On Blossom
How to get rid of laugh lines: a complete guide from causes to skincare
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We have calmly summarized the real causes and type-specific management methods of smile lines, as well as Gangnam Onlif Clinic's ON Blossom, which simultaneously achieves instant volume and collagen regeneration.
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Have you ever caught yourself staring at your nasolabial folds, noticing they seem especially deep when looking in the mirror? To jump straight to the conclusion, while deeply set nasolabial folds won't completely disappear with cosmetics or massage alone, they can be visibly and sufficiently improved through procedures tailored to their cause. The key is not simply "what to fill the line with," but rather understanding "why that furrow formed" in the first place.
Nasolabial folds are not just simple skin wrinkles. They are the result of lost volume, sagging cheek fat, and a reduction of collagen within the skin, which structural loss manifests as a single fold. This is why an approach that considers both immediate filling and rebuilding volume from within is natural-looking and long-lasting.
🔍 What exactly are nasolabial folds?
The medical term for nasolabial folds is the nasolabial fold. This line, which runs from the side of the nose down to the corners of the mouth, is actually a normal anatomical fold present even in newborns. As such, there is no need to view the fold itself as a medical issue.
The problem is that this line becomes deeper and longer as we age. One Japanese study reported that for every 1cm increase in the length of the nasolabial fold, a person looks about 6 years older. It is an area that carries that much weight in one's overall impression.
Why do they deepen? The causes generally overlap as follows:
Decrease in collagen and elastin: Collagen production usually begins to decline in the mid-to-late 20s, causing the dermis to thin and lose elasticity.
Descent of the mid-face cheek fat pad: Fat under the front cheek and cheekbone is pushed down by gravity, creating a fold above the nasolabial line.
Changes in bone structure: As the volume of the maxilla and cheekbones decreases, the bone support that once held up soft tissue weakens.
Facial expressions and lifestyle habits: Repeated facial expressions, smoking, rapid dieting, and UV exposure make the furrows even deeper.
📌 Key Summary: Nasolabial folds are a complex structure where volume loss, sagging tissue, collagen depletion, and bone atrophy overlap. Diagnosing the cause must come before choosing a procedure.
🧭 What type of nasolabial folds do I have?
Even for the same nasolabial folds, different causes require different management approaches. They can be roughly divided into four categories:
Type | Characteristics | Prioritized Approach |
|---|---|---|
Shallow Fine Wrinkles | Fine wrinkles on the surface, dry and rough texture | Improve texture and elasticity with skin boosters and home care |
Sunken Type (Lack of Volume) | Sunken cheeks or upper nasolabial area creating shadows | Focus on volume restoration |
Sagging Type | Drooping cheek fat creates a fold | Mid-face volume reinforcement and lifting |
Expression Wrinkle Type | Becomes particularly deep when smiling | Auxiliary muscle control |
An important point to note. If sagging is the primary cause, supporting the front cheek and the area under the cheekbones looks much more natural than simply adding volume directly to the nasolabial fold itself. Overfilling only the nasolabial furrow can actually result in an unnatural appearance.
You can also check this at home. Take photos in different lighting while making expressionless and smiling faces, from the front and at a 45-degree angle. Seeing when they look deepest will give you an idea of your type.
📌 Key Summary: Nasolabial folds are divided into fine wrinkle, sunken, sagging, and expression types. For the sagging type, reinforcing mid-face volume is more natural than treating only the nasolabial line.
💉 What options are available for improving nasolabial folds?
Focusing on non-surgical methods used in dermatology, they are summarized as follows:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Filler: The most accessible method to immediately fill sunken areas with volume. Maintenance period is about 6 to 18 months, depending on the product, area, and metabolism.
Collagen Booster (Calcium/PLLA lines): A method that induces self-collagen production along with volume.
Thread Lift: Pulling up sagging tissue using dissolvable threads such as PDO and PLLA. Lasts about 1 to 2 years.
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Stimulates the SMAS layer to induce collagen regeneration. Lasts about 6 to 12 months.
Radiofrequency (RF) Lifting: Induces dermal collagen contraction and regeneration.
Skin Booster (Rejuran/PDRN): Auxiliary management for skin texture, moisture, and fine wrinkles.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Direct treatment for nasolabial folds is limited; used for auxiliary control of muscles around the mouth. Lasts about 3 to 6 months.
For reference, surgical methods such as autologous fat grafting (engraftment rate around 50-70%), implant insertion for skeletal depressions, and facelift surgery for severe sagging also exist. However, we will touch upon these only as informational points. Onlif prioritizes a natural, non-surgical dermatological approach without going under the knife.
📌 Key Summary: Non-surgical methods include fillers, collagen boosters, thread lifts, HIFU, RF, etc. Since all of their effects are temporary, repeated management is required for maintenance.
✨ An approach that fills and regenerates simultaneously, ON-Volassom
While the immediate volume from fillers is attractive, it has the limitation of absorbing over time, requiring refills. Conversely, methods that only induce collagen show results slowly. Therefore, what Onlif recommends for nasolabial folds is ON-Volassom, which targets both immediate volume and collagen regeneration at once.
