Nasolabial Fold · Volume Loss · Mellow Dermatology (Yeongdeungpo)
Nasolabial folds and cheek volume loss
aren't just about age
Deepened nasolabial folds and hollow cheeks are usually the combined result of "volume loss" and "skin sagging." Discover the Mellow Dermatology approach — diagnosing each cause separately, then designing filling and lifting together.
Why It Happens
Why do nasolabial folds and
cheek volume loss appear together?
It isn't simply a wrinkle "carving in" — it's a change in which the structures that once filled and supported the face collapse together. Different causes call for different solutions.
Cause 01 · Volume Loss
Loss of fat pad & bone volume
When the mid-face fat pads shrink and bone volume decreases, the cheeks hollow out. Hollow cheeks cast a shadow above the nasolabial fold, making the wrinkle look even deeper.
Cause 02 · Loss of Elasticity
Declining dermal collagen
As collagen and hyaluronic acid in the dermis decrease, the skin thins and loses elasticity. Its ability to hold volume in place weakens, accelerating the sagging.
Cause 03 · Sagging (SMAS)
Loosened fascia & ligaments
When the fascial layer and ligaments supporting the face loosen, cheek tissue is pushed downward. As this tissue folds into the nasolabial groove, the wrinkle becomes more pronounced.
Cause 04 · Expression & Habits
Repeated expressions & postures
Repeated use of the muscles that smile or frown, plus habits like sleeping on your side, gradually turn a once-shallow line into a fixed, deep wrinkle.
Our Approach
We fill, and we lift
why we approach from two directions
Hollow cheeks need to be filled, and sagging tissue needs to be lifted. Solving only one won't last. Here are the three principles behind how Mellow Dermatology designs treatment for nasolabial folds and cheek volume loss.
Diagnosis that identifies the cause first
We first determine whether it's lost volume, sagging tissue, or both. Only by reading the cause precisely can we balance the emphasis between filling and lifting.
Combining filling + lifting
We restore lost volume with fillers and collagen boosters, and lift sagging tissue with radiofrequency and ultrasound lifting. Combining both directions restores the balance of the entire contour.
Designed & performed by a specialist
From material to depth to dosage, a specialist designs everything to match your facial structure. Standardized protocols raise both natural results and safety together.
The Key to Filling
In filling, "design" makes the result
more than the material does
Even with the same filler, where, how much, and at what depth you fill completely changes both the result and the safety. Here are three things we always consider when restoring volume.
Point 01
Material selection
Depending on whether you need immediate volume or a natural fill that stimulates collagen production, we choose different materials — hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen boosters, CaHA, and more.
Point 02
Injection depth & position
Even for the same nasolabial fold, the point that needs volume support differs from the point where filler goes directly into the line. Choosing the exact depth and position determines both natural results and safety.
Point 03
Dosage & dilution ratio
We adjust dosage and dilution ratio to the area and skin thickness. Not too much, not too little — balanced volume creates results that don't look "done."
Recommended Treatments
Filling and lifting
our signature treatments
We combine fillers and boosters that restore lost volume with lifting devices that lift sagging tissue, tailored to your concern.
① Filling · Volume Restoration
Radiesse · CaHA
Radiesse
Filling · Volume + CollagenA calcium-based (CaHA) filler that restores immediate volume while stimulating collagen production. Over time the skin fills itself in for a lifted feel, making it widely used for hollow cheeks and deep nasolabial folds.
Juvelook Volume · PDLLA
Juvelook Volume
Filling · Collagen BoosterA collagen booster combining biodegradable PDLLA with hyaluronic acid — rather than instant volume at injection, it fills in gradually through collagen your skin creates itself. It adds natural volume and elasticity together to thin, hollowed skin.
Belotero · HA Filler
Belotero Filler
Filling · Instant VolumeA hyaluronic acid filler that blends smoothly into the skin, instantly filling nasolabial lines and hollow areas. Its excellent tissue integration lets it treat everything from shallow wrinkles to delicate areas naturally.
② Lifting · Sagging Improvement
Ultherapy · HIFU
Ultherapy
Lifting · Fascial Layer (SMAS)High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) delivers energy precisely down to the fascial layer (SMAS), the root cause of sagging. It contracts the stretched support structure to lift descended cheek tissue and ease the fold of the nasolabial line.
Thermage · RF
Thermage
Lifting · Dermal LayerRadiofrequency (RF) energy heats and contracts dermal collagen for both immediate tightening and lasting elasticity improvement. It tightens the skin itself without reducing volume, so it can add firmness even to hollow cheeks without worry.
Density · 6.78MHz RF
Density
Lifting · Dermal LayerDelivering 6.78MHz radiofrequency evenly through the dermal layer, it contracts aged collagen and induces new collagen production. Along with improved elasticity, you can expect softening of nasolabial folds and fine lines, rounding out the lifting combination.
