Can the Results of Nasolabial Fold Thread Lifting Vary Depending on the Type of Thread Used?

Nasolabial folds are one of the first wrinkles to stand out on the face, and as we age, they deepen and make the overall impression look older.

As nasolabial folds become deeper, they not only make you look older but can also give a tired or depressed impression.

Simply filling them with filler or applying skincare products is, in fact, not enough to make a fundamental improvement.

That is why many people are looking into "thread lifting."

Thread lifting is a procedure that inserts medical threads into the skin to directly lift sagging tissue.

In addition, as time passes, the threads naturally dissolve and encourage collagen production.

Thanks to this, you can expect not only a relatively immediate lifting effect but also long-term improvements in elasticity.

However, in order to naturally maximize the results of nasolabial fold thread lifting and make them last longer, it is important which thread is used and how the procedure is performed.

Causes of Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds are one of the signs of aging that occur due to complex changes in various tissues that make up our face, including the skin, fat, muscles, and bones.

First, decreased skin elasticity and reduced collagen are the most basic causes of nasolabial folds.

When we are young, the collagen and elastin in the skin are abundant, keeping the skin elastic, but from the late 30s onward, these components decrease sharply, causing the skin to lose elasticity and sag.

In particular, the area around the mouth is an area that moves a lot with facial expressions, so wrinkles settle in more easily.

As the elasticity of the skin surface decreases, nasolabial folds naturally become more noticeable.

Changes in the fat layer beneath the skin are also one of the important causes.

As we age and the fat layer moves downward under the influence of gravity, the fat in the cheek area sags and shifts down toward the nasolabial fold area.

This makes the wrinkle deeper and more distinct.

In this way, nasolabial folds are not simply a surface-level problem, but something that occurs due to changes in each layer that makes up the skin.

Therefore, improving them requires more fundamental changes.

Types of Threads Used for Nasolabial Fold Thread Lifting

The threads used for nasolabial fold thread lifting are typically classified by material into PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), and PCL (Polycaprolactone) threads.

Because each thread has different characteristics, it is important to choose the appropriate thread depending on the skin condition and the depth of the wrinkle.

PDO threads have a soft texture, provide a natural lifting effect, and are suitable when the skin still has some elasticity.

They break down within 6 to 12 months, but while the thread dissolves, it promotes collagen production and helps improve skin elasticity.

If the nasolabial folds are relatively shallow and the skin itself still retains some elasticity, lifting with PDO threads can be effective.

PLLA threads have a longer duration than PDO threads and are characterized by a stronger collagen regeneration effect.

The effect lasts about 1 to 2 years, and when nasolabial folds are deep or skin elasticity has significantly declined, using PLLA threads is recommended.

In particular, the nasolabial fold area has many facial movements, so thread durability is important.

Even over time, PLLA threads can continue forming collagen within the skin and help improve elasticity.

PCL threads have the longest duration and can maintain their effect for 2 to 3 years.

Because they are excellent at gradually promoting collagen production within the skin, they can be chosen when long-term improvement of nasolabial folds is desired.

However, they have a relatively firm texture, so they are not very recommended for people with thin skin.

Nasolabial Fold Thread Lifting: What Determines the Effect?

When performing thread lifting, simply using strong threads does not mean the nasolabial folds will be perfectly improved.

The number of threads, insertion depth, and placement direction are important factors that determine the lifting effect and how long it lasts.

Because the nasolabial fold area moves a lot and the threads can loosen easily, it is better to place the threads in a grid pattern along the nasolabial folds,

or to distribute the threads while considering the overall balance of the face.

Also, if the threads are inserted too close to the surface of the skin, unevenness may appear, so it is important to insert them at the correct depth.

In particular, when the nasolabial folds are deep and cheek sagging is present, the procedure should be performed in a way that lifts not only the nasolabial area but also the cheeks and jawline together to expect a more natural and longer-lasting effect.

To successfully perform nasolabial fold thread lifting, the individual’s facial structure and skin condition must be accurately analyzed, the appropriate thread selected, and the procedure performed in the most suitable way.

If the focus is placed simply on using many threads or inserting stronger threads, the effect may be minimal, and unintended problems can occur, so special caution is needed.

Therefore, if you are considering nasolabial fold thread lifting, you should fully understand the types of threads and the procedure methods, and establish a customized treatment plan through sufficient consultation with an experienced medical team.

Before receiving the procedure, please get thorough diagnosis and consultation, compare carefully, and then make your decision.

Thank you for reading this long post.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1 to 15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, be sure to have sufficient consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience before making your decision. |