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Does Ultherapy Really Help Nasolabial Folds? — Direct Answer from Apgujeong·Cheongdam Dermatology
If you are considering Ultherapy for nasolabial folds, first check these three things.
• When Ultherapy is helpful — When the main cause of nasolabial folds is facial sagging or descent of cheek tissue. It may help improve the condition by directly stimulating the SMAS layer and pulling the mid-face upward. • When results appear — Changes gradually begin 2-3 months after the procedure, and become most pronounced between 3-6 months. It generally lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 years thereafter. • There are limitations too — If the cause of nasolabial folds is volume loss (hollowness), Ultherapy alone has limitations. Since the effectiveness varies depending on individual skin condition, it is important to first identify the cause type.
Ultherapy is a HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) device that has received FDA approval from the United States and authorization from Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Given that it works on the SMAS layer non-surgically, it is one of the representative lifting procedures utilized in dermatology for improving nasolabial folds. However, Ultherapy is not suitable for all types of nasolabial folds. To properly expect results, the starting point is to first understand what type of nasolabial fold you have.
Why Nasolabial Folds Deepen — How Ultherapy Works
Although nasolabial folds may appear similar, they divide into two major types depending on the cause. Whether Ultherapy is suitable is determined here.
| Category | Sagging Type (Facial Descent Type) | Hollowness Type (Volume Loss Type) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Cause | Descent of cheek tissue and mid-face tissues downward, SMAS layer laxity | Reduction of subcutaneous fat, bone resorption, depression from volume loss |
| Appearance | Cheeks sag and nasolabial line becomes prominent | Inside the nasolabial area appears hollow with deep shadows |
| Ultherapy Suitability | Suitable | Limited as a single procedure |
| Recommended Approach | Stimulate SMAS layer with Ultherapy and lifting | Volume supplementation procedure such as filler first, combined design if necessary |
The core principle of how Ultherapy works on nasolabial folds is that HIFU energy reaches deep into the skin and forms a thermal coagulation point at 60-70℃. According to clinical data, this heat contracts the SMAS layer and subsequently induces collagen remodeling, causing the mid-face tissue to naturally lift upward. When ultrasound energy is precisely delivered to the cheek area, around the cheekbones, and the jawline, the supporting layer of sagging skin strengthens, and the nasolabial wrinkles gradually fade.
However, if both causes are combined, a design combining Ultherapy with volume supplementation may be necessary rather than Ultherapy alone. Related clinical data also emphasizes the importance of clearly distinguishing between sagging and hollowness types before determining the treatment direction.
How V&MJ DERMATOLOGY Designs Nasolabial Fold Ultherapy
What determines the result of Ultherapy treatment is not the number of shots. According to clinical data, the precise depth, energy, and design determine the results. Excessive energy application can actually increase the risk of side effects such as facial hollowing, making precise customized design tailored to individual skin condition essential.
V&MJ DERMATOLOGY, which specializes in Ultherapy and Thermage procedures, uses AI Scanner to precisely analyze skin condition, including elasticity, fascia depth, collagen distribution, and transepidermal water loss, and based on this, establishes an AI custom plan for Ultherapy intensity, number of shots, and treatment lines. The basis for this design is the average monthly procedure volume of 300,000 shots (Ultherapy) and 5 consecutive years of Merz Golden Awards.
V&MJ DERMATOLOGY's nasolabial fold Ultherapy design process proceeds as follows:
• Step 1. AI Scanner Skin Measurement — Elasticity, fascia depth, collagen distribution, and transepidermal water loss are confirmed as data. • Step 2. Establish AI Custom Plan — Based on measurement data, Ultherapy intensity, number of shots, and treatment lines are individually designed. • Step 3. Proceed with Procedure After Sleep Anesthesia — Under the presence of an anesthesiology specialist, the procedure is performed comfortably with sleep anesthesia costs included. • Step 4. Ultherapy Open Chart Guidance — After the procedure, the log file and Patient Total screen are recorded in real-time photos, and upon departure, the dedicated custom planner provides guidance on the procedure record regarding authentic and correct shot counts. • Step 5. 1-Year Warranty and Aftercare — A 1-year responsibility warranty (free A/S for facial hollowing and side effects according to our clinic standards) and free MetaScan AI skin measurement are provided.
