Midface support filler
Juvéderm or Restylane placed in the cheek restores lift and reduces the weight that deepens the fold.
Wrinkles & Volume Loss
Nasolabial Fold Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
Natural softening of the folds between nose and mouth at Nest Clinic — our women doctors restore midface support and lift lax tissue first, then refine the fold itself, so your smile stays your own.
30 min
treatment, immediate softening
A
What is the most effective treatment for nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds deepen mainly because the midface loses volume and the cheek tissue descends. Effective treatment often restores cheek support first with hyaluronic acid filler or Sculptra, then softens the fold directly with a small amount of filler, and may add lifting with Ulthera or Thermage FLX. Filler results are immediate and typically last 9–12 months. Some fold is natural, so the aim is softening, not erasing, and results vary.
- Sessions
- Usually 1; Sculptra needs 2–3
- Interval
- Filler every 9–12 months
- Downtime
- Mild swelling or bruising for 2–5 days
- Treatment time
- About 30 minutes
- Results
- Immediate with filler; gradual with lifting
- Reversibility
- HA filler can be dissolved if needed
Understanding nasolabial folds
A natural fold that deepens with time
Nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Everyone has them; they become more prominent as the cheek fat pads lose volume and slide downward, the skin loses elasticity and the bone structure beneath gradually changes.
Filling only the fold can look heavy, so we usually assess the whole midface, including hollow cheeks and sagging skin. Restoring support with cheek fillers often softens the fold more naturally.
Signs your folds have deepened
- Folds visible even when not smiling
- Shadowing from nose to mouth in photos
- Flatter cheeks than in previous years
- A tired look despite good sleep
- Folds deeper on one side from sleeping position
Our approach
Lift and support, then refine
We treat the midface as a whole, choosing the lightest combination that achieves a natural result.
Direct fold filler
A small amount of soft, flexible filler smooths the remaining crease without stiffening your smile.
Sculptra
Collagen stimulation gradually restores midface volume over 2–3 sessions for a subtle, longer-lasting change.
Ulthera & Thermage FLX
Ultrasound and radiofrequency tighten lax tissue — see our Ulthera page.
Oligio & Inmode
Radiofrequency options for skin tightening with minimal downtime, chosen according to skin thickness.
What to expect
Softer folds, natural smile
Drag the handle to compare. The fold softens straight away with filler, while lifting improvements develop over the following months.
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Before
After 2 wks
Illustration for explanation only — not a patient photograph. Individual results vary; real case photos are shown during your consultation.
Is it right for you?
Good candidates
- Folds that are visible at rest
- Midface volume loss or flattening of the cheeks
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- People wanting a non-surgical refresh
- Visitors able to stay 2–3 days after filler
Safety first
Possible side effects
Swelling, tenderness and bruising are common for a few days. Uncommon risks include lumps, overcorrection, asymmetry and infection. The area beside the nose contains important blood vessels, so vascular occlusion, although rare, is a serious risk that can affect skin and, very rarely, vision.
Our doctors use detailed anatomical planning, blunt cannulas where suitable, slow low-pressure injection and conservative volumes, and keep hyaluronidase on hand to dissolve hyaluronic acid filler immediately if needed.
We do not inject during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over active infection, or for patients with certain autoimmune conditions or previous permanent fillers in the area.
Your visit
How treatment works at Nest Clinic
Assessment
Your doctor evaluates the midface, fold and skin quality.
Plan
Support, refine and lift steps chosen together.
Numbing
Topical anaesthetic and lidocaine-containing filler.
Treatment
Precise injection or device session, about 30 minutes.
Review
Check before you fly or by photo at 2 weeks.
Medical reviewer · Chief Medical Doctor
Dr. Kyung-yeon Lee
Dr. Lee trained at Seoul National University College of Medicine (M.S.) and completed residency at Seoul National University Hospital. Before joining Nest Clinic she was director at VS Line Clinic in Apgujeong. Nest Clinic is led entirely by women doctors, with one-to-one consultations rather than high-volume treatment.
Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine
Korean Society for Aesthetic Laser Surgery
Korean Academy of Facial Filler
Key Doctor · Jetema e.p.t.q.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Kyung-yeon Lee in October 2026. It is for general information and does not replace an in-person diagnosis.
FAQ
Nasolabial Folds questions, answered
Why not just fill the fold?
Filling the line alone can make the area look heavy or puffy when you smile. Restoring cheek support first usually softens the fold more naturally with less product.
How long do nasolabial fold fillers last?
Hyaluronic acid filler usually lasts around 9–12 months in this area. Sculptra and lifting devices can extend results, which vary between patients.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream and lidocaine in the filler keep most patients comfortable. You may feel pressure and mild tenderness for a day or two.
Can I fly home after treatment?
Flying is generally fine after 24–48 hours. We like to review you before departure and offer follow-up by photo afterwards.
Are nasolabial folds the same as smile lines?
They are closely related; many people use the terms interchangeably. See our smile lines
page for lines that appear mainly with expression.
Related treatments
Explore midface care
Consultation
Soften your folds naturally
Send a photo on WhatsApp for a first opinion in English, then book a consultation with our doctors.
Nest Clinic Gangnam · 4F–5F Seocho Building, 453 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7 · Gangnam Station Exit 10
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun closed
Results differ from person to person. All medical procedures carry potential risks and side effects; a doctor will explain them before treatment. Information on this page is educational and not a substitute for a personal medical consultation.
