Nasolabial Folds Threads

As we age, one of the most noticeable and stubborn signs of aging is the deepening of the nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the corners of the nose down to the mouth. Often referred to as laugh lines or smile lines, these folds are natural, but over time they can become more pronounced, making the face appear tired, older, or saggy. Fortunately, aesthetic medicine has evolved with innovative and minimally invasive procedures like nasolabial fold threads, providing a safe and effective solution for restoring youthful contours.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about nasolabial fold thread lifts, including how they work, their benefits, expected results, and why more people are choosing them over traditional cosmetic surgery.

What Are Nasolabial Folds?

Nasolabial folds are the lines that form between the nose and the mouth. Everyone has them, but with age, these folds become deeper and more permanent due to changes in facial volume and skin elasticity.

The primary causes of these lines include:

Loss of collagen and elastin: These proteins are responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic.
Gravity and sagging: With age, facial fat pads descend, pulling the skin downward.
Sun exposure: UV rays degrade collagen over time.
Smoking: Reduces blood flow to the skin and accelerates aging.
Rapid weight fluctuations: These can stretch the skin and increase sagging.
Genetics: Some individuals are more prone to deeper folds based on their bone structure and facial fat distribution.

While these folds are a natural part of aging, their prominence can be reduced significantly with the help of PDO (polydioxanone) threads, which are used in thread lifting techniques.

What Is a Nasolabial Fold Thread Lift?

A nasolabial fold thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten the skin around the smile lines using biodegradable threads. These threads are strategically inserted under the skin using fine needles and are gently pulled to lift sagging skin upward. The process not only provides immediate support but also triggers collagen stimulation, promoting long-term improvement in skin firmness and elasticity.

The threads used are safe, absorbable materials (such as PDO or PLLA) that dissolve over time, leaving behind newly generated collagen for sustained results.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The procedure involves several key steps:

Consultation & Skin Analysis: An expert aesthetic practitioner assesses the severity of your nasolabial folds and designs a treatment plan.
Preparation: The skin is cleaned, and local anesthesia is applied to minimize discomfort.
Thread Insertion: Using a thin, flexible needle or cannula, threads are inserted beneath the skin parallel to the folds. Barbed or cog threads anchor the tissues and pull them upward.
Lifting and Tightening: The practitioner adjusts the threads to achieve the desired lift and symmetry.
Collagen Boost: Over the next few months, the threads stimulate natural collagen production, helping to maintain the result even after the threads dissolve.

The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour and requires minimal downtime.

Benefits of Nasolabial Fold Threads

Patients who opt for nasolabial thread lifts enjoy numerous advantages, including:

✅ Natural-Looking Results

Unlike dermal fillers that add volume or surgical facelifts that can sometimes appear overdone, thread lifts create a subtle and natural lift, enhancing the contours of your face without drastically altering your appearance.

✅ Immediate Improvement

Results can be seen right after the procedure, as the skin is lifted instantly. Over the following weeks, collagen formation enhances these results further.

✅ Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive

This procedure does not require general anesthesia, incisions, or extended recovery time, making it a preferred choice for many.

✅ Stimulates Collagen Production

Threads not only lift the skin mechanically but also biologically rejuvenate the treated area by promoting the synthesis of collagen.

✅ Long-Lasting Results

The aesthetic effect can last up to 12–18 months, depending on skin type, age, and lifestyle factors.

✅ Low Risk of Scarring

Since the procedure uses micro-needles and no cutting, there’s little to no scarring or risk of infection when performed by trained professionals.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Thread lifts for nasolabial folds are suitable for individuals who:

Are in their late 30s to 60s
Have moderate to deep smile lines
Are not ready for or do not want surgery
Want natural-looking facial rejuvenation
Are in good general health and don’t have severe skin laxity

It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that while thread lifts provide significant improvement, they are not a replacement for a surgical facelift for those with extensive sagging.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

Post-procedure, most patients experience:

Mild swelling or bruising, which subsides within a few days.
Slight tightness or sensitivity in the treated area.
Immediate lifting effect, which continues to improve over the next few weeks.

Downtime is minimal—most individuals can return to work the next day. However, patients are advised to:

Avoid facial massages or vigorous rubbing for 1-2 weeks
Sleep on their back to avoid pressure on the face
Refrain from intense workouts for at least 48 hours

Thread Lift vs. Dermal Fillers for Nasolabial Folds

While both dermal fillers and thread lifts are popular non-surgical options, they work in different ways:

Feature	Thread Lift	Dermal Fillers
Purpose	Lifts sagging skin	Adds volume
Results	Lifting and collagen stimulation	Immediate volume only
Duration	12-18 months	6-12 months
Best For	Skin laxity, contour definition	Volume loss

Some patients even opt for combination therapy—using both threads and fillers to achieve enhanced, long-lasting results.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Thread lifts are considered safe when performed by trained professionals. However, like any cosmetic procedure, they carry minimal risks, such as:

Temporary bruising, swelling, or soreness
Asymmetry (rare and usually correctable)
Mild puckering at the insertion point (resolves as skin adjusts)
Infection (extremely rare when proper hygiene is maintained)

Choosing a reputable aesthetic clinic with certified experts significantly reduces these risks.

Maintenance and Aftercare

To prolong your results and support skin health, consider:

Wearing sunscreen daily to prevent UV damage
Following a good skincare routine with collagen-boosting ingredients
Hydrating regularly to maintain skin elasticity
Scheduling maintenance sessions as recommended

Regular touch-ups may be done annually or bi-annually, depending on how the skin responds and how long the threads last in your system.

Cost of Nasolabial Fold Thread Lifts

The price of thread lifts varies depending on the number of threads used, the clinic’s location, and the expertise of the practitioner. On average, nasolabial fold thread lifts are more affordable than surgical options and offer excellent value for those seeking effective results without downtime.

Final Thoughts: A Youthful Smile Without Surgery

Nasolabial folds are a natural part of facial anatomy, but when they deepen, they can contribute to an aged or tired appearance. Thread lifts offer a revolutionary, minimally invasive solution to rejuvenate the lower face by lifting sagging skin and restoring smoother, more youthful contours. The procedure is fast, safe, and delivers results that last.

If you’re considering a cosmetic solution that’s non-surgical, collagen-stimulating, and designed to subtly lift and contour your face, nasolabial fold threads may be your ideal choice.

Ready to Refresh Your Look?

For a personalized consultation and expert assessment of whether nasolabial thread lifts are right for you, visit Aesthesurge Clinic—an advanced aesthetic center equipped with modern technology and experienced professionals in non-surgical anti-aging treatments. Your rejuvenated, radiant skin awaits.