Nasolabial fold injections, is filling them enough? How to restore even the skin texture

Nasolabial fold injections are not a single, fixed injection. It is closer to a collective term encompassing hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen-stimulating boosters, and, in some cases, even botulinum toxin. Among them, the most widely used is hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, which immediately fills in sunken areas. However, it is good to know beforehand that the real cause of nasolabial folds is not simple skin folding, but rather a complex issue involving facial volume loss in the midface, sagging cheeks, decreased skin elasticity, and skeletal changes.

Therefore, recently, an approach of not just "filling" but "restoring skin texture and support" has been drawing attention. This is also the direction that Gangnam Onlif Clinic proposes for nasolabial folds. The answer is the ON-VOLASSOM Calcium Collagen Booster, which targets both immediate volume and collagen regeneration simultaneously. Let us break down why this is the case, step by step, below.

🔍 Why Do Nasolabial Folds Form?

The official medical term for nasolabial folds is **Nasolabial Fold**. It is the line that runs from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Because it is an area that folds every time you make a facial expression, the crease deepens with repetition.

The core is collagen. As we age, collagen in the dermis decreases, and the areas that have lost support are not filled back up. On top of this, when the cheeks sag downward and the support from the bones weakens, the shadows become darker.

Importantly, the causes lie across multiple layers. This is why simply filling something only into the nasolabial fold itself does not solve the problem. For some, volume loss is the main cause, while for others, sagging is the culprit.

📌 Key Summary: Nasolabial folds are a complex problem combining collagen reduction, volume loss, and sagging, requiring an approach tailored to the cause.

💉 Nasolabial Fold Injections: How Do they Differ by Type?

Under the name of "nasolabial fold injections," procedures with quite different properties are mixed together. Let's point out the representative ones.

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Filler: Instantly fills in sunken areas. Its advantage is its reversibility, meaning it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you are not satisfied. The maintenance period is often around 6 to 18 months depending on the product, personal metabolism, and movement, and averages around 9 to 12 months for the highly expressive nasolabial area.

• Collagen Booster (PLLA, PDLLA, CaHA, etc.): This includes PLLA (Sculptra), PDLLA (Juvelook Volume), and calcium-based CaHA (Radiesse). It works by stimulating self-collagen production, showing improvement over time.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): This is not a primary treatment for nasolabial folds. Since volume and sagging are the primary causes rather than muscles, it is only used supplementarily in some cases where expression muscles are the cause.

There are also ingredients that double as collagen stimulators, like **PCL (polycaprolactone)**, which is a long-lasting component. Since the mechanism of action varies for each ingredient, it is important to first determine if it suits your condition rather than jumping to conclusions with "absolutely filler."

📌 Key Summary: HA fillers are immediate and reversible, collagen boosters are gradual and regenerative, and Botox plays a supportive role, meaning they all have different properties.

✨ Why Onlif Recommends ON-VOLASSOM for Nasolabial Folds

Onlif Clinic proposes the ON-VOLASSOM Calcium Collagen Booster for nasolabial folds. The reason is simple. For nasolabial folds, "filling" and "restoring" must go hand in hand to achieve a natural look.

ON-VOLASSOM is composed of body-friendly calcium mineral (CaHA) components. While immediately filling sunken areas to replenish volume, it slowly decomposes within the body to stimulate self-collagen production. This is conceptually different from methods that only fill physically.

How does it work?

Specially structured calcium particles closely adhere and fix to the tissue to support sunken areas. Afterward, they gradually decompose and release calcium ions, activating fibroblasts. In this way, self-collagen is produced, filling the skin texture from the inside out. The immediate volume effect is achieved right after the procedure, while the collagen regeneration effect builds up as time passes.

The patented Lattice-pore structure is also a key feature. The central core settles stably to maintain volume for a long period, and the outer layer is gradually absorbed layer by layer to induce collagen creation. This means it splits the responsibility for the two pillars of volume and elasticity.

How is it different from fillers and other boosters?

The technology behind ON-VOLASSOM is also worth noting. Originating from bone substitute (APATITE) research, it is backed by Korean patents, US FDA approval history, and KFDA approval of VOLASSOM, which has undergone clinical trials at Seoul National University and Asan Medical Center Plastic Surgery Department. Standing on a material that has been researched for a long time is something you can find peace of mind in.

This is a great fit for those who

• Have nasolabial folds that are clearly visible even when not smiling

• Are concerned about looking older due to nasolabial folds

• Feel burdened by fillers and worry about clumping or migration

• Want to improve both nasolabial folds and skin elasticity at the same time

• Want a natural and long-lasting change

The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes in total, including consultation/design, numbing cream application, injection/correction, and final checking, and it is generally possible to return to daily life right after the procedure. It also contains lidocaine, so the burden of pain is low.

