Nasolabial Fold Lifting in Seoul, Korea


Nasolabial Fold Lifting targets one of the most common signs of aging: deep smile lines between the nose and mouth. These folds appear when midface tissues descend, cheek volume deflates, or the supporting facial layers weaken. Lifting techniques reposition the deeper structures to soften these lines naturally and restore youthful contours.

This treatment offers long-lasting improvement for patients who want a refreshed, smoother midface without an artificially filled look.

What Causes Nasolabial Folds to Deepen?

Nasolabial folds typically worsen due to:

  • Descent of the cheek fat pads
  • Loss of midface support
  • Volume deflation in the upper cheeks
  • Laxity in the SMAS layer
  • Aging of the skin and connective tissues
  • Repetitive facial expression

Because the problem originates deep in the midface structure—not just at the surface—effective treatment requires lifting and repositioning, not simply filling.

What Is Nasolabial Fold Lifting?

Nasolabial Fold Lifting focuses on elevating the tissues that have dropped into the fold, creating a smoother and more youthful transition between the cheeks and upper lip.

The procedure improves:

  • Deepened smile lines
  • Midface sagging
  • Heavy cheeks
  • Drooping tissue near the nose
  • A tired or aged facial appearance

Unlike fillers alone, lifting corrects the structural cause.

How Nasolabial Fold Lifting Works

Depending on aging severity, the lifting process may include:

1. Midface or SMAS Lifting

Deep tissues are repositioned upward to reduce heaviness over the fold.

2. Repositioning of Cheek Fat Pads

Restores youthful cheek height and softens the crease.

3. Lifting of the Upper Lip–Cheek Junction

Smooths the transition that creates the fold.

4. Optional Volume Restoration

Micro-fat or filler can be added to enhance natural fullness—without overfilling.

5. Refinement and Skin Redraping

Skin gently conforms to the lifted structure for a natural finish.

This combination provides a cleaner, softer fold without distortion.

Nasolabial Fold Lifting Treatment Options

Depending on the cause and depth of the folds, treatment can include:

1. Surgical Midface Lift

Strongest correction for moderate to severe nasolabial folds.

2. SMAS Facelift

Lifts lower and midface tissues for comprehensive improvement.

3. Thread Lifting (PDO / PLLA / PCL)

Ideal for mild to moderate folds needing subtle elevation.

4. Elasticum (Elastic Band Lift)

Provides a stronger lift than standard threads with natural movement.

5. Fat Grafting (Micro-Fat)

Adds soft, natural volume to the under-cheek region.

6. Fillers (Subtle, Structural Placement)

Used for minor creases or to complement lifting.

Most patients benefit most from a combination of lifting + light volume.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may benefit from nasolabial fold lifting if you have:

  • Deep or moderate nasolabial folds
  • Drooping midface or cheek descent
  • Smile lines that look harsh or aging
  • Minimal improvement from fillers alone
  • Heaviness around the nose and mouth
  • Desire for a natural-looking correction

Suitable for patients in their late 20s to 60s depending on aging patterns.

Expected Results

Nasolabial Fold Lifting offers:

  • Softer, smoother smile lines
  • Lifted and youthful midface contour
  • Brighter, more refreshed expression
  • Natural cheek projection
  • Balanced facial proportions
  • Long-lasting improvement

Results do not look “overfilled”—they look naturally lifted.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends on the lifting method used:

Surgical Lifting

  • Days 1–3: Swelling and tightness
  • 1 week: Stitches removed
  • 2–3 weeks: Fold improvement becomes visible
  • 1–2 months: Final refinements appear

Thread Lift

  • 0–2 days: Mild swelling or tenderness
  • 1–3 weeks: Threads settle and lift becomes defined

Fat Grafting

  • 1 week: Swelling reduces
  • 1–3 months: Soft, natural integration

Nasolabial Fold Lifting vs. Filler

Filler:

  • Adds volume
  • Good for minor folds
  • Can look unnatural if overused

Lifting:

  • Corrects the underlying cause
  • Reduces folds without bulk
  • Longer-lasting improvement

Combination is ideal, but lifting is foundational.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fillers enough for nasolabial folds?
 Only for mild cases. Deep folds caused by sagging require lifting.

Will lifting make me look unnatural?
 No—proper lifting restores natural cheek height and softens folds.

How long does the result last?
 Surgical lifting lasts years; thread lifting lasts 12–24 months.

Can I combine treatments?
 Yes—lifting + micro-fat grafting is one of the most effective combinations.