2026-09-03
Reasons Why Nasolabial Fold Thread Lifts Have a Shorter Duration, Surprisingly, It's Because of This
Discover why nasolabial fold thread lifts might not last as long as expected. Factors like skin elasticity, thread placement, and post-procedure habits play a crucial role.

※ This article is intended to provide medical information.
It is not subject to deliberation under Article 56, Paragraph 2 and Article 57 of the Medical Act,
and is not an advertisement unrelated to the deliberation content.
Hello,
I am Dr. Jung-Keun Park,
Director of Face Plus Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Among those who come for consultations regarding nasolabial fold thread lifts,
some say, ‘The duration was shorter than I expected.’
As a procedure that lifts and pulls the skin,
the type of thread used is important for nasolabial fold thread lifts,
but the actual duration is influenced by a wider range of factors.

The nasolabial area, in particular, involves a lot of facial movement
and is connected to cheek sagging, deep cheek fat, and skin elasticity.
Therefore, the outcome can vary significantly depending on the initial plan.
Today, I will explain the reasons why the duration of nasolabial fold thread lifts
can be shorter and the essential points to check during the consultation process.
Table of Contents | ||
Pulling only the nasolabial folds can lead to a shorter duration Why skin elasticity needs to be considered together More important than the number of threads is the fixation point Lifestyle habits after the procedure also affect the duration |
1. Pulling only the nasolabial folds can lead to a shorter duration

Nasolabial folds are not just a problem of a single line.
In reality, mid-face sagging, deep cheek fat volume,
and the heaviness below the cheekbones often work together
to deepen the nasolabial lines.
However, if only the nasolabial fold area is pulled strongly,
the lines may appear lighter initially,
but over time, the weight will again
descend downwards.

Therefore, during consultation,
it's not just about looking at the nasolabial lines,
but also checking the position of cheek sagging and the central axis of the face.
Especially for those whose nasolabial folds deepen when they smile,
the direction and fixation point of the thread must be determined much more precisely
to reduce unnaturalness and ensure stable longevity.
2. Why skin elasticity needs to be considered together

One of the reasons for the difference in duration, even when using the same thread,
is skin elasticity.
When the skin is thin and its elasticity is significantly reduced,
even if it's pulled, the tissue's supporting strength is insufficient,
and sagging can quickly reappear.
Conversely, if skin thickness and elasticity are maintained to some extent,
the process of the thread settling in proceeds relatively stably.

For this reason, during a nasolabial fold thread lift consultation,
it's crucial to check the current skin condition, fat layer thickness,
and degree of sagging together.
In some cases, combining it with lifting lasers or
volume-improving procedures can help achieve overall balance.
Simply pulling strongly does not always lead to good results.
3. More important than the number of threads is the fixation point

During consultations for nasolabial fold thread lifts,
some people ask, ‘If I insert many threads, will it last longer?’
However, the duration is not determined solely by the number of threads.

What's more important is
in which layer, in what direction,
and where it is fixed.
If pulled excessively at a weakly fixed point,
even if it appears lifted initially,
repeated movements can quickly lead to a feeling of loosening.
Especially in the nasolabial fold area,
there's a lot of movement when speaking or smiling,
so the tension distribution of the thread and
the tissue support structure must be considered together.
Therefore, the type and design of the thread can vary
depending on the face shape and the location of sagging,
and the same method is not applied to everyone.
4. Lifestyle habits after the procedure also affect the duration
Post-procedure care is also important.

During the initial period when fixation is settling,
actions like opening the mouth wide,
strong massages, or excessive pressure, if repeated,
can affect the stable settling of the thread.
Also, in cases of rapid weight changes,
the volume structure itself changes,
which can lead to differences in the feeling of lift duration.

Sleeping habits or facial pressure habits also
have a greater impact than expected.
Therefore, it's important to follow the post-procedure precautions
for a certain period, and
to regularly check the condition and
adjust the management plan according to current tissue changes.
For nasolabial fold thread lifts,
how the current facial structure is analyzed and planned
is much more important than the act of inserting the threads itself.
Rather than deciding based solely on the duration,
it's important to receive a thorough explanation of what caused your nasolabial folds to deepen,
and which method is suitable for a natural outcome, before proceeding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main reasons why the duration of nasolabial fold thread lifts becomes shorter?
The duration of nasolabial fold thread lifts can be shortened by several factors, including pulling only the nasolabial folds, the condition of skin elasticity, the fixation point of the threads, and post-procedure lifestyle habits. The nasolabial area, in particular, involves a lot of facial movement, requiring comprehensive consideration.
Does a greater number of threads in a nasolabial fold thread lift lead to a longer duration?
No, the duration is not determined solely by the number of threads. What's much more important is in which layer, in what direction, and where the threads are fixed. If pulled excessively at a weakly fixed point, the lift can quickly loosen.
Does skin elasticity affect the duration of nasolabial fold thread lifts?
Yes, it does. If the skin is thin and its elasticity is significantly reduced, even if it's pulled, the tissue's supporting strength is insufficient, and sagging can quickly reappear. It's important to check the skin condition and fat layer thickness during the consultation.
Are there any lifestyle habits to be careful of after a nasolabial fold thread lift?
Yes, there are. During the initial fixation period immediately after the procedure, avoid opening your mouth wide, strong massages, or excessive pressure. Rapid weight changes, sleeping habits, and facial pressure habits can also affect the feeling of lift duration, so it's important to follow the precautions.
What should I check during a nasolabial fold thread lift consultation?
During a nasolabial fold thread lift consultation, you should not only look at the nasolabial lines but also comprehensively check the position of cheek sagging, the central axis of the face, skin elasticity, and fat layer thickness. It's important to receive a thorough explanation of the thread type and design suitable for your individual facial structure before proceeding.