At a Glance
Recommended treatments at a glance
| Treatment | Direction | How It Works | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiesse | Filling | CaHA volume + collagen stimulation | Cheek volume loss · deep nasolabial folds |
| Juvelook Volume | Filling | PDLLA collagen booster | Thin skin · natural volume |
| Belotero Filler | Filling | Hyaluronic acid instant volume | Nasolabial & mouth · delicate areas |
| Ultherapy | Lifting | High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) | Cheek sagging · facial contour |
| Thermage | Lifting | Radiofrequency (RF) heating & contraction | Elasticity · fine lines · skin texture |
| Density | Lifting | 6.78MHz radiofrequency | Elasticity · nasolabial folds |
Where to Care
Same face, different areas
each needs a different delicacy
Nasolabial folds and cheek volume loss aren't the problem of a single area. The mid-face, wrinkle lines, and jawline are all interconnected, so we design a different balance of filling and lifting for each area.
Mid-face · Cheeks · Cheekbones
The key area that supports lost volume. Centered on volume restoration, with deep-layer lifting added when sagging accompanies it.
Nasolabial · Mouth area
The area where shadows stand out the most. Rather than filling the wrinkle line directly, it's important to design around restoring the volume above it to soften the fold naturally.
Marionette · Jawline
The area where sagging continues downward. We refine the line with lifting and, when needed, balance it with volume to sharpen the facial contour.
Real Results
Real treatment reviews
Real treatment reviews from patients who improved their nasolabial folds and cheek volume loss at Mellow Dermatology (Yeongdeungpo). Tap a card to read the full review.
Treatment Review
Woman in her 60s, nasolabial & mouth wrinkle improvement review #Radiesse
Treatment Review
Woman in her 50s, nasolabial & mouth wrinkle improvement review #JuvelookVolume
Treatment Review
Male sagging cheeks Thermage results review
Treatment Review
Front-cheek sagging Thermage lifting review
Treatment Review
Woman in her 30s, Thermage lifting consultation review
Treatment Review
Woman in her 20s, recessed chin & double chin filler review
※ Treatment results and duration may vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Expert Care
Filling and lifting —
"balance" is the key
Dr. Kwon Hyung-il · Board-Certified Dermatologist · Thermage TTT Master Trainer
Nasolabial folds and cheek volume loss won't last if you only fill volume or only lift. Carefully diagnosing the facial structure and balancing the emphasis between filling and lifting is the key to natural, lasting results.
Even with the same filler and the same device, the result changes greatly depending on diagnosis and design. When a specialist who teaches other doctors diagnoses and performs the treatment personally, it leads to safer, more natural results.
★ Thermage TTT Certified
- Manufacturer-certified TTT (Train-the-Trainer) Master Trainer
- Personally conducts specialized Thermage training for medical professionals
- Thermage TTT-certified clinic · applying standardized protocols
Safety First
With skilled medical professionals,
side effects go down and natural results go up
Filler and booster treatments may involve temporary reactions such as swelling, bruising, or slight asymmetry, and lifting may be followed by redness and swelling. However, precise diagnosis, meticulous design, and the practitioner's skill can minimize these. A deep understanding of facial structure and abundant clinical experience create safer, more natural results.
Find the nasolabial fold & cheek volume loss solution
that's right for you — through a consultation
At Mellow Dermatology (Yeongdeungpo), with extensive consultation and treatment experience, find your answer through a personalized one-on-one consultation.
See consultation reviews →Equipment
이 진료에 함께 쓰는 장비
래디어스
래디어스는 CaHA 1개 성분으로 볼륨 보완과 콜라겐 반응 2가지 목표를 고려하는 주사 치료입니다. 부위와 목적에 따라 희석·용량·주입층이 달라지며, 멍·붓기·결절과 혈관 관련 합병증 가능성을 충분히 설명한 뒤 시행합니다.
쥬베룩
쥬베룩은 PDLLA와 HA 2가지 성분(ingredient)으로 피부결·모공·잔주름·볼륨 4가지 목표를 구분해 주입합니다. 피부결·모공·잔주름 또는 볼륨 목표에 따라 제품·희석·주입층이 달라지며, 결절·멍·붓기 가능성을 고려해 계획합니다.
벨로테로 필러
벨로테로는 HA Filler 1종을 부위·용량·주입층 3가지 설계 요소(design factor)에 맞춰 사용하는 Safety-First 시술입니다. 부위별 혈관과 조직 깊이를 고려해 제품·용량·주입층을 선택하며, 멍·붓기·비대칭과 드문 혈관 합병증을 포함한 주의사항을 시술 전에 설명합니다.
울쎄라
울쎄라는 HIFU를 진피와 SMAS 2개 목표 깊이(target depth)에 전달하므로, 얼굴 구조에 맞춘 샷 설계(shot design)가 중요합니다. 얼굴 구조와 지방량에 따라 적합한 깊이와 샷 배치가 달라지므로, 초음파 영상 확인과 전문의 진단 후 계획합니다.
써마지
써마지는 단극성 고주파(Monopolar RF) 1개 방식으로 진피와 피하 조직 2개 층에 열을 전달하며, 샷 수와 에너지(energy)를 1:1로 조절합니다. 피부 두께·처짐 정도·통증 민감도에 따라 샷 수와 에너지가 달라지며, 기대 변화와 드물게 생길 수 있는 화상·붓기 등의 주의사항을 진료 후 안내합니다.
덴서티
덴서티는 6.78MHz RF를 사용하며, tip·shot·energy 3가지 설정(setting)을 피부 상태에 맞게 정합니다. 피부 두께와 지방량, 원하는 변화에 따라 팁·샷 수·에너지를 조절하며, 시술 후 일시적인 붉음·부기 가능성을 안내합니다.
