Is Filler Alone Enough for Nasolabial Folds?
When considering combined filler and lifting treatment for nasolabial folds, the first thing to check is whether the cause of the wrinkle is "lack of volume" or "skin sagging." If both are progressing at the same time, filler alone may have limited improvement. When cheek fat has dropped and deepened the nasolabial line, filler may fill the area temporarily, but if sagging keeps progressing, it is clinically reported that the filler can migrate in unwanted directions or its effect may not last as long. For this reason, dermatology clinics often recommend a combined approach in which sagging is corrected first, or at the same time, with lifting before filler is applied.
Step-by-Step Order of Combined Treatment
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STEP 1 — Identify the cause of sagging with a skin diagnosis
The reason nasolabial folds deepen differs from person to person. Descent of cheek fat, reduced dermal elasticity and volume loss from skeletal changes each contribute in different proportions. At Repic Clinic in Gangnam, the cause and location of sagging are measured with dual Meta View and Mark-Vu diagnostics, and then the treatment combination is designed. Unlike an approach that picks a device first without a diagnosis, the plan is made after the cause is confirmed.
- STEP 2 — Correct the sagging structure with lifting
When sagging is confirmed, lifting is applied first or with priority. Ulthera lifting, which focuses ultrasound energy on the fascia (SMAS) layer, is used for sagging of the jawline, cheeks and cheekbone area, and is performed while the depth is checked with DeepSee™ real-time imaging. InMode lifting, which delivers RF energy to the fascia layer, is an FDA-cleared device that aims at fat reduction, collagen production and tightening at the same time. ONDA lifting uses microwave Coolwaves™ technology to minimize epidermal damage while targeting the dermis and the subcutaneous fat layer at once. Which device to choose is decided by the diagnostic results and your individual condition.
- STEP 3 — Fine-tune volume and lines with filler
After the sagging structure has been corrected with lifting, any remaining lack of volume is filled with filler. The 3D Design Filler at Repic Clinic in Gangnam is applied in a customized way by area, such as the cheekbones, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, forehead and temples, taking facial contours and dimension into account. In the nasolabial area, excessive filler can cause an unnatural bulge, so it is important to adjust the dose precisely to the depth that remains after the sagging has been corrected.
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STEP 4 — Consider a Design Lifting approach for complex sagging
For complex sagging that a single device or a single filler does not resolve, Repic Clinic in Gangnam offers a "Design Lifting" approach. The doctor designs the plan directly by combining Ulthera, Thermage, thread lifting, EMFACE, lifting filler, Botox and more, and the price is given as an estimate after diagnosis and consultation. The patient does not pick the device; the combination is decided according to the cause of sagging.
Precautions to Check Before Combined Treatment
- Swelling may occur for a period after lifting, and adding filler before full recovery can make it harder to judge placement. Whether to do the two treatments on the same day or space them apart is decided at the consultation.
- Bruising, swelling and temporary asymmetry may appear at the filler treatment area. Recovery time differs depending on individual blood vessel distribution and skin condition.
- If filler from a previous treatment remains, the remaining amount needs to be checked before further injection. Hyaluronidase (filler-dissolving agent) treatment may be done first.
- If you are taking blood thinners (aspirin, omega-3 and the like), the risk of bruising rises, so you should generally tell your doctor before treatment.
- Treatment may be restricted if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, during an active phase of an autoimmune disease, or if there is an infection at the treatment area.
Summary of Treatment Components
| Treatment stage | Treatment | Main target | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagging correction (ultrasound) | Ulthera lifting | Fascia (SMAS) layer; jawline and cheeks | Provided at consultation |
| Sagging correction (RF) | InMode lifting | Fascia layer; double chin and jawline | Provided at consultation |
| Sagging correction (microwave) | ONDA lifting | Dermis and subcutaneous fat layer | Provided at consultation |
| Volume replenishment | 3D Design Filler | Nasolabial folds, cheeks, cheekbones and more | Provided at consultation |
| Complex sagging | Design Lifting | Personalized combination | Estimate after consultation |
Following this order — confirm the cause with a diagnosis, correct the structure with lifting, then replenish the remaining volume with filler — helps you manage the results of combined filler and lifting for nasolabial folds more consistently. Detailed information on treatments at Repic Clinic in Gangnam can be confirmed through a consultation via its official channels.
Related Official Information
You can find more details on the official website.
Repic Clinic official website →
※ This content is for general information only and does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before any procedure. Results, downtime and side effects vary from person to person.