Deep folds, or skin folds, are prominent creases that make the skin look older and more wrinkled. They tend to form in areas with less underlying fat — around the eyes, between the eyebrows, and around the mouth. Several factors can contribute to them.
- Ageing: the most common cause. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, allowing deep folds to develop.
- Repeated facial expressions: habitual movements may etch folds into the skin over time.
- Sun exposure: prolonged exposure accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, a poor diet, and a sedentary routine can all play a part.
Treatment options for deep folds
Depending on the severity of your folds and the area to be treated, the dermatologist may choose from the following options.
Botox injections
Botox is a popular option, best known for reducing wrinkles and lines between the eyes. The dermatologist uses it to relax the specific muscles that contribute to deep folds. You may see a visible difference about a week after treatment, and results last a few months.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are a sought-after option. They use injectable plumping agents — such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, or calcium hydroxyapatite — to plump out the folds. The skin looks plumper and more youthful, and the results last longer than Botox.
Microneedling
If your lines or folds are relatively superficial, the dermatologist may recommend microneedling. A powered hand-piece creates tiny channels in the upper layer of the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing process to produce elastin and collagen that plump folds and wrinkles back towards their youthful state. Depending on the depth of your folds, you may need three to six sessions spaced around four weeks apart.
Laser treatments
The dermatologist may recommend ablative or non-ablative laser treatments to soften folds around areas such as the lips, chin, and forehead. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by removing its outermost layer and stimulating collagen production. Non-ablative lasers use concentrated light energy to target deeper layers of the dermis, prompting a controlled inflammatory response that increases collagen production.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are another form of skin resurfacing for superficial folds. They remove the top layer of dead skin to promote new skin growth and reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and nasolabial folds. Depending on your skin type and the severity of the folds, the dermatologist selects a light, medium, or deep peel.
Thread lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses FDA-approved dissolvable sutures to tighten folds and stimulate collagen production. Threads made of polydioxanone, a complex sugar polymer, are inserted into the skin and dissolve within six to eight months. They anchor the natural tissues to give the face a lifted appearance, reducing deep folds.
Personalised, expert-led care
Treatment is often subtle, as overcorrection can look unnatural. At Derma Essence, treatment is led by Dr. Reena Sharma (MD Dermatology). For related concerns, see anti-ageing treatment or chemical peels.
Book a consultation for a personalised assessment.
