Korean Facial Lifting What to Consider for Prominent Smile Lines

Hello. This is Face Plastic Surgery Clinic in Daejeon. One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of aging is the deepening of nasolabial folds, often referred to as smile lines. These lines can make the face appear tired or older than it is. Contrary to the belief that they only appear when smiling, nasolabial folds actually result from structural volume loss in the midface.

As the tissue beneath the cheekbones and beside the nose gradually sinks and sags, these folds become more defined over time. Korean Facial Lifting is a procedure designed to address this kind of volume loss structurally. It is typically considered when skincare and filler treatments alone are insufficient to bring about a satisfactory improvement.

When nasolabial folds become deep, the focus should not be on the wrinkle itself but on identifying its underlying cause. The most common contributors are loss of volume in the midface and sagging of soft tissue.

As the fat pads located between the bone and skin migrate downward or decrease in volume, the area beside the nose begins to hollow. This results in shadowing that creates the appearance of deep folds and can extend into marionette lines, giving a fatigued or stern impression.

One of the most commonly chosen non-surgical options is hyaluronic acid filler. By directly injecting filler into the hollowed areas, volume is replenished and the fold is softened. The procedure is relatively quick, and patients can resume daily activities immediately.

However, because the body gradually absorbs the filler, its effects typically last between one and three months. While repeat treatments are possible, they may feel inconvenient for those seeking longer-term outcomes. For more natural and lasting results, fat grafting using the patient’s own tissue can be considered.

This involves harvesting fat from areas such as the thighs or abdomen, purifying it, and injecting it into the nasolabial region. Once the transplanted fat settles and survives, the volume can last semi-permanently. Compared to fillers, fat grafting provides a softer, more natural contour and can also restore overall volume in the midface, making it a favorable choice for patients with general volume loss.

For those who prefer not to undergo repeated treatments and desire a more noticeable and enduring result, Korean Facial Lifting through customized implants may be an option. At Face Plastic Surgery Clinic, we design personalized implants using 3D imaging and CT data.

These implants are crafted from bone cement material and are specifically tailored to the patient’s facial contours. The implant is inserted beneath the skin at the site of the nasolabial fold to structurally support and restore volume to the area.

Compared to fillers or fat grafts, this method is more precise and offers semi-permanent results with a single surgery. Additionally, the custom fit reduces the sensation of foreign material and promotes harmony with the overall facial structure, leading to high patient satisfaction.

Another approach involves thread lifting, where special threads are inserted under the skin to physically lift tissues and stimulate collagen production as the threads dissolve. Rather than filling the fold directly, thread lifting aims to improve the surrounding tissue’s position, thereby reducing the prominence of the fold.

In early stages of aging, this method can be used on its own, but it is often combined with filler or fat grafting for more comprehensive improvement.

In cases of significant skin laxity and deep folds, surgical lifting procedures may be required. A full facelift, or rhytidectomy, involves incisions along the hairline or around the ear, followed by repositioning of the skin and underlying SMAS layer.

This technique does more than reduce wrinkles — it rejuvenates the overall facial contour, including the nasolabial area and midface. Although this procedure requires a longer recovery period, it may be the most suitable choice for middle-aged and older patients seeking substantial and lasting changes.

In conclusion, Korean Facial Lifting should be approached by carefully evaluating the depth of the folds, degree of volume loss, skin elasticity, and facial bone structure. A wide range of options exists — from convenient treatments like fillers to more advanced solutions such as fat grafting, thread lifting, customized implants, and surgical facelifts.

Understanding the characteristics, duration, and recovery process of each option is essential to choosing the most appropriate plan for each individual.

All surgical procedures carry the risk of swelling, bruising, and other side effects.