📌 Key Summary: ON-VOLASSOM is a calcium collagen booster that captures both immediate volume and self-collagen regeneration, aiming for a direction that even revives skin texture.

⚠️ Safety and Side Effects to Keep in Mind

Safety comes first for any injection procedure. The most important thing to watch out for here is **Vascular Occlusion**. If the facial artery or angular artery passing through the nasolabial area is damaged, though rare, it can lead to skin necrosis or even visual impairment.

If you experience severe pain, skin turning white or turning into a mottled purple color, or visual impairment immediately or within several hours after the procedure, you must notify the clinic immediately. Although HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, time is of the essence for vascular problems, so having a dissolving agent does not guarantee complete safety.

If the filler is placed in too shallow of a layer, the **Tyndall Effect**, where the skin appears bluish, can occur, and delayed nodules or symptoms suspected of infection can rarely appear. Therefore, a practitioner familiar with anatomy, genuine/approved products, and preparedness for emergency response are critical.

Operating under the philosophy that a single doctor cannot do everything perfectly, Onlif adopts a method where each doctor takes charge of the procedure they excel at. Checking whether KFDA-approved products are used is also a consumer's responsibility.

📌 Key Summary: Knowing danger signals like vascular occlusion and the Tyndall effect, and verifying genuine products and an experienced clinical environment, is the key to safety.

📋 Things to Follow Before and After the Procedure

Small habits change the perfection of the results.

Before the Procedure

• It is recommended to stop taking aspirin, vitamin E, omega-3, and high-dose anticoagulants, which increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, several days to 1 week in advance. However, do not stop prescribed medications voluntarily; be sure to consult with your doctor.

• If you have an important schedule, it is safer to undergo the treatment at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, taking into account the recovery time for bruising and swelling.

• During pregnancy or breastfeeding, safety data is insufficient, so it is generally recommended to postpone the procedure.

After the Procedure

• Avoid vigorous exercise, drinking alcohol, saunas, and intense massages for at least 24 to 48 hours.

• It is recommended to be careful with postures like sleeping face down or pressing on the treated area for about 2 to 4 weeks.

• Since there may be mild bruising or swelling, please reduce unnecessary irritation for about a week.

📌 Key Summary: Stopping components that carry a bleeding risk in advance (consult for prescription medications) and avoiding irritation for two days after the procedure helps recovery.

🎯 What is a Realistic Goal?

Let's make one thing clear. The goal of a nasolabial fold procedure is not to completely eliminate the wrinkles, but to reduce shadows and naturally improve facial balance. To keep facial expressions natural, some degree of lines may remain.

Overfilling only the nasolabial fold can actually make the area around the mouth look dull and unnatural. This is why Onlif aims for a direction of not changing the shape of the eyes, nose, or mouth, but removing the signs of aging that obscure your inherent beauty. Texture, balance, and signals of youth. When these three pillars harmonize, the face looks youthful without looking forced.

📌 Key Summary: Natural balance restoration, rather than complete removal, is the realistic goal, and over-injection can actually backfire.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are nasolabial fold injections filler or Botox?

It is a broad term that includes both. The most representative is hyaluronic acid filler, and collagen boosters are also commonly used. Botox is not a primary treatment, but is used supplementarily only when expression muscles are the cause.

How is ON-VOLASSOM different from regular fillers?

ON-VOLASSOM is composed of calcium mineral (CaHA) components, immediately filling sunken areas while slowly decomposing to induce self-collagen production. You can expect both volume replenishment and collagen regeneration, and there is almost no clumping or migration.

How long does the effect last?

You can check the volume improvement immediately after the procedure, and after that, as self-collagen is produced, it often lasts for an average of 6 months to over 1 year. There are differences depending on individual skin conditions and facial movements.

Can I return to daily life immediately after the procedure?

Most people can return to daily life right after the procedure. However, mild bruising or swelling may occur, so it is recommended to reduce irritation to the treated area for about a week.

What is the most important side effect to watch out for?

Although rare, vascular occlusion is the most dangerous. If severe pain, skin turning white or purple, or visual impairment occurs after the procedure, you must notify the clinic immediately.

I have had fillers before; can I still get ON-VOLASSOM?

Yes, it is possible. However, since the plan may change depending on your previous procedure history and current condition, it is best to confirm through an in-person consultation.

Can men receive it as well?

Yes. For men, naturally softening the fold rather than overfilling is often more suitable. The approach will be adjusted based on facial shape and goals.

The cause of nasolabial folds differs for each person, and the answer is just as varied. Whether you should fill volume or revive texture and elasticity is an area that must be determined by actually looking at the face. Confirming an accurate diagnosis and a customized path through a consultation is the safest way. We recommend having a detailed talk at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.