"People tell me I always look tired because of my nasolabial folds."
"I've heard filling them with filler actually makes you look puffy — will it be okay?"
These are the first things people worried about their nasolabial folds tend to bring up.
I'm Director Kwon Si-jin — we'll be seeing you in Myeongdong soon ^^
We're getting ready to open our doors in Myeongdong soon, and since so many people come in carrying nasolabial-fold concerns ahead of our opening, we wanted to put together this overview for your information first.
The nasolabial lines carved in even when you're not smiling, which even change how your features look — we completely understand that feeling of being bothered.
That said, the idea that 'the more you fill, the better' often differs from the result, so let's start by unpacking that part.
Nasolabial Fold Filler Isn't About 'Filling In the Groove'
Nasolabial fold filler isn't a treatment that simply packs the carved groove full; it's closer to a treatment that supports the hollowed volume to lighten the shadow.
Let me clear up one misconception first.
What's mainly used is hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. It's a method that places a viscoelastic substance in the dermis or a deeper layer to naturally supplement the hollowed part.
So if you try to pack the groove itself full at the surface, it can actually get loaded and look heavy and puffy.
The key isn't 'a lot' but 'where and how you support it.'
The Real Reason It Looks Puffy Is 'Overfilling'
A good share of results where "filler made me look puffy" come, honestly, from too much going in.
The nasolabial fold is a line made by cheek hollowing, corner-of-the-mouth drooping, and skin thickness intertwined together.
But if you pack the groove full without looking at the cause, that volume can get pushed out and stand out when you smile, or create a heavy impression.
So placing the right amount divided into the appropriate layers, and adjusting after watching for about 2 weeks once it settles in, leads to a more natural result.
Rather than being greedy at first, adjusting by taking away is, in the end, the path to reducing the need to reverse it.(it can differ from person to person)
The Fact That It Can Be Reversed Is an Advantage
Many people worry about what they'll do if they don't like the filler.
An advantage of hyaluronic acid filler is that it can be dissolved and adjusted or reversed with a dissolving enzyme (hyaluronidase).
If you don't like the shape or lumpiness or asymmetry arises, you can respond by injecting the enzyme to break down the filler.
Thanks to that, rather than filling it all at once at first, an approach of placing it bit by bit while watching becomes safely possible.
That said, the enzyme treatment also has the possibility of an allergic reaction, so it has to be done carefully while watching the response.
The Effect Isn't Forever, and You Should Know the Risks Too
The effect of nasolabial fold filler isn't fixed permanently; it's a flow that's gradually absorbed and fades over time.
The duration varies with the area, the formulation, and expression movement, and is usually anywhere from several months to over a year.(it can differ from person to person)
And there's something you absolutely must know.
Since it's a deep-layer treatment, in rare cases a complication related to blood vessels (paleness, a bluish tint, severe pain, vision abnormality) can arise, so if you see these symptoms you must come in immediately.
To reduce this kind of risk, careful design that considers the anatomical position is important.
Why nasolabial folds look deep — the families of cause
The nasolabial fold is a prime example of an area where looking only at the spot itself gives no answer.
- The spot itself has hollowedfilling is right
- The cheek above has descended and foldedfilling the groove makes it look heavier. Supporting or lifting what's above comes first
- It folds from an expression habitfilling alone has limits
The second is especially common, and adding more filler there produces a lighter line with a heavier face.That's usually the background to increasing volume by looking only at the fold and ending up with something that looks off.
So whether the state of the upper cheek is looked at together before starting matters.Separating filling from lifting sometimes settles it with far less volume.
Recovery runs in this order
- Evening of the day to the next morningswelling is most pronounced. Looking puffier the next day than on the day itself is the natural course
- 2 to 3 daysswelling drops noticeably
- 1 to 2 weeksbruising fades and the shape settles
- After 2 weekswhat you see around then is close to the actual result
So there's no need to judge it in the mirror the next day. At first the swelling makes it look larger, and as it drops many people feel it has "shrunk" — usually it has simply returned to what was put in.
During this period, don't rub firmly, and it's safer to postpone anything that heats the body, such as saunas, for a few days.If you have an important date, leave at least two weeks.
People Who Should Take an Extra Moment to Consider
Nasolabial fold filler isn't a treatment lightly recommended for just anyone.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, if there's inflammation or a herpes flare at the treatment site, or if you have an allergy to filler ingredients, it's safer to consult first.
Also, if your nasolabial lines come mainly from skin drooping or expression habits, filler alone may make it hard to get the change you'd hope for.
So rather than "because everyone's doing it," the order is to first distinguish the cause of your own nasolabial lines and then decide.
- Nasolabial folds combine hollowing and sagging
- The right amount is set after looking at the cause
- It works by supporting at the right layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does nasolabial fold filler last?
A. The duration of nasolabial fold filler varies with the formulation used, the layer it was injected into, and the movement of the treatment area, and is usually anywhere from several months to over a year.Because hyaluronic acid is gradually absorbed in the body over time, it isn't fixed permanently. In areas that move often with expressions, like the corners of the mouth, it can fade relatively quickly. So many people have it again in step with the flow of the effect wearing off. Rather than filling a lot at once to make it last long, prioritizing naturalness with the right amount often results in higher satisfaction. The degree of duration has individual variation.
Q. If I don't like the filler, can it be reversed?
A. A big advantage of hyaluronic acid filler is that it can be dissolved and adjusted or removed with a dissolving enzyme (hyaluronidase).If you don't like the shape or lumpiness or asymmetry arises, you can respond by injecting the enzyme to break down the filler. Thanks to that, rather than filling it all at once at first, an approach of placing it bit by bit while watching is possible. That said, the enzyme treatment also has the possibility of an allergic reaction, so it must be done carefully, and rather than redoing the treatment right after dissolving, it's better to leave time for the swelling and condition to settle.The degree of response may vary from person to person.
Q. Is there anything to be careful about after the treatment?
A. After nasolabial fold filler, it's best to be careful about a few things while it settles in. Please refrain for a few days from pressing or rubbing the treatment area hard, and from heat-raising activities right after the treatment like intense exercise, saunas, and jjimjilbang. Some swelling or light bruising may show, but it usually goes down over time. Above all, if you see signs like paleness, a bluish discoloration, severe pain, or vision abnormality, it may be a vascular problem, so you must come in immediately. It's uncommon, but knowing this keeps you safe.It usually takes about 1~2 weeks to settle in, so it's natural to look at it at that point and adjust if needed.
Don't sit on these signs
Rarely, if a vascular problem arises, a fast response decides the outcome.
- The skin turning pale or mottled
- Pain that steadily worsens
- Blurring vision
In these cases don't wait — contact where you had the treatment immediately. It's worth checking before the treatment how to reach them at night or at weekends.
And whether the dissolving agent (hyaluronidase) is immediately available is a fair question to ask beforehand.The probability is low, but it's a point where preparedness differs, so it's worth asking.
Q. It feels lumpy — can I massage it myself?
A. Don't massage firmly. Early swelling and a genuine lump need separating, and the responses differ. If something still feels firm after two weeks, it's safer to have it checked where you had it done.
Q. Is it better to put it all in at once?
A. For a first time, putting in less and adding if it falls short is usually advised as the safer order.Judging after the swelling has dropped is also more accurate.
Q. What should I prepare before the treatment?
A. The medications and supplements you take, and a record of previous treatments, are enough.What filler you had and where bears directly on this plan — adding without knowing what remains makes it easy to overdo.
Supporting, not stuffing
Erase everything else and one line remains.
The naturalness of nasolabial fold filler comes not from 'filling in a lot' but from looking at the cause and supporting the right amount in the appropriate layer.
What I asked at the very top — has it come together for you now?
If being told you look tired has been bothering you, it's good to start by looking at where the hollowing is rather than filling in the groove. Please also keep in mind that the result and duration have individual variation.
DA Clinic Myeongdong is set to open soon.We'll share news of our opening and treatment information first on our blog and Instagram ^^
Thank you for your time today.This was Director Kwon Si-jin at DA Clinic Myeongdong.
This column is an informational article meant to provide general medical information, and the effects and side effects of treatments may vary by individual. DA Clinic Myeongdong is set to open soon. (Medical Service Act Art. 56)