Comparing Nasolabial Fold Treatment Options — Lifting vs Filler vs Skin Booster

Nasolabial folds are deep wrinkles running from beside the nose to the corners of the mouth, and are one of the areas people become increasingly concerned about with age. However, even though they're grouped under the name 'nasolabial fold treatment,' there are actually several options with entirely different mechanisms of action.

This article first examines the mechanism behind the formation of nasolabial folds, then compares the differing approaches of representative treatment options, and finally covers post-treatment progress and home care.

Why do nasolabial folds form?

Usually three factors work together to deepen nasolabial folds. First, volume loss from decreased fat and collagen in the cheek area. Second, changes as skin and soft tissue sag in the direction of gravity. Third, decreased elasticity and moisture retention in the skin itself.

Depending on which of these three factors plays a larger role, the suitable treatment direction may differ. So when looking into 'nasolabial fold treatment,' it's more important to first understand which type your skin condition is closer to, rather than focusing on a single treatment name.

Comparing treatment options: what's available

Volume-filling type: This method physically reduces wrinkle depth by filling sunken areas with fillers or similar materials. A key feature is that results tend to be felt relatively immediately.

Lifting/thermal energy type: Treatments such as Ultherapy, Thermage, Shurink, Onda, Titanium, and InMode work by delivering thermal energy to deep layers of the skin to lift sagging tissue. This approach targets sagging and elasticity issues rather than volume.

Skin booster type: Treatments such as Rejuran, Juvelook, Revive, and Laetigen Collagen Booster focus on managing the skin's own hydration, texture, and elasticity condition. Rather than dramatic immediate change, these often aim to improve overall skin condition.

These three approaches are not mutually exclusive, and it is common to combine them through consultation. However, one common point to remember is that regardless of which treatment is chosen, the skin becomes temporarily sensitive right after the procedure, and subsequent care can affect how long results last and how satisfied you are with them.

Post-treatment progress: what changes occur over the following days

In the immediate period after lifting/thermal energy treatments (days 1-3), redness, warmth, and slight tightness may appear in the treated area. During this period, the skin barrier is temporarily sensitive, so care that minimizes irritation is needed.

From day 4 onward, as redness and warmth gradually subside, the skin often moves into a stage of internal dryness, where it feels tight and dry from within. During this period, it is better to shift from soothing care to care focused on deep hydration.

Skin booster treatments follow a similar pattern, with a slight stinging sensation right after the procedure followed by a recovery period requiring hydration and texture refinement. Since individual differences can occur, it is important to primarily follow the guidance of your treating physician.

Step-by-step home care: adjusting according to timing

STEP 1 (days 1-3 immediately after treatment, redness/warmth stage): Focus on soothing and barrier care using a low-irritation formula. The key is to protect the skin by applying it gently, like a light layer, without rubbing.

STEP 2 (recovery period from day 4 onward, internal tightness/dryness stage): For the internal dryness that follows once redness subsides, it is good to switch to a formula rich in moisturizing ingredients to help with deep hydration and texture refinement.

Using only one product without dividing it into stages may not sufficiently meet the skin's different needs at each phase. Regardless of the type of treatment, keeping in mind the two-stage flow of 'soothing stage → deep hydration stage' makes it easier to plan your home care.

Where this connects to products

Designed to match this two-stage recovery flow is the 2-STEP configuration of the ABzu cream. Right after lifting/thermal energy treatments, the Ultra Cera-Rich Cream provides redness and barrier care, and once the recovery stage begins, the Hydro Re-Boosting Cream continues with deep hydration and texture care. The Hydro Re-Boosting Cream can also be used for moisturizing care during the recovery stage after skin booster treatments.

Recovery after treatment is shaped by home care

Right after lifting or thermal energy procedures, a 2-STEP routine may help: using Ultra Sera-Rich Cream to calm redness and care for the skin barrier, then switching to Hydro Re-Boosting Cream during the recovery phase to provide deep hydration and texture care.