Nasolabial folds form when sagging and volume loss work together, so filler alone isn’t enough. Here’s why we combine a thread lift, filler and ligament-strengthening filler, and what daily life looks like after treatment.
Hi, this is DAYONE Clinic. Many people who come to us bothered by their smile lines assume that a little filler in the folds will fix the problem. Today we’ll explain why one treatment alone falls short, and why a combination approach is needed.
Nasolabial folds have more than one cause
Nasolabial folds are mainly the result of two factors working together.
Sagging—As the deep cheek fat and other facial tissue descend, a bulge forms above the fold and casts a shadow below it.
Volume loss—The area just inside the fold tends to hollow out as collagen is lost.
As the difference between the bulging area and the sunken area grows, the fold becomes more noticeable.
Filling only the hollow with filler doesn’t correct the sagging. And as more filler goes in, the face can start to feel heavier and may even look saggier. That’s why sagging and volume loss each need their own approach, targeted to their cause.
Why combining treatments gives better results
Thread lift—Threads lift the sagging deep cheek fat and tissue and anchor them in place. Lifting the sagging areas this way also helps smooth out the nasolabial folds.
Marionette and nasolabial fold filler—Just a small amount goes into the hollow areas only, smoothing the surface. Correcting the sagging first with a thread lift also reduces how much filler is needed.
Ligament-strengthening filler—Reinforces stretched ligaments to help the thread lift results last longer.
Combined, these three treatments can make the face look slimmer and smoother, with a naturally younger appearance.
What to expect after treatment
Because anesthesia is used, the procedure itself isn’t very painful. The numbing injections themselves do hurt, though, and you may feel some stiffness for a few days afterward.
If only a modest amount of treatment was done, limited to the areas that needed it, many people return to work the next day or within two to three days. Botox injection marks may look blotchy right after treatment, but they mostly fade within one to three days, so there’s no need to be too concerned.
The bottom line
Improving nasolabial folds comes down to a combined approach tailored to the causes, not a single treatment. To find out which combination is right for your face, we recommend coming in for a consultation with your physician. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime.
This post is adapted from an interview on DAYONE Clinic’s YouTube channel, Face Design Lab.
This article is general information about the treatment and does not replace an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Results and their duration vary from person to person.
Wondering what would suit you?
Whether a treatment suits you, and how to plan it, is best decided with a doctor.