Procedures to Remove Nasolabial Folds: Why Fillers Alone May Not Be Enough

Hello.

This is Kim Ha-won from Beauty Doctors.

Nasolabial folds may look similar at first glance,

but in fact, they are not all the same.

Depending on the cause and structure of the wrinkle,

the shape changes,

and accordingly, the improvement method

has to differ as well.

So when considering a procedure to remove nasolabial folds,

rather than simply asking, “What is good to do?”

it is most important to first look at

why they formed.

The question I hear most often in the consultation room is,

“Can’t I just get fillers?”

But nasolabial folds are often not explained by simple hollowing alone,

and fillers are not always the right answer.

Only by accurately identifying the cause of the wrinkle

and choosing the appropriate procedure

can you expect natural, long-lasting results.

So today,

I’m going to organize procedures for removing nasolabial folds

by type.

1. Crack-type nasolabial folds

– A type with a thin, deeply etched line

Recommended procedure: Belotero Soft filler

This type of nasolabial fold looks like a thin crack in paper,

with a narrow, deeply etched line as its feature.

It is noticeable even without facial expression,

and often becomes even more defined when smiling.

It is also a type frequently seen in people with thin skin

and generally weak elasticity.

In such cases,

rather than a firm filler,

a type that spreads smoothly and adheres well is more suitable.

Belotero Soft filler blends naturally even into thin skin,

and helps soften wrinkles

without excessive volume.

That is why many people say,

“It hardly looks like I had anything done,

but my impression feels much softer.”

2. Furrow-type nasolabial folds

– A type where fine wrinkles are layered one on top of another

Recommended procedure: Sculptra

At first glance,

it may not look very deep,

but it takes the form of multiple layers of fine wrinkles.

Makeup tends to settle easily,

and even when not smiling, the face often looks saggy.

For this type,

rather than simply filling space,

a more appropriate approach is one that helps the skin

recover its own strength.

Sculptra is a procedure that induces collagen production over time

to improve the skin’s density itself.

Rather than immediately after the procedure,

changes appear gradually over several weeks,

and the wrinkles naturally become less visible.

That is also why many reviews say,

“I was worried it might add too much volume,

but as time passed, it felt like my skin was filling out,

so I’m satisfied.”

3. Fat-type nasolabial folds

– A type where shadows form because of a bulge

Recommended procedure: Double Slim fat-dissolving injection

In this case, the folds are not caused by hollowness,

but by fat accumulating around the sides of the mouth and cheeks,

which creates shadows.

This type often appears in people with fuller cheeks

or a thicker line around the mouth.

If you simply add filler here,

it can make the face look heavier

or unnatural.

In such cases,

a method that reduces unnecessary volume

and refines the contour is needed.

By reducing the volume with a Double Slim fat-dissolving injection,

the nasolabial fold line can look much cleaner.

It is also common to hear experiences like,

“I was considering filler after it was recommended,

but after reducing the fat,

the wrinkles actually looked less prominent.”

4. Elasticity-type nasolabial folds

– A type formed as the entire face sags

Recommended procedure: Juvelook Skin Booster

Even if the nasolabial fold itself is not deep,

when the overall elasticity of the face decreases,

the wrinkles can look more pronounced

and the impression can become heavier.

The cheek and jawline contours often collapse together,

creating a tired appearance.

At times like this,

rather than filling a specific area,

a more effective approach is to lift the skin’s own strength.

Juvelook Skin Booster

promotes collagen production

and improves skin texture, radiance, and elasticity overall.

As the skin becomes more hydrated and elasticity is restored,

the nasolabial folds also tend to soften naturally.

That is why people often say,

“Fine wrinkles are less visible,

and makeup goes on better.”

5. Aging-type nasolabial folds

– A type that is deeply and broadly established

Recommended procedure: Thermage FLX

This is a typical aging-related nasolabial fold,

where the skin becomes thinner

and both volume and skeletal support decrease.

In many cases,

it is accompanied not only by nasolabial folds,

but by a general decline in facial elasticity.

At such times,

rather than simply filling it in,

a method that tightens from within is needed.

Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy

to stimulate the dermis

and induce collagen regeneration.

Because its tightening effect is stronger than its lifting effect,

it is suitable for those who do not want surgery

but want a noticeable improvement.

Many people say they feel that

“the sagging has improved,

and the nasolabial folds have softened.”

Key summary

💡Thin, deeply etched line → Belotero Soft

💡Layered fine wrinkles → Sculptra

💡Shadow caused by fat → Double Slim

💡Overall loss of elasticity → Juvelook Skin Booster

💡General aging and sagging → Thermage FLX

Estimated cost by procedure (example)

💰Belotero Soft: KRW 150,000–300,000 / 1 cc

💰Sculptra: KRW 600,000–900,000 / 1 vial

💰Double Slim fat-dissolving injection: KRW 50,000–100,000 / 1 session

💰Juvelook Skin Booster: KRW 400,000–600,000 / 1 session

💰Thermage FLX (based on 600 shots): KRW 2,000,000–2,500,000 / 1 session

※ This may vary depending on individual skin condition and the treatment plan,

and the exact cost should be confirmed through consultation.

Q&A

Q. Is filler the only possible procedure for removing nasolabial folds?

A. No. If the cause is fat or sagging,

a fat-dissolving injection or an elasticity/lifting-type procedure

may be more appropriate.

Q. How long do the effects last?

A. Fillers usually last about 6 months to 1 year,

Sculptra often lasts 1 to 2 years or more,

and Thermage often lasts around 1 year.

Q. Is there a recovery period needed?

A. After fillers, fat-dissolving injections, and skin boosters,

you can return to daily life right away,

and Thermage also does not require a separate recovery period.

Q. Can people in their 20s get the procedure too?

A. If the skin is thin or the cheeks are fuller,

nasolabial folds can appear even in the late 20s.

Early, suitable care

can actually lead to more natural results.

Procedures for removing nasolabial folds

are not something that can be solved simply by filling them.

You need to accurately diagnose why the wrinkles formed

and choose the right method

to achieve natural, long-lasting results.

Whether your nasolabial folds are thin and etched,

caused by fat,

or due to an overall loss of elasticity,

the answer will be completely different.

Then,

what type do your nasolabial fold removal procedures fall under?

Thank you for reading this long post.

This was Kim Ha-won.