ON-Volassom is a calcium collagen booster dedicated to the nasolabial area. Human-friendly calcium mineral (CaHA) particles closely adhere and set in sunken areas, filling volume immediately. As they slowly degrade, they release calcium ions to activate fibroblasts. As a result, self-collagen is created, causing the skin texture to plumb up from within.
It features a patented Lattice-pore structure. The central core supports volume for a long time, while the outer layer is absorbed layer by layer to induce collagen production. The filled volume settles securely in place, and elasticity continues to improve over time.
How does it differ from fillers and general collagen boosters?
Classification | HA Filler | General Collagen Booster | ON-Volassom |
|---|---|---|---|
Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid (HA) | PDLLA, PLLA, etc. | Calcium Mineral (CaHA) |
Mechanism of Action | Physical volume replacement | Inducing collagen production | Volume replacement + collagen production |
Effects | Immediate | Gradual over 1 to 3 months | Immediate + Long-term |
Duration | 6 months to 1 year | 3 to 6 months | 6 months to over 1 year |
The calcium material on which ON-Volassom is based originated from bone substitute research in 1995 and has gone through domestic and international patents and clinical approvals. Volassom itself has also acquired credibility in terms of safety, having undergone domestic approval and clinical trials in plastic surgery departments of major hospitals.
Best suited for:
Those who have distinct nasolabial fold lines even when not smiling
Those whose nasolabial folds make them look older
Those who want to improve both volume and skin elasticity
Those who want natural-looking, long-lasting changes
The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes in total, progressing from consultation and design, to applying anesthetic cream, delicate injection and correction, and final check. You can return to your daily routine immediately after the procedure. It contains lidocaine to minimize pain, and local anesthesia can be combined if necessary.
📌 Key Summary: ON-Volassom is a calcium collagen booster that immediately fills sunken volume and stimulates fibroblasts to induce self-collagen regeneration, with maintenance expected to last from 6 months to over a year.
🌿 Prevention at home—what matters most?
Regardless of what procedure you receive, lifestyle management must support it to ensure long-lasting results. The basics of managing nasolabial folds are not about being flashy, but rather about being consistent.
Sun protection: Photoaging is a major factor that breaks down collagen. Reapply products with SPF 30+ and PA+++ or higher every 2 to 3 hours when outdoors.
Retinoids (Retinol/Tretinoin): Ingredients proven to relieve fine wrinkles by helping collagen synthesis and cellular turnover. However, it takes 8 to 12 weeks to see a difference, and improving elasticity requires consistency for at least 3 to 6 months.
Moisturization: Dryness makes skin texture rough and highlights fine lines.
Lifestyle habits: Smoking, rapid weight loss, and sleeping on your side can worsen nasolabial folds, so try to adjust these gradually.
While cosmetics and massage help with prevention and texture improvement, there is a clear limit to reversing deep, established furrows. Accepting this point makes the direction of your care much clearer.
📌 Key Summary: Sun protection, moisturization, retinoids, and lifestyle adjustments are the basics of prevention. For already deep nasolabial folds, satisfaction is high when combined with procedures.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can nasolabial folds be completely removed?
It is difficult to 100% erase deeply set nasolabial folds. However, with procedures tailored to the cause and proper lifestyle management, it is entirely possible to noticeably improve them and give your face a much younger-looking, tidy appearance.
What is the difference between fillers and collagen boosters?
HA fillers physically fill volume, while collagen boosters induce the production of your own collagen. The difference with ON-Volassom is that its calcium material targets both immediate volume and collagen regeneration at the same time.
When do the effects of ON-Volassom start, and how long do they last?
Volume improvement can be seen immediately after the procedure, after which self-collagen continues to be produced, lasting an average of 6 months to over a year. There are variations depending on individual skin conditions.
Can I return to daily activities immediately after the procedure?
Most daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure. There may be minor bruising or swelling, so it is best to avoid unnecessary stimulation to the treated area for about a week.
Does losing weight improve nasolabial folds?
On the contrary, rapid weight loss can reduce facial fat, potentially making nasolabial folds look even deeper. It is better for facial appearance to proceed with dieting gradually.
Can I still get it if I have a history of filler procedures?
Yes, it is possible. However, plans may change depending on your previous history and current condition, so it is most accurate to confirm this during a detailed in-person consultation.
Where is the best place to get this treated?
The diagnosis of the type of nasolabial fold determines the outcome. We recommend getting a consultation at a place that meticulously examines the cause and sets the direction accordingly.
With nasolabial folds, "understanding why they occurred and addressing them properly" must come before "erasing them." Instead of changing the shape of your eyes, nose, or mouth, Gangnam Onlif Clinic aims to clear away aging and volume concerns that mask your natural expression. We encourage you to receive an accurate diagnosis of your type and discover the right management direction for you through a professional consultation.
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