[The naso-labial fold: analysis and proposed techniques for correction].

The naso-labial fold is a permanent depression of the face which corresponds to the combined action of congenital and acquired factors such as cutaneous atrophy, bone resorption, muscular activity and skin ptosis. It is therefore not realistic to abandon any attempt to correct this complaint or to provide a universal solution to correct it; over the last four years, we have used EPTFE implants to fill the naso-labial fold: triangular, in one or two layers introduced via a gingival incision for the upper naso-labial part, with 2 mm large strips directly inserted through the skin for the lower labio-mental part. Tolerance and versatility were always remarkable; efficacy depends on the possible associated cutaneous ptosis: if major, a lifting procedure, more or less extensive, must be offered, which may also improve the projection of the malar area with an implant of the same material introduced via an oral or temporal approach. All other well known procedures (liposuction, fat grafts, collagen, etc.) may be employed but only as a complement to filling and traction procedures.