2026-09-03
Nasolabial Fold Thread Lift: Results May Vary with the Severity of Nasolabial Folds
The effectiveness of a nasolabial fold thread lift can vary significantly depending on the depth of the folds and the underlying causes of sagging. This article explains why deeper wrinkles may yield different results and what to expect for natural improvement.

※ This article is for the purpose of providing medical information.
It is not subject to deliberation under Article 56, Paragraph 2 and Article 57 of the Medical Service Act,
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Hello,
I am Dr. Park Jeong-geun,
Director of Faceplus Plastic Surgery Clinic.

When consulting with individuals considering a nasolabial fold thread lift,
I often receive this question:
‘My wrinkles are quite deep; can I achieve results as good as those in the reviews?’
To get straight to the point, even with the same nasolabial fold thread lift, the results can vary depending on the depth of the nasolabial folds and the cause of the sagging.
Nasolabial folds are not merely lines on the skin;
they often appear due to a combination of changes in fat position, decreased skin elasticity, and sagging facial tissues.
Therefore, there are aspects that need to be checked before simply inserting threads, and understanding this difference can help set more realistic expectations for the procedure.
Today, I will explain step-by-step why the results can differ with deeper nasolabial folds and in which cases you can expect good improvement.

Table of Contents | ||
1. Reasons for Nasolabial Folds 2. Why Results Differ with Deeper Wrinkles 3. Is Thread Lift Alone Sufficient? 4. The Key to Natural Results |
1. Why do nasolabial folds appear?

Many people think of nasolabial folds as simply lines on the skin, but in reality, they arise from much more complex causes.
As skin elasticity decreases, the skin sags downwards,
the position of cheek fat changes,

and as the supporting strength of the ligaments and SMAS layer weakens, facial
tissues descend towards the center of the face.
Additionally, skin thickness, fat volume, and facial bone structure also play a role, which is why the degree of nasolabial folds
varies from person to person, even at the same age.
Therefore, when planning a nasolabial fold thread lift, it is crucial to not just look at the wrinkles but to also
analyze the cause of the sagging.
2. Why results differ with deeper wrinkles

In cases where nasolabial folds are relatively shallow, simply repositioning the sagging tissue upwards can alleviate the wrinkles.
On the other hand, deep nasolabial folds that have progressed over a long period often involve not only sagging skin but also

a decrease in skin elasticity and volume loss.
In such cases, it is important to realistically understand the extent of improvement rather than expecting a complete elimination of all wrinkles with a nasolabial fold thread lift alone.
Furthermore, the direction and number of threads are often less critical than which tissues are pulled and in what direction, which largely determines the outcome.
In other words, the deeper the wrinkles, the more important a structural approach to the face becomes,
rather than a simple lift.
3. Is thread lift alone sufficient?
Not all nasolabial folds require the same treatment method.
If skin sagging is the primary cause, a nasolabial fold thread lift can be helpful, but
if there is severe volume loss or significant skin aging,
combination treatments with other procedures may be considered.

Conversely, in the early stages where sagging is not yet significant, a thread lift alone can sometimes achieve natural changes.

The important thing is to accurately identify the cause of your own aging rather than directly comparing yourself to others' reviews or photos.
This is because the results of the same procedure can
differ depending on the individual it is applied to.
4. The key to natural results
Focusing solely on eliminating nasolabial folds can sometimes make the overall facial balance look unnatural.
In reality, the elements that create a natural impression are not just the nasolabial folds, but the harmonious balance of mid-face volume, jawline, mouth area, and overall facial proportions.
When planning a nasolabial fold thread lift, it is crucial to not only assess the depth of the wrinkles
but also to analyze the overall direction of facial sagging and
the condition of the skin.

Even with the same threads, the results can vary depending on the design,
and aiming for a natural lift rather than an aggressive pull
often leads to long-term satisfaction.
Nasolabial folds are not just a single line of wrinkles but one aspect of the facial aging process.

Therefore, if you are considering a nasolabial fold thread lift, understanding the cause of aging and the overall balance of your face, rather than just focusing on the wrinkles, can be a more important starting point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do the results of a nasolabial fold thread lift vary depending on the depth of the wrinkles?
Yes, the results of a nasolabial fold thread lift can vary depending on the depth of the wrinkles and the cause of the sagging. This is because nasolabial folds are not simply lines on the skin but result from a complex interplay of fat position changes, decreased skin elasticity, and sagging facial tissues.
Why do nasolabial folds appear?
Nasolabial folds occur due to sagging caused by decreased skin elasticity, changes in the position of cheek fat, and weakening of the supporting strength of the ligaments and SMAS layer, which causes central facial tissues to descend. Skin thickness, fat volume, and facial bone structure also play a role.
Can deep nasolabial folds be sufficiently improved with a thread lift alone?
Deep nasolabial folds often involve not only skin sagging but also a decrease in skin elasticity and volume loss. Therefore, rather than completely eliminating all wrinkles with a thread lift alone, combining it with other procedures may be considered.
How can I achieve natural results after a nasolabial fold thread lift?
To achieve natural results, it is important to consider the overall balance and harmony of the face, including mid-face volume, jawline, mouth area, and facial proportions, rather than just focusing on eliminating nasolabial folds. Analyzing the overall direction of facial sagging and skin condition, along with the depth of the wrinkles, is crucial.
What should I check before undergoing a nasolabial fold thread lift?
Before the procedure, it is important to accurately identify the cause of your own aging rather than directly comparing yourself to others' reviews or photos. You should analyze the overall direction of facial sagging and skin condition, along with the depth of the wrinkles.