2026-09-03
Can Deep Nasolabial Folds Be Improved with Thread Lifts? Differences from Fillers, Before-and-After Standards
Deep nasolabial folds can make one look tired. This article discusses whether thread lifts or fillers are more suitable, depending on the cause of the folds, such as volume loss or mid-face sagging, and explains the differences and selection criteria for each treatment.
※ This article is intended to provide medical information.
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Deep nasolabial folds, what is the most effective treatment?
Hello,
I am Dr. Park Jung-geun,
Director of Faceplus Plastic Surgery Clinic.
One of the first changes noticed when looking in the mirror
is nasolabial folds.
Especially when they are deeply etched, they are not just lines
from expressions, but can make the entire facial impression
look tired.
Many people wonder
which method is more suitable, fillers or thread lifts.
In actual consultations, questions comparing these two methods
often arise.
The important thing is to first identify the cause of the nasolabial folds.
This is because the approach can differ depending on whether it is simply a lack of volume,
or if mid-face sagging is also present.
Reasons why nasolabial folds deepen
Nasolabial folds are rarely caused solely by a problem with the skin surface.
Often, the cheek fat moves downwards from inside the facial structure,
or mid-face sagging progresses,
creating shadows in the nasolabial area.
Especially as we age and skin elasticity decreases,
the cheek fat descends, making the wrinkles appear deeper.
In such cases, simply filling with fillers alone may not provide a fundamental solution.
If sagging is present, an approach that lifts the cheek area upwards may be necessary.
Furthermore, nasolabial folds can appear more pronounced depending on facial fat distribution and bone structure,
so it is important to consider individual causes.
Cases improved with thread lifts
A thread lift involves inserting special threads into the face to pull up and reposition sagging tissue upwards.
If nasolabial folds have deepened due to the cheek area moving downwards,
a certain degree of improvement can be expected through lifting.
Especially when mid-face sagging is the cause, thread lifts can help create a natural change.
This is because it is not simply about filling wrinkles, but about repositioning sagging tissue upwards.
However, it does not apply equally to all nasolabial folds,
and results can vary depending on skin condition and facial structure.
If the degree of sagging is not severe, relatively natural changes may occur.
Differences and selection criteria for fillers and thread lifts
Fillers are a method of supplementing volume in sunken areas.
If nasolabial folds are emphasized due to a lack of volume,
filler treatment can be helpful.
Conversely, if sagging cheeks are the cause, lifting may be considered first.
In practice, a plan combining both methods is sometimes made.
This involves first repositioning the cheek area with a thread lift,
then supplementing the deficient areas with a small amount of filler.
This approach is sometimes used to consider facial balance.
The important thing is not to conclude which method is better,
but to identify the current facial structure and its causes.
By choosing based on these criteria, more natural changes can be expected.
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Deep nasolabial folds
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of deep nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds are not solely caused by surface skin issues. They primarily form due to cheek fat moving downwards or mid-face sagging, creating shadows, or can appear deeper as skin elasticity decreases with age.
Which types of nasolabial folds are effectively improved by thread lifts?
Thread lifts can be expected to improve nasolabial folds that have deepened due to the cheek area moving downwards or those caused by mid-face sagging. By pulling up and repositioning sagging tissue, they help create natural changes.
When are fillers used for nasolabial fold improvement?
Fillers are used to supplement volume in sunken areas, so they can be helpful when nasolabial folds are emphasized due to a lack of volume. They are effective when the issue is volume deficiency, not just sagging.
Can thread lifts and fillers be performed together?
Yes, a plan combining both methods is sometimes made. It is possible to first reposition the cheek area with a thread lift, then supplement deficient areas with a small amount of filler, allowing for an approach that considers facial balance.
What is the most important criterion when choosing a nasolabial fold treatment?
The most important criterion is to first identify the cause of the nasolabial folds. Since the approach differs depending on whether it is simply a lack of volume or if mid-face sagging is also present, understanding the individual's specific cause is crucial.