When choosing a clinic, be sure to confirm whether authentic tips are used, the transparency of procedure records, and whether a sleep anesthesia system is in place.
Before Nasolabial Fold Ultherapy, Please Check If You Fall Into These Categories
While Ultherapy can be helpful for nasolabial folds, there are cases where confirmation is necessary before the procedure. If you fall into any of the following items, please discuss thoroughly with a dermatology specialist during the consultation.
• Nasolabial folds centered on hollowness — When volume loss rather than facial sagging is the main cause, the effect of Ultherapy alone may be limited. • Very lean face with minimal fat — According to clinical data, excessive energy application to faces with minimal subcutaneous fat can cause fat atrophy, making the cheeks appear more hollow. Energy design must be done carefully. • Combined volume loss and sagging — When both causes are mixed, it is more appropriate to review a combined procedure design rather than Ultherapy alone. • Unconfirmed authentic equipment and tips — According to clinical data, use of non-authentic similar equipment or illegal regenerated tips can reduce energy accuracy and stability, resulting in unpredictable outcomes. Be sure to confirm authenticity before the procedure. • Unconfirmed skin thickness and volume status — The suitability and design of the procedure vary depending on the type of nasolabial fold and facial volume and skin thickness, so dermatology specialist consultation should precede the procedure.
The appropriateness of the procedure is determined after consultation.
If you are searching for Gangnam Ultherapy, Cheongdam Ultherapy, or a dermatology clinic for nasolabial folds in Gangnam-gu, we recommend first receiving AI skin measurement at V&MJ DERMATOLOGY in Apgujeong·Cheongdam. Residents of nearby Gangnam, Seocho, and Seongdong-gu can also visit conveniently.
Nasolabial Fold Ultherapy in Apgujeong·Cheongdam — Where and How Should You Start?
If you would like to first check through data what type of cause your nasolabial folds are and whether Ultherapy is a suitable approach for your current skin condition, we recommend starting with AI skin measurement and consultation at V&MJ DERMATOLOGY in Apgujeong·Cheongdam.
Nasolabial fold Ultherapy can increase satisfaction when approached in three steps. First, accurately identify the cause type of your nasolabial folds (whether sagging or hollowness), proceed with data-based customized design next, and finally transparently confirm whether authentic and correct shot procedures are used. Related clinical data also emphasizes that choosing medical staff with abundant experience in various cases and anatomical knowledge, rather than simply a clinic that possesses the equipment, determines results.
We recommend confirming through consultation what direction is right for your nasolabial folds — from AI skin measurement → establishing AI custom plan → transparent record confirmation through Ultherapy Open Chart.
Nasolabial Fold Ultherapy — These Are the Questions You're Curious About
Q1. Is Ultherapy alone enough for nasolabial folds, or do I need filler as well?
If the cause of nasolabial folds is facial sagging, Ultherapy can be a core approach. However, if volume loss (hollowness) is the cause or if both causes are combined, a combined design with volume supplementation procedures such as filler may be more suitable. Which combination is right should be decided after directly examining the skin condition.
Q2. How long do I need to wait for Ultherapy results to appear?
Ultherapy is a procedure where results appear over time rather than immediately after treatment. Generally, changes begin 2-3 months after the procedure and are felt most distinctly between 3-6 months. It typically lasts for approximately 1 to 1.5 years thereafter, and may vary depending on individual skin condition.
Q3. How can I confirm whether it is authentic Ultherapy?
Authenticity is most reliably confirmed through treatment records before and after. V&MJ DERMATOLOGY provides an Ultherapy Open Chart guidance service where the log file with treatment records and the Patient Total screen showing shot usage are saved and recorded in real-time photos, and upon departure, the dedicated custom planner explains directly. You can transparently confirm authentic and correct shot procedures.
Q4. Is there severe pain or swelling after Ultherapy? When can I resume daily life?
Some temporary swelling or redness may appear after the procedure, but it usually subsides within a short period. V&MJ DERMATOLOGY conducts sleep anesthesia under the presence of an anesthesiology specialist, and sleep anesthesia costs are included in the procedure, helping reduce pain burden during treatment. After the procedure, you can rest sufficiently in a dedicated recovery area before leaving.
The appropriateness of the procedure is determined after consultation