take, and the types of nasolabial folds that are difficult to improve with massage alone.

Can Facial Massage Make Nasolabial Folds Less Noticeable?

Massage may help reduce facial puffiness, making nasolabial folds appear temporarily less noticeable. However, massage alone is unlikely to substantially improve deep nasolabial folds.^[1–3]

Also, using a moisturizing cream during massage may help relieve dry skin and make fine lines caused by dryness less noticeable.

How to Massage the Nasolabial Fold Area Safely

If you choose to massage your face, avoid trying to forcibly stretch out the folds or rubbing your skin.

Apply Cream and Use Gentle Pressure

Moving your fingers across dry skin can create friction. Apply a lotion or cream suited to your skin first, then use the pads of your fingers to touch the area gently without pulling firmly on the skin.

If your fingers catch on the skin, do not keep rubbing. Even when using cream, avoid pushing the skin upward forcefully or repeatedly rubbing back and forth over the same spot.

There is no established number of repetitions or duration needed to reduce nasolabial folds. Rather than forcing yourself to massage for a set number of minutes each day, stop if you experience pain or stinging.

Vigorous Rubbing May Leave Dark Spots or Discoloration

Repeated friction can inflame the skin, causing redness and irritation. Even after the inflammation subsides, dark spots or discoloration (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) may remain.^[4]

Do not assume that massage works better if it hurts or makes your skin red. Avoid massaging areas with eczema or inflamed acne, and consult a dermatologist if redness or pain persists.

Moisturizing and Sun Protection Also Matter at Home

Moisturizing can help with fine lines caused by dryness. After cleansing, gently apply a suitable lotion or cream to prevent dryness. There is no need to rub it in repeatedly.^[5]

Ultraviolet exposure also contributes to wrinkles and sagging. Apply sunscreen when going outside and reapply it after sweating or wiping it off. A hat or parasol can provide additional protection.^[6]

How UV Exposure Affects Dark Spots, Wrinkles, and Sagging Skin
Learn About HC Wrinkle Lift Cream, Developed by Our Clinic

Even with regular massage and moisturizing, the depth of your nasolabial folds may change very little. That is because factors other than puffiness and dryness can contribute to them.

Nasolabial Folds That Are Difficult to Improve With Massage Alone

Established skin creases, cheek fullness or sagging, facial bone structure, and facial muscle movements can all affect the appearance of nasolabial folds. These factors cannot be changed simply by massaging the surface of the skin.

Deeply Etched Skin Creases

When you smile, your cheeks lift and nasolabial folds become more pronounced. As the skin loses elasticity due to aging and UV exposure, these wrinkles may remain visible even when you are not smiling.^[6][7]

Moisturizing may reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness, but it is difficult to soften deeply etched nasolabial folds this way. Kneading or stretching the surface of the skin will not simply restore it to its previous state.

Cheek Fullness and Sagging

People with naturally full cheeks may have a more pronounced height difference between the cheeks and the area around the mouth, making nasolabial folds more noticeable. In others, age-related loss of skin elasticity and sagging cheeks can deepen the folds.

Lifting the cheeks with your hands may make the folds look shallower while you hold them, but they return when you let go. Massage alone cannot reliably keep sagging cheeks lifted over the long term.

The Influence of Bone Structure and Facial Muscles

Even younger people can have noticeable nasolabial folds because of their facial bone structure or the distribution of cheek fat. Massage cannot change the underlying bone structure or restore lost volume in hollow areas.^[7]

Noticeable nasolabial folds do not necessarily mean that the facial muscles are weak. In some people, muscle movement during smiling makes the creases deeper, so we do not recommend indiscriminately increasing facial exercises. For more information, see Precautions for Facial Exercises.

For a more detailed explanation of why nasolabial folds form, see Causes of Nasolabial Folds and Types of Nasolabial Folds: Bone Structure, Muscles, Fat, and Skin.

How Can You Reduce Nasolabial Folds if Massage Does Not Help?

If you have tried massage but your nasolabial folds remain noticeable and you would like further improvement, cosmetic medical treatments are another option.

At our clinic, we primarily use growth factor injections and hyaluronic acid fillers to treat nasolabial folds.

The recommended approach depends on your goals and the actual condition of your nasolabial folds: whether you prefer gradual, longer-term improvement or want to see a change as soon as possible. Here are examples of patients treated at our clinic.

Growth Factor Injections | Man in His 40s, 1 Year and 4 Months After Treatment

Growth factor injections aim to stimulate collagen production in the skin and gradually soften nasolabial folds over several months. At our clinic, we offer this option to patients seeking longer-term improvement.

This man in his 40s underwent growth factor treatment for nasolabial folds. Comparing the photographs taken before treatment and 1 year and 4 months later, the folds appear less noticeable.

View This Patient’s Results Before Treatment, at 8 Months, and at 1 Year and 4 Months
Learn More About Growth Factor Treatment

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers | Man in His 20s, Before and Immediately After Treatment

Hyaluronic acid fillers add volume to hollow areas along the nasolabial folds, helping make the creases less noticeable. We may recommend them to people seeking a more immediate change.

This man in his 20s was concerned about hollows beside his nose. His nasolabial folds appeared shallower immediately after hyaluronic acid injections.

The case page also includes photographs taken 2 months after treatment.

View This Patient’s Results Before Treatment, Immediately After, and at 2 Months
Learn More About Hyaluronic Acid Injections

For patients with significant cheek sagging, we may consider not only injections but also thread lifting for sagging skin. For a comparison of treatment options, see How to Choose a Nasolabial Fold Treatment and Clinic.

Treatment Costs and When to Expect Results

The number of sessions or amount of injectable product needed depends on the depth of your nasolabial folds and your goals. Our main standard prices and typical timelines are shown below.

Swelling or bruising may occur after injections. If you have an important event coming up, please allow enough time when scheduling your treatment.

For full pricing details, please see our Price List.

If Your Nasolabial Folds Still Bother You Despite Massage

If you care for your skin every day without seeing much change, you may wonder, “Am I doing something wrong?” However, nasolabial folds caused by deep creases, cheek sagging, or facial structure are difficult to improve with massage alone, no matter how diligently you try.

You do not have to undergo treatment simply because you have nasolabial folds. However, if you notice them every time you look in the mirror or wish they were less visible in photographs, you are welcome to consult us. You may also find our guide to Types and Depths of Nasolabial Folds helpful.

During the consultation, we will ask when your nasolabial folds bother you, how much improvement you hope to achieve, and your preferred timeline. We will then explain home-care options, the changes you may be able to expect from treatment, and the associated costs.

Your initial consultation is free. You may book a consultation only, even if you are undecided about treatment. You can decide whether to proceed after hearing the explanation.

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