If the nasolabial folds (the linear depressions running down from the outer edge of the nose on each side) are deep due to inadequate underlying bone development or from sagging of the cheek from aging, a synthetic solid implant inserted through an incision placed either inside the mouth or around the edge of the nose can fill out the sunken area around the bottom third of the nose.

Swelling can be substantial for a week or more and take several months to resolve fully. If made inside the mouth, the incisions are fully hidden so visible scarring is not an issue.

Because some feel that paranasal augmentation makes a face with such features appear more elegant, the procedure has been called the "noble face surgery."

A similar but less striking improvement can be achieved by injection of fat or dermal fillers such as Radiesse ® or Juvederm ®, a less invasive alternative highly preferred in the West even though the change is not permanent.