2026-10-18
Thread Lift for Nasolabial Folds: Can Deeper Wrinkles Be Improved?
Explains why nasolabial folds deepen with age, how thread lifting addresses sagging tissue, whether deeper folds can improve, and what to consider before treatment.
※ This post has been written solely for the purpose of providing medical information.
Please note that it is not subject to review under Articles 56(2) and 57 of the Medical Service Act and is not a promotional post unrelated to the review content.
Hello,
This is Director Park Jeong-geun of Face Plus Plastic Surgery Clinic.
As we age, one of the first changes people notice on their face is the appearance of nasolabial folds.
Lines that first appear only when we smile often become clearly visible even at rest, and this tends to deepen our concerns.
In particular, deep nasolabial folds can make you look older than your actual age or give off a tired, worn-out impression.
Because of these concerns, more people are exploring thread lifts for nasolabial folds, yet many still wonder whether deeper wrinkles can be improved as well.
Nasolabial folds are not simply lines on the surface of the skin. They result from a combination of factors, including reduced skin elasticity, fat shifting, and changes in facial structure.
Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the wrinkles and choose a method that matches it.
Table of Contents | ||
1. Why Nasolabial Folds Deepen 2. How Thread Lifting Works 3. Can Deep Nasolabial Folds Be Improved? 4. Things to Check Before Treatment |
1. Why Nasolabial Folds Deepen
Nasolabial folds are lines that extend from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth, and they tend to deepen gradually as aging progresses.
As collagen and elastin in the skin decline, skin elasticity weakens and the soft tissue of the cheeks shifts downward.
This can make the boundary of the nasolabial area appear more pronounced.
In particular, when fat in the midface sags downward, volume can build up above the nasolabial fold, making the fold look relatively deeper.
In such cases, rather than simply filling in the depressed area, it may be necessary to take into account the position of the sagging tissue.
Likewise, whether to perform a thread lift for nasolabial folds should be decided with these structural changes in mind.
However, nasolabial folds can also differ depending on natural bone structure, skin thickness, and fat distribution. For this reason, it is important to understand that the same approach is not suitable for everyone.
2. How Thread Lifting Works
Thread lifting for nasolabial folds involves inserting medical threads beneath the skin to pull sagging tissue in a set direction.
Generally, threads with barbs are used to support the soft tissue and reposition the cheek tissue that has drooped downward.
Rather than directly smoothing out the nasolabial fold itself, this approach focuses on improving the sagging of the surrounding tissue that accentuates the fold.
Some threads may also trigger a collagen-forming response in the surrounding tissue, but the extent and duration of this effect vary from person to person.
What matters most in thread lift procedures for nasolabial folds is
not simply pulling as hard as possible, but considering facial movement and the direction of the tissue together.
Excessive traction can cause the skin to look uneven or facial expressions to appear unnatural, so caution is needed.
3. Can Deep Nasolabial Folds Be Improved?
When considering a thread lift for nasolabial folds, the most common question is whether it can be effective for wrinkles that have already deepened.
To answer directly, even if nasolabial folds are deep, a certain level of improvement can be expected if cheek sagging is the main cause.
In particular, when cheek tissue has shifted downward and a crease has formed in the nasolabial area,
repositioning the tissue upward can be helpful.
However, if the main cause is static wrinkles deeply set into the skin or skeletal-related hollowing, it may be difficult to achieve sufficient improvement with a thread lift alone. In such cases, skin condition and whether volume loss is present are checked, and the need for other procedures may also be considered.
Therefore, the effectiveness of a thread lift for nasolabial folds
should not be judged by wrinkle depth alone. Instead, it is important to comprehensively review the degree of sagging, skin elasticity, and facial structure.
4. Things to Check Before Treatment
If you are planning a thread lift for nasolabial folds, first it is necessary to identify what has caused the folds to deepen.
Even with nasolabial folds of the same depth, cheek sagging may be the main cause for one person, while reduced skin elasticity or volume loss may play a bigger role for another.
In addition, results vary depending on the type of thread, insertion point, and pulling direction, so a plan tailored to an individual's facial structure is important.
After treatment, swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary puckering or dimpling of the skin may occur. In rare cases, problems such as infection, thread exposure, or asymmetry may appear.
The effects of thread lifting are not permanent, and how long they last can vary depending on the type of thread used, the condition of the tissue, and the degree of aging.
Ultimately, what matters in thread lifting for nasolabial folds is not simply eliminating deep wrinkles. It is about identifying the cause of the wrinkles and considering the balance of the entire face to achieve a natural result.
It is advisable to check the range and limits of what can be improved through a thorough diagnosis and consultation, and to choose the method that suits you best.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a thread lift improve deep nasolabial folds?
If cheek sagging is the main cause, a certain level of improvement can be expected. However, if the main cause is static wrinkles deeply set into the skin or skeletal-related hollowing, it may be difficult to achieve sufficient improvement with a thread lift. For this reason, skin condition and whether volume loss is present should be checked together.
How does a thread lift for nasolabial folds work?
It works by inserting medical threads beneath the skin to pull and reposition sagging tissue in a set direction. This process focuses on improving the sagging of the surrounding tissue that accentuates the fold, rather than directly smoothing the fold itself.
Why do nasolabial folds deepen?
As aging progresses, skin elasticity declines and the soft tissue of the cheeks shifts downward, so nasolabial folds gradually deepen. In particular, when fat in the midface sags, volume can build up above the fold, making it look relatively deeper.
Are the effects of a thread lift permanent?
No, the effects of a thread lift are not permanent. How long they last depends on the type of thread used, the condition of the tissue, and the degree of aging.
What side effects can occur after treatment?
Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary puckering or dimpling of the skin may occur after treatment. In rare cases, infection, thread exposure, or asymmetry may happen, so a thorough consultation before treatment is essential.