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

Nasolabial fold injections are not just one set injection. It is closer to a collective term that encompasses hyaluronic acid fillers, boosters that stimulate collagen, and, in some cases, even botulinum toxin. Among them, the most widely used is the hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, which immediately fills in sunken areas. However, it is good to know first that the real cause of nasolabial folds is not simple skin creasing, but a complex problem where loss of mid-face volume, sagging cheeks, decreased skin elasticity, and skeletal changes are intertwined.

So recently, an approach that focuses not only on "filling" but also on "revitalizing skin texture and support" has been gaining attention. This is also the direction that Gangnam Onlif Clinic proposes for nasolabial folds. The answer is the ON-Volassome Calcium Collagen Booster, which simultaneously targets immediate volume and collagen regeneration. Let's break down why that is, step by step, below.

🔍 Why Do Nasolabial Folds Form?

The official medical term for nasolabial folds is **Nasolabial Fold (鼻脣溝)**. It is the line that runs from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Since it is an area that creases every time you make a facial expression, the marks deepen as it is repeated.

The key is collagen. As we age, the collagen in the dermis decreases, and the areas that have lost support are not refilled. If the cheeks sag downward and the supporting strength of the bones weakens on top of this, the shadows become even darker.

The important thing is that the causes span across multiple layers. This is the reason why simply filling something into the nasolabial folds alone does not solve the problem. This is because volume loss is the cause for some people, while sagging is the cause for others.

📌 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?

Within the name "nasolabial fold injection," treatments with quite different properties are mixed. Let's point out the representative ones.

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

• Collagen Boosters (PLLA, PDLLA, CaHA, etc.): This category includes PLLA (Sculptra), PDLLA (Juvelook Volume), and calcium-based CaHA (Radiesse). These induce self-collagen production, leading to improvement over time.

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

There are also ingredients that double as collagen stimulators, such as **PCL (polycaprolactone)**, which is a long-lasting ingredient. Since the mechanism of action varies by ingredient, rather than assuming it "must be filler," it is important to first determine if it suits your condition.

📌 Key Summary: HA fillers are immediate and reversible, collagen boosters are gradual and regenerative, and Botox plays a supporting role; their properties are distinct from one another.

✨ Why Onlif Recommends ON-Volassome for Nasolabial Folds

Onlif Clinic proposes the ON-Volassome Calcium Collagen Booster for nasolabial folds. The reason is simple. Because for nasolabial folds, "filling" and "revitalizing" must go together to look natural.

ON-Volassome is a biocompatible calcium mineral (CaHA) component. It immediately fills sunken areas to replenish volume, while slowly decomposing within the body to induce self-collagen production. This is distinct in nature from methods that simply fill physically.

How does it work?

Calcium particles with a special structure adhere and lock into the tissue to support the sunken areas. Afterward, they gradually decompose, releasing calcium ions and activating fibroblasts. In this way, self-collagen is produced, filling the skin texture from the inside. The immediate volume effect is visible right after the procedure, while the collagen regeneration effect builds up over time.

The patented Lattice-pore structure is also a key feature. The central core sits stably to maintain volume over a long period, while the outer layer is absorbed layer by layer to induce collagen production. In a sense, it divides and handles the two axes of volume and elasticity.

How does it differ from fillers and other boosters?

The technological strength underpinning ON-Volassome is also worth noting. Originating from bone substitute (APATITE) research, it is backed by domestic patents, US FDA approval history, and KFDA approval of Volassome, which has undergone clinical trials at Seoul National University and Asan Medical Center. Standing on a well-researched material is a point of reassurance.

This is well-suited for

• Those whose nasolabial folds are clearly visible even when not smiling

• Those who are concerned about looking older due to nasolabial folds

• Those who find fillers burdensome and worry about clumping or migration

• Those who want to improve nasolabial folds and skin elasticity at the same time

• Those who want natural, long-lasting changes

The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes in total, from consultation and design, application of numbing cream, injection and correction, to final confirmation, and it is usually possible to return to daily life immediately after the procedure. It contains lidocaine, so the burden of pain is also minimal.

📌 Key Summary: ON-Volassome is a calcium collagen booster that secures both immediate volume and self-collagen regeneration, aiming to revitalize even the skin texture.

⚠️ Safety and Side Effects to Keep in Mind

With any injection procedure, safety comes first. The most crucial thing to watch out for here is **Vascular Occlusion**. If the facial artery or angular artery passing through the nasolabial area is damaged, it can lead to skin necrosis or even vision abnormalities in rare cases.

If you experience severe pain, skin turning white or patchy purple, or vision abnormalities immediately or within a few hours of the procedure, you must notify the clinic immediately. While HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, time is of the essence for vascular issues, so having a dissolving agent does not guarantee complete safety.

If fillers are injected into too shallow of a layer, the **Tyndall Effect**, where the skin appears bluish, can occur, and delayed-onset nodules or symptoms of suspected infection can also appear in rare cases. Therefore, a practitioner familiar with anatomy, genuine/approved products, and preparedness for emergency response are critical.

Onlif operates under the philosophy that a single doctor cannot do everything perfectly, choosing a method where doctors are assigned to the procedures they perform best in each field. Verifying whether products approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) are used is also the consumer's responsibility.

📌 Key Summary: Knowing warning signs like vascular occlusion and the Tyndall effect, and verifying genuine products and an experienced treatment environment, is the core of safety.

📋 Do's and Don'ts Before and After the Procedure

Small habits change the completeness of the results.

Before the Procedure

• We recommend stopping aspirin, Vitamin E, Omega-3, and high-dose anticoagulants that increase the risk of bruising and bleeding several days to 1 week beforehand. However, do not stop prescribed medications arbitrarily; always consult with your doctor.

• If you have an important event, it is safe to undergo the procedure at least 2 to 3 weeks prior, considering the recovery time for bruising and swelling.

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

After the Procedure

• Avoid strenuous exercise, drinking, saunas, and strong massages for at least 24 to 48 hours.

• It is best to be careful about sleeping face down or postures that apply pressure to the treated area for about 2 to 4 weeks.

• Mild bruising or swelling may occur, so please reduce unnecessary irritation for about a week.

📌 Key Summary: Discontinuing bleeding-risk ingredients in advance (consulting for prescribed drugs) 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 treatment is not to completely erase the wrinkles, but to reduce shadows and naturally improve facial balance. For a natural facial expression, some degree of lines may remain.

If you overfill only the nasolabial groove, the area around the mouth can actually look bulky and unnatural. Therefore, Onlif aims for a direction that does not alter the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth, but clears away the signs of aging that obscure your inherent beauty. Texture, balance, and signs of youth. When these three axes harmonize, the face looks naturally younger without looking forced.

📌 Key Summary: Realistic goals involve natural balance restoration rather than complete removal, and over-injection can actually have the opposite effect.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are nasolabial fold injections fillers or Botox?

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

How does ON-Volassome differ from regular fillers?

ON-Volassome is a calcium mineral (CaHA) component that immediately fills sunken areas while slowly decomposing to induce self-collagen production. You can expect both volume replenishment and collagen regeneration, with almost no clumping or migration.

How long do the effects last?

You can see volume improvement immediately after the procedure, and since self-collagen is produced afterward, it often lasts for an average of 6 months to over a year. There are differences depending on individual skin conditions and expression movements.

Can I return to daily life immediately after the procedure?

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

What is the side effect to be most careful about?

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

I have had fillers before, can I still get ON-Volassome?

Yes, you can. However, plans may vary depending on your previous treatment history and current condition, so it is best to confirm through a precise consultation at the clinic.

Can men receive it as well?

Yes. For men, a direction that naturally eases the groove rather than overfilling is often more suitable. The approach is adjusted according to facial shape and goals.

The cause of nasolabial folds varies from person to person, and the answers vary just as much. Whether you need to fill volume or revitalize texture and elasticity is an area that must be determined by actually looking at the face. An accurate diagnosis and the direction right for you are safest to confirm through a consultation. We recommend going over this calmly at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.

Things to Check Before Choosing a Clinic for Nasolabial Fold Injections

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed.

Asking these questions directly during your consultation will help you make a decision.

• Is it a place that performs that procedure frequently? — Every clinic has different procedures they focus on. Check if it is a place that regularly performs nasolabial fold injections.

• Can I verify the products and equipment used? — Ask if you can verify the product name and whether it is genuine (if it is an imported approved product, or if there is an unboxing verification process) during the consultation.

• Do they explain the breakdown of costs? — Rather than just hearing a total amount, you need to hear explanations of what product is used, how much, and in what area to make a judgment.

• Do they design with the whole face in mind? — Even for the same procedure, the injection location and amount vary depending on face shape, skin condition, and left-right asymmetry.

• Do they explain adverse reactions and the recovery process first? — A consultation that informs you of potential adverse reactions and coping methods is better for making a decision than one that only talks about expected changes.

• Is there a way to follow up after the procedure? — Check if the timing for progress checks, how to contact them if there is an issue, and criteria for follow-up visits are established.

How Onlif Clinic Performs Nasolabial Fold Injections

• We divide responsibilities — Under the philosophy that a single doctor does not handle every treatment, Onlif divides medical treatment with assigned doctors for each field.

• We verify products and equipment together during the consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing verification process during the consultation.

• Costs are guided along with the plan after diagnosis — Since the area, dosage, and range vary per person, we explain what costs how much together.

• We design looking at the overall facial balance — We look at the face through the three axes of texture, balance, and youth signs, planning in a direction that cleans up parts obscuring your natural impression rather than changing shapes.

• We address adverse reactions and recovery processes first — Along with changes that can be expected, we guide you through individual differences, potential adverse reactions, and countermeasures before the procedure.

• We review progress together after the procedure — If monitoring is needed during the recovery period, we provide guidance on follow-up visits and contact channels.

If you are considering nasolabial fold injections, it is best to first check what is possible and what is difficult in your current state.

An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be determined through an in-person examination. Check it out through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.