Anatomy of the nasolabial fold

An anatomical evaluation involving the nasolabial fold was performed on three fresh cadavers. Both gross and histologic analyses were made. The mimetic muscles were noted to have dermal extensions to the skin overlying the nasolabial fold. The dynamics of these mimetic muscles were evaluated subsequently in the clinical setting. Marked dimples and contour irregularities could be elicited by selectively contracting these muscles. Our findings suggest that it may be possible to improve the contour over the nasolabial fold during rhytidectomy procedures by severing the dermal extensions of the mimetic muscles along the nasolabial fold. This may allow better gliding of the skin and subcutaneous tissue over the nasolabial fold, thereby resulting in a smoother crease.