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Nasolabial Fold Fillfting

Kate Signature

Nasolabial Fold Fillfting

Hello, this is Dr. Won-sang Lee,
Chief Director of Kate Clinic.
Today, I’d like to talk about a highly effective combination treatment for nasolabial folds — one of the most common concerns among our patients. 

Many people who visit the clinic share worries such as

I got filler, but after a few months it went back to how it was

The filler spread sideways and now looks unnatural

Isn’t there a treatment that lasts longer with just one session?

To address these concerns, we developed

  a combination procedure using filler and Cavern threads (PDO threads).

Why are
 fillers alone limited  ?

After performing countless nasolabial fold treatments,
I realized that nasolabial folds are not simply a matter of filling the hollow area.

Limitations offiller-only
treatment
  • Spreading over time
  • Shape distortion caused by facial movements
  • Faster absorption without structural support
  • Limited to simple volume replenishment
What Are Cavern Threads (PDO Threads)?

Cavern threads are medical threads made of PDO (Polydioxanone), a surgical suture material long proven to be safe.

Scientific Principles of
Cavern Threads
  • Spring structure: Their cavern-like design creates a stable internal support structure.
  • Collagen stimulation: As the threads dissolve, they naturally stimulate collagen production.
  • Safe degradation: They completely break down into water and carbon dioxide within 6–8 months and are safely
    excreted from the body.
The Remarkable
Synergy of
Filler + Cavern Threads 

The easiest way to explain this combination is
by comparing it to “clay and wire.”


The Perfect Combination of
“Clay and Wire”
Filler = Clay : Provides soft, natural volume but can sag without support.
Cavern thread = Wire : Creates a firm support structure that helps maintain the filler’s shape.

Actual Treatment Results

According to a recently published study, when PDO threads and hyaluronic acid fillers were used together for nasolabial folds, patients experienced natural volume restoration and midface lifting without any lateral migration of the filler.


Comparison: Filler-Only
vs. Combination Treatment



Filler Only 
 
Filler + 
Cavern
Thread
Duration 
6–12 months 
12–24 months
Spreading 
Common 
Rare
Lifting
Effect 
Limited 
Excellent
Natural
Look 
Decreases
over time 
Long-lasting
Collagen
Production 
Limited 
Continuously stimulated
What is the
treatment process like ?

    STEP 1    

Precise
Diagnosis 

We perform a
comprehensive analysis of the depth of the
nasolabial fold, skin elasticity, and muscle movement patterns.

      STEP 2    

Individualized
Design

We determine the
optimal placement and
amount of Cavern
threads and filler based on the patient’s
facial structure.

    STEP 3    

Cavern
Thread Insertion

Using a micro cannula, we create a supportive
structure in the nasolabial fold area.

      STEP 4    

Filler
Injection

Hyaluronic acid filler is
precisely injected over
the stable support
structure created by the
Cavern threads.

  Expected Improvements 
After Treatment
Immediate
Results
(Right After
Treatment)  
  • Instant improvement of nasolabial folds
  • Natural volume restoration
Gradual
Results
(1–3 Months)  
  • Increased skin elasticity through collagen production from Cavern threads
  • More natural, three-dimensional facial contouring
Long-Term
Results
(After
6 Months)  
  • Improved skin condition maintained even after filler absorption
  • Long-lasting, natural
    anti-aging effects
Post-treatment precautions

Key Points Your Doctor Wants You to Know

The first week is
the most important

  • 24 hours : Do not touch the
    treated area at all
  • 1 week : No alcohol, no smoking
  • Avoid excessive
    facial expressions
    or strenuous exercise
Lifestyle Habits That
Help Recovery

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take vitamin C to support
    collagen synthesis
  • Apply cold compresses to
    reduce swelling faster
mobile background
Highly  Recommended For

01

Those concerned about deep nasolabial folds or who were not satisfied with filler alone

02

Those who want longer-lasting and more natural lifting effects

03

Those who want both volume restoration and lifting at the same time

04

Those who want both volume restoration and lifting at the same time

Hello, this is Dr. Won-sang Lee, Chief Director of Kate Clinic.
Today, I’d like to talk about a highly effective combination treatment for nasolabial folds — 
one of the most common concerns among our patients.

Many people who visit the clinic
share worries such as

I got filler, but after a few months 
it went back to how it was

The filler spread sideways 
and now looks unnatural

Isn’t there a treatment that 
lasts longer with just one session?

To address these concerns,
we developed a combination procedure using filler and Cavern threads (PDO threads).

Why are  fillers alone limited  ?

After performing countless nasolabial fold treatments, 

I realized that nasolabial folds are not simply a matter of filling the hollow area.

Limitations of filler-only treatment
  • Spreading over time.
  • Shape distortion caused by facial movements.
  • Faster absorption without structural support.
  • Limited to simple volume replenishment.
What Are Cavern Threads (PDO Threads)?

Cavern threads are medical threads made of PDO (Polydioxanone),
a surgical suture material long proven to be safe.

Scientific Principles of Cavern Threads
  • Spring structure: Their cavern-like design creates a stable internal support structure.
  • Collagen stimulation: As the threads dissolve, they naturally stimulate collagen production.
  • Safe degradation: They completely break down into water and carbon dioxide within 6–8 months and are safely excreted from the body.
The Remarkable Synergy of
Filler + Cavern Threads

The easiest way to explain this combination is by comparing it to “clay and wire”.


The Perfect Combination of “Clay and Wire”

Filler = Clay :  Provides soft, natural volume but can sag without support.
Cavern thread = Wire : Creates a firm support structure that helps maintain the filler’s shape.



Actual Treatment Results


According to a recently published study,
when PDO threads and hyaluronic acid fillers were used together for nasolabial folds,
patients experienced natural volume restoration and midface lifting without any lateral migration of the filler.

Comparison: Filler-Only vs. Combination Treatment




Filler Only 
 Filler + Cavern Thread
Duration
6–12 months
12–24 months
Spreading
Common
Rare
Lifting Effect
Limited
Excellent
Natural Look 
Decreases over time
Long-lasting
Collagen Production
Limited
Continuously stimulated
What is the treatment process like?






STEP 1

Precise Diagnosis

We perform a comprehensive analysis of the depth of the nasolabial fold, skin elasticity, and muscle movement patterns.

 STEP 2

Individualized Design

We determine the optimal placement and amount of Cavern threads and filler based on the patient’s facial structure.

STEP 3

Cavern Thread Insertion

Using a micro cannula, we create a supportive structure in the nasolabial fold area.

STEP 4

Filler Injection

Hyaluronic acid filler is precisely injected over the stable support structure created by the Cavern threads

 Expected Improvements 
After Treatment
Immediate Results
(Right After Treatment)
  • Instant improvement of nasolabial folds
  • Natural volume restoration
Gradual Results
(1–3 Months)
  • Increased skin elasticity through collagen production from Cavern threads
  • More natural, three-dimensional facial contouring
Long-Term Results
(After 6 Months)
  • Improved skin condition maintained even after filler absorption
  • Long-lasting, natural anti-aging effects
mobile background
Post-treatment precautions

Key Points Your Doctor Wants You to Know

The first week is the most importantLifestyle Habits That Help Recovery

  • 24 hours : Do not touch the treated area at all
  • 1week : No alcohol, no smoking
  • Avoid excessive facial 
    expressions or strenuous exercise

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take vitamin C to support collagen synthesis
  • Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling faster
mobile background

01

Those concerned about deep nasolabial folds or who were not satisfied with filler alone

02

Those who want
longer-lasting and
more natural lifting effects

03

Those who want
both volume restoration and 
lifting at the same time

04

Those who want to reduce 
the number of 
treatment sessions

 Conclusion

Medical evidence 
for safety

According to recent studies, the combined use of PDO threads 
and hyaluronic acid fillers shows higher patient satisfaction and safety compared to using each treatment alone. 
In particular, PDO threads have been reported to induce effective collagen production 
while causing less inflammatory response than hyaluronic acid fillers.

In conclusion

Based on 20 years of experience, nasolabial folds should not be approached as 
a treatment that simply “fills” the area, but rather as one that “improves the overall facial contour.”

References

  1. Kang, K., Choung, H., & Hwang, U. (2021). Correction of nasolabial fold by combination of polydioxanone thread and hyaluronic acid filler: a case report. Journal of Cosmetic Medicine, 5(2), 103-107.
  2. Wan, D., et al. (2024). A Pilot One and Two‐Year Prospective, Blinded Clinical Evaluation of Efficacy, and Safety of Combined Treatment With Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler and Barbed Polydioxanone Suspension Threads for Mid‐Face Contour Enhancement. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
  3. Contreras, E. (2023). Using PDO threads: A scarcely studied rejuvenation technique. Case report and systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(5), 1234-1245.
  4. Additional recent studies also support the safety and effectiveness of PDO threads and hyaluronic acid fillers.

Operating Hours

 