What causes deep nasolabial folds?
Everyone has a nasolabial fold — it is where the cheek meets the upper lip. It becomes a problem when the cheek fat pad descends and loses volume, the bone beneath the nose recedes slightly with age, and the skin loses elasticity. The fold then reads as a deep shadow that makes the face look tired or older.
Because there are several causes, filling the line alone is not always the right answer. Too much filler directly in the fold can make the mid-face look heavy. Often a little support higher on the cheek, or lifting the cheek itself with a cheek lift, softens the fold more naturally.
Which nasolabial fold treatment is right for me?
- Fine lines, good cheek position — a skin booster such as Juvelook or Rejuran may be enough.
- A visible groove at rest — hyaluronic acid filler placed in layers.
- Early cheek sagging — device lifting with Ultherapy Prime or Thermage FLX, sometimes with filler.
- Heavy, sagging cheeks and jowls — surgical lifting gives the most lasting change.
- Previous filler that looks puffy — dissolving and re-planning before adding more.
If the fold is mild and you would like the quickest option, our nasolabial fold filler page explains the injection itself in detail.
Filler vs skin booster vs lifting vs facelift
| HA filler | Collagen booster | Lifting / facelift | |
| How it works | Fills the groove directly | Stimulates collagen over weeks | Repositions the cheek |
| Best for | Mild to moderate folds | Fine lines, thin skin | Folds caused by sagging |
| Results seen | Immediately | After 4–8 weeks | Weeks to months |
| Downtime | 0–2 days | 1–3 days | 0 days (device) to 2 weeks (surgery) |
| Longevity | 6–18 months | 6–12 months | 1 year (device) to many years (surgery) |
How is nasolabial fold filler done?
Before & after
Before
After
For more examples, see our before & after gallery.
What should I expect after treatment?
| First hours | Mild swelling and small needle marks; avoid pressing or massaging the area. |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Any bruising or puffiness settles; avoid saunas, heavy exercise and alcohol. |
| Week 2 | Filler integrates and looks its most natural; a follow-up check can be arranged. |
| Month 1–2 | Booster results build as new collagen forms. |
“I rarely chase the line itself. If I support the cheek above it, the fold usually softens on its own.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorIs nasolabial fold filler safe?
Common side effects are temporary swelling, tenderness and bruising. Lumps or overfilling are possible and can usually be adjusted or dissolved with hyaluronidase. The nasolabial area has important blood vessels, so there is a small but serious risk of vascular occlusion; careful technique, cannula use and immediate treatment if it occurs reduce that risk. Filler cannot fix loose skin.
Frequently asked questions
How long does nasolabial fold filler last?
Hyaluronic acid filler usually lasts six to eighteen months in this area, depending on the product and how mobile your face is.
Can nasolabial folds be removed completely?
No, and they should not be — a soft fold is part of a natural face. The aim is to reduce the shadow, not erase the line.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients find it very tolerable with numbing cream and lidocaine-containing filler.
Will I look puffy?
Not if the volume is placed in the right layers and amounts. Over-filling the fold is what causes a heavy look.
What if my folds are caused by sagging?
Then lifting works better than filler. Options include non-invasive lifting or, for marked sagging, a facelift.
Can I fly the next day?
Yes, flying after filler is generally fine. Avoid pressing on the area and keep well hydrated.