2026-10-21
Nasolabial Fold Lifting: Effects and How Long They Last
Explains the causes of nasolabial folds, the main lifting options such as radiofrequency, ultrasound and thread lifting, how long each lasts, and tips for maintaining results.
※ This post is intended solely to provide medical information.
Please note that this post is not subject to review under Article 56(2) and Article 57 of the Medical Service Act, and it is not an advertising post unrelated to the review content.
Hello,
I am Park Jeong-geun, director of Face Plus Plastic Surgery Clinic.
As we get older, there is one area that tends to bother us when we look in the mirror: the nasolabial fold, the line running from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. At first, the wrinkle only shows when we smile, but over time it becomes more visible even when the face is at rest, and it can make us look tired.
As a result, more and more people are exploring nasolabial fold lifting. However, not every nasolabial fold disappears after treatment, and results and their duration can vary. Today, we will take a detailed look at everything from the principles of nasolabial fold lifting to the characteristics of each procedure and how long the results last.
Table of Contents | ||
1. Causes of Nasolabial Folds 2. Types of Nasolabial Fold Lifting and Their Effects 3. Duration of Results by Procedure 4. How to Maintain the Results Longer |
1. Causes of Nasolabial Folds
It is easy to think of nasolabial folds as wrinkles that simply form as the skin ages.
In reality, however, multiple factors work together in a complex way, including reduced skin elasticity, changes in the position of fat tissue, and bone structure.
In particular, as we age, the collagen and elastin within the skin decline, and the skin's ability to support itself weakens.
During this process, the tissue in the cheeks sags downward, deepening the line that runs from the side of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Nasolabial folds can also become more prominent if the area beside the nose is naturally hollow or the midface lacks volume.
Therefore, if you are considering nasolabial fold lifting, it is important to identify the underlying cause first rather than simply checking how deep the wrinkle is.
2. Types of Nasolabial Fold Lifting and Their Effects
Nasolabial fold lifting involves different procedures depending on skin condition and the degree of sagging.
Representative options include radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound lifting, as well as thread lifting, each of which works on a different principle.
Radiofrequency lifting delivers thermal energy to the skin tissue to promote collagen remodeling.
Ultrasound lifting focuses energy on the deeper layers of the skin to promote tissue contraction and improve elasticity.
Thread lifting, on the other hand, inserts medical threads under the skin to physically pull up sagging tissue.
However, if the nasolabial fold is deep, lifting alone may not be enough to improve it, and volume restoration may also be needed.
Therefore, the outcome of nasolabial fold lifting depends less on which procedure is chosen and more on whether it is suited to the cause of the wrinkle.
3. Duration of Results by Procedure
One of the most common questions people have when considering nasolabial fold lifting is how long the results last.
In general, with radiofrequency lifting, changes in skin firmness can be noticed over a period of several weeks to several months after treatment.
Front-view photo of a woman, with her eyes blurred for privacy.
Ultrasound lifting also shows gradual changes as collagen is remodeled.
Energy-based lifting procedures like these vary depending on the device and treatment conditions, but results can last from several months to about a year.
Thread lifting produces a tightening effect that can be felt right after the procedure, and how long it lasts depends on the type of thread.
Two lifting threads under the skin: a barbed (cog) thread and a cone-type thread, each pulling tissue upward.
Some people notice changes lasting from several months to over a year, but this is not the same for everyone.
In particular, the duration of results varies from person to person depending on skin thickness, skin elasticity, lifestyle habits, and the progression of aging.
4. How to Maintain the Results Longer
To keep the results of nasolabial fold lifting for longer, post-treatment care is also important.
In particular, UV exposure is one of the main causes of collagen damage in the skin, so daily sun protection is essential.
Rapid weight changes can also affect the distribution and volume of facial fat, so caution is advised.
Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, along with other basic lifestyle habits, also help keep your skin healthy.
After treatment, it is best to follow the precautions given by your medical team and have your skin checked as needed.
Above all, nasolabial fold lifting is not a way to stop aging or achieve permanent results with a single treatment.
An appropriate treatment plan should be made after comprehensively assessing the depth of the nasolabial fold, skin elasticity, and the degree of cheek sagging.
If you are considering nasolabial fold lifting, rather than choosing based solely on how long the results last, please check whether the method is suited to your facial structure and the cause of your aging.
-Business Hours-
Weekdays 9:00 ~ 18:00 Saturday 9:00 ~ 16:00 Public Holidays / Sundays Regular Closure |
-Contact Information-
Face Plus Plastic Surgery Clinic | ||
Consultation: 02-541-8500 Inquiries: Inquire via KakaoTalk |
-Directions-
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the effects of nasolabial fold lifting last?
Energy-based lifting procedures such as radiofrequency and ultrasound can vary depending on the device and treatment conditions, but results may last from several months to about a year. Thread lifting results depend on the type of thread, and there are individual differences as well.
What is the difference between radiofrequency lifting and ultrasound lifting?
Radiofrequency and ultrasound lifting work on different principles. Radiofrequency delivers thermal energy to the skin tissue to promote collagen remodeling, while ultrasound focuses energy on the deeper layers of the skin to promote tissue contraction and improve elasticity.
Can I feel the effects of thread lifting right after the procedure?
Yes, with thread lifting you can feel a tightening change right after the procedure. However, how long the results last depends on the type of thread. While some people notice changes lasting from several months to over a year, this is not the same for everyone.
What are the main causes of nasolabial folds?
Multiple factors work together, including reduced skin elasticity, changes in the position of fat tissue, and bone structure. As collagen and elastin decline and the skin loses its ability to support itself, the cheek tissue sags downward and deepens the wrinkle. Nasolabial folds can also become more prominent if the area beside the nose is hollow or the midface lacks volume.
How can I keep the results of nasolabial fold lifting for longer?
Basic lifestyle management helps, including daily sun protection, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and not smoking. Rapid weight changes can affect the distribution and volume of facial fat, so caution is needed. After treatment, it is best to follow the precautions given by your medical team.
Does nasolabial fold lifting permanently get rid of wrinkles?
No, a single treatment does not stop aging or provide permanent results. Not every nasolabial fold disappears after treatment, so an appropriate treatment plan should be made after comprehensively assessing the depth of the wrinkle, skin elasticity, and cheek sagging.