When Fillers Are Not Enough for Nasolabial Folds, Check Mini Lifting Prices Too

Hello.

I’m Director Lee Seong-jun from Reating Plastic Surgery Seoul Branch.

Have you ever felt that fillers alone were somehow not enough for nasolabial folds?

You got fillers because of nasolabial folds,

but something still feels lacking...

It feels somehow unnatural...

In cases like this, people sometimes remain unsatisfied even after getting fillers.

The reason is

for nasolabial folds that are not very deep,

simply adding a little volume with fillers

can make facial expressions look much softer,

but when the folds become deeper,

simply "filling" them is often not enough.

In those cases, you should also consider "pulling".

So today,

I’d like to talk about

nasolabial fold surgery,

which may be worth considering when fillers are not quite satisfying.

Before we get into the surgery discussion,

let’s first take a step-by-step look at why nasolabial folds form.

Nasolabial folds are something everyone has.

Anatomically,

nasolabial folds are a structure that exists in everyone.

Because they are a natural line that exists in all people,

nasolabial fold surgery is not about completely eliminating them,

but about softening them naturally.

What are the 3 main causes of deeper nasolabial folds?

✅ Structural issues

Due to protrusion around the mouth, oral alignment, and similar factors,

some people are congenitally prone to having the nasolabial area look protruded or bent.

✅ Loss of volume

Hollows that appear as cheek fat decreases due to aging or weight loss

✅ Sagging skin

Physical sagging caused by tissues such as the SMAS layer descending in the direction of gravity

The causes of nasolabial folds are often not just one factor,

but a combination of several,

and the appropriate procedure or surgical approach changes accordingly.

Among these, the part that often causes confusion is the difference between

"loss of volume" and "sagging."

Volume loss vs. sagging: completely different concepts.

✔️ Volume loss means, quite literally,

that fat has been lost.

👉 If the wrinkle remains even when pulled, the main cause is "loss of volume."

✔️ Sagging skin means the skin structures have descended downward.

👉 If the wrinkle smooths out when you pull the face by hand, it is "sagging."

These two causes must be distinguished accurately

in order to choose the appropriate procedure or surgery.

Then, in the case of early nasolabial folds?

Fillers or autologous fat grafting may be sufficient.

By filling the sunken nasolabial line with a slightly fuller look,

it can be improved into a softer and more lively impression.

But for moderate to severe nasolabial folds,

"filling" and "pulling"

should be considered together.

Pulling + filling: a combined approach is key.

Because nasolabial folds are wrinkles folded like fabric,

simply filling them can produce unnatural results.

A method that pulls while lightly adding volume to the lower cheek

creates a much more natural

and stable curve.

So in cases like this,

it may be worth considering mini lifting surgery,

which pulls the skin with minimal incision.

What is mini lifting surgery?

Mini lifting is a surgical approach to "pulling"

in which an incision of less than about 2 cm is made in the scalp line near the front of the ear or sideburn area,

and the SMAS layer beneath the skin is pulled upward and fixed.

The SMAS layer is a fascial layer deeper than the skin,

and it is a structure that causes sagging.

Only by directly pulling this area can it help improve midface sagging, including nasolabial folds.

When filling the sunken area with volume using fillers alone is not enough,

a combined mini lifting approach that surgically pulls the SMAS layer upward

can satisfy both pulling and filling at the same time,

allowing for a natural and three-dimensional facial contour.

How is mini lifting surgery performed?

1️⃣ An incision of about 1.5 cm to 2 cm is made inside the scalp near the sideburn area.

2️⃣ The fascial tissue beneath the skin, called the SMAS layer,

is pulled upward and fixed.

(Only when dissection is necessary)

3️⃣ In cases of severe sagging,

overstretched skin or fat may also be removed.

4️⃣ Special threads called cog threads are used to supplement the lifting effect.

5️⃣ The incision site is closed naturally with sutures.

The entire procedure is completed in about one hour,

and the detailed method may vary from person to person depending on skin condition and structure.

Mini lifting surgery: what is recovery like?

Because mini lifting has a relatively small incision area

and limited tissue dissection,

recovery is generally less burdensome than traditional facelift surgery.

Usually, swelling may be at its worst during the first one to two days after surgery,

and then gradually subsides after about 3 to 5 days.

Bruising varies by individual, but in most cases it fades within about a week,

and pain is not severe, so it can often be managed with regular pain relievers.

Return to daily life is also fairly quick, and some people are able to do simple work the next day after surgery,

or go out 2 to 3 days later.

However, because recovery speed varies from person to person,

it is better to avoid overly demanding schedules.

Who is mini lifting suitable for?

☑️ When nasolabial folds are getting deeper and feel heavier
☑️ When fillers are not enough and a natural change is needed
☑️ When a full-face lift feels burdensome, but noticeable improvement is desired
☑️ In the early 30s to 40s, when signs of skin aging begin

However, mini lifting is a procedure for people who are not yet ready for a traditional facelift,

or for those who find a major surgery burdensome.

Because of that,

it can usually be considered sufficiently up to the 30s and 40s,

but if sagging has become severe due to aging,

mini lifting alone may have limitations,

and in that case, a traditional facelift

or a facelift plus neck lift may be more appropriate.

The right surgery for you should be determined individually through an accurate anatomical diagnosis and consultation with the medical team.

What is the mini lifting price?

Many of you may have clicked on this post because you were curious about the mini lifting price.

The mini lifting price can vary depending on various factors such as the individual’s facial structure, incision range,

degree of lifting, and whether dissection is performed,

so it is best to check the exact cost through a consultation with the medical team.

Even in the flow of time, I still want to be myself

When nasolabial folds begin to stand out in the mirror,

some people feel their mood becomes heavier, beyond just a change in appearance.

Ah... I’m starting to age too...

I understand well that changes like this can affect self-esteem and confidence.

Lifting is not simply a means to remove wrinkles,

but can be a process of refining the facial impression that has deepened over time in a more natural and healthy way.

If there are areas that are difficult to fill with fillers alone,

it may also be possible to approach them with nasolabial fold surgery using the mini lifting method,

which both pulls and fills.

Of course, this does not apply to every case, and depending on each person’s skin condition, soft tissue,

and fascial structure,

please keep in mind that the approach may differ.

What matters most is,

consulting thoroughly with a medical professional who can understand your current face

and create a plan suited to it.

The journey to living "as myself"

always begins with caring for your own mind.

I hope you become more naturally youthful tomorrow than today,

and today than yesterday.

This was Director Lee Seong-jun of Seoul Reating Plastic Surgery.

This post is

content intended to provide general information about

nasolabial fold surgery.

Whether to actually undergo surgery

should be decided according to the individual’s health condition and goals,

and should be determined through consultation with a specialist.

If you would like more details,

please check the more detailed information at the YouTube link below.

https://youtu.be/ScGNre3TxCM?si=hlmMAQ3Db0G03jqV