Whether you need filler and lifting together for nasolabial folds depends on the cause of the lines. Filler suits cases where volume is lacking, such as a hollowed bone structure; Botox is considered first for overactive muscles; and lifting is considered first for sagging of the skin and fat layers. Starting with filler without checking the cause may make the nasolabial folds look more prominent or give an unnatural result.
Five causes of nasolabial folds and how each is approached
Repic Clinic in Gangnam classifies the causes of nasolabial folds into five types: overactive muscles at the corners of the mouth, reduced firmness of the skin beside the fold, sagging of cheekbone and cheek fat, changes in bone structure, and a combined type. The table below summarizes the approach considered first for each type.
| Cause type | Approach considered first | Combination |
|---|---|---|
| Overactive muscles at the corners of the mouth | Botox | Can be used alone if the issue is only muscular |
| Reduced firmness of the skin beside the fold | Lifting | Adding filler is considered if volume is also lacking |
| Sagging of cheekbone and cheek fat | Lifting | Filler is considered for hollowing that remains after sagging improves |
| Changes in bone structure | Filler | Adding lifting is considered if sagging is also present |
| Combined type | Combination of Botox, lifting and filler | Order and composition designed after diagnosis |
Filler and lifting play different roles
Filler adds volume to hollow areas, while lifting raises sagging tissue or improves firmness. If filler alone is injected for nasolabial folds caused by sagging, volume is added on top of drooping tissue and the lines may become more prominent. Combining procedures makes sense when both causes are present.
The lifting devices offered at Repic Clinic in Gangnam are Ulthera, InMode and ONDA. Ulthera focuses energy on the fascia (SMAS) layer with ultrasound to address sagging of the jawline, cheeks and cheekbones. InMode delivers RF energy down to the fascia layer and is an FDA-cleared device. ONDA uses Coolwaves™ technology to target the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer together. Which device suits you is decided after looking at the position and degree of sagging.
Pre-procedure diagnosis decides the combination
Repic Clinic in Gangnam describes an integrated lifting approach that combines Ulthera, Thermage, thread lifting, EMFACE, lifting filler, Botox and more. There are three shared principles.
- Obtain patient-specific data through pre-procedure diagnosis
- The physician personally designs the treatment plan
- Apply it individually rather than with a uniform protocol
Even with the same nasolabial folds, the mix of causes differs from person to person, so the 3D filler design (customized by area, such as cheekbones, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, forehead and temples) is also planned by looking at facial contour and dimension together.
What to check at the consultation
Whether Botox, filler and lifting are done on the same day or separately depends on the diagnosis. At the consultation, it helps to have the cause type, the order of procedures, and the precautions and expected reactions for each procedure explained, and to compare them with your own schedule.
Frequently asked questions
My nasolabial folds have deepened. Is filler alone enough?
Only some nasolabial folds are resolved by filler alone. Botox suits muscle-related causes, lifting suits sagging, and filler suits hollowing of the bone structure. If filler is injected first without confirming the cause, the nasolabial folds may look more prominent.
Can I have Botox and filler together?
When the cause is mixed, Botox, filler and lifting are sometimes combined. Whether to have them at the same time or separately is decided after diagnosis, so confirm the order and precautions at the consultation.
Where is Repic Clinic in Gangnam located?
It is on the first basement level and the second floor at 318 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
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.