Nasolabial Fold Thermage vs. Ultherapy: What’s the Difference?

[Dermatology specialist Lee Yu-deuk]

Hello,

A place that creates a comfortable face, rather than excessive change.

This is Lee Jiham Dermatology Clinic.

"As wrinkles form with age, do they need care?"

Today, I’d like to talk about Thermage care for nasolabial folds, which many people worry about, and how it differs from Ultherapy. As we get older, many people become concerned about the wrinkles around the mouth that catch their eye every time they look in the mirror, and the nasolabial lines that seem to deepen every time they smile.

You may have experienced foundation settling into the lines even after applying makeup, making them stand out even more. If you have these concerns, I hope this post can be of some small help.

A beauty consultation that is truly beneficial

I’m dermatologist Lee Yu-deuk.

"Why do wrinkles around the mouth form?"

Nasolabial folds are not simply caused by skin stretching.

In the dermis layer of our skin,

protein fibers called collagen and elastin

are intertwined like a net,

and they help maintain the skin’s

elasticity.

It may be easier to understand if you think of a spring mattress.

When you are young, these springs firmly support the skin,

but as you age, they gradually become looser and weaker.

Then, under the influence of gravity,

the skin and fat sag downward,

creating a deep wrinkle that runs

from the sides of the nose to the mouth.

In particular, as the volume in the cheeks decreases,

the wrinkles appear relatively more prominent.

Since this area folds repeatedly every time you make facial expressions,

it is natural for wrinkles to deepen over time as part of the aging process.

How are Thermage and Ultherapy different?

Both the nasolabial fold Thermage method

and Ultherapy are lifting treatments,

but the principles behind them are different.

Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy,

and reaches the SMAS layer, the deeper layer of the skin,

to coagulate tissue and provide lifting.

Thermage, on the other hand,

uses radiofrequency energy

to contract collagen in the dermis

and encourage it to become active.

To put it another way, Ultherapy

pulls up the structures in the deeper layers,

while Thermage helps make the skin tissue itself firmer.

Both have their advantages, but for wrinkles caused by reduced skin elasticity,

the Thermage method may be considered.

How does Thermage help manage wrinkles?

The key to nasolabial fold Thermage is collagen remodeling.

The radiofrequency energy emitted by Thermage heats the dermis of the skin to 65–75°C.

This temperature immediately contracts collagen fibers while not damaging the cells.

Just as wrinkles smooth out when ironing clothes,

the loosened collagen fibers contract,

making the skin tighter.

What’s more important is the change that happens afterward.

Skin that has been exposed to heat stimulation

produces new collagen during the process of wound recovery.

This is what is called "collagen regeneration."

Some changes may be visible right after the treatment,

but the full effect appears gradually over 2 to 3 months.

During the process of new collagen production,

there may be changes in skin elasticity and possible improvement in wrinkles.

How does the treatment process proceed?

Nasolabial fold Thermage treatment takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour,

and the number of shots is adjusted depending on the area.

When the radiofrequency is delivered, you may feel heat and a mild tingling sensation,

but for most people it is a level they can comfortably tolerate.

You may feel it more around bony areas,

but as the treatment continues,

you gradually get used to it.

After the treatment, there may be slight redness or swelling,

but this usually subsides within 1 to 3 days.ㅋ

You can wash your face and wear makeup from the same day,

so it does not greatly interfere with daily life.

However, for about one week,

it is better to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise,

and you must be diligent about sun protection.

Drinking enough water

and maintaining moisture care also help preserve the results.

The right direction for skin care

Wrinkles are a natural sign of aging that comes to everyone.

There is no need to be ashamed of them,

but wanting to manage your skin so it remains healthier and firmer is also natural.

Thermage is a method that brings out the skin’s own regenerative ability.

Rather than expecting dramatic changes from a single treatment,

it is important to maintain healthy skin appropriate for your age through consistent care.

We provide not just a simple treatment,

but diagnosis and solutions tailored to each person’s skin condition.

With honest care, proven methods, and the medical team’s attentive treatment,

we will work with you on your skin concerns.

If you have any questions about nasolabial fold Thermage treatment,

please feel free to consult us at any time.

A place that can first come to mind when skin concerns arise,

and a place you can trust for a long time—we will continue to strive without change to become that place.

Previous image Next image

▲[Lee Jiham Dermatology Clinic] We provide care in a comfortable and warm atmosphere

Previous image Next image

Previous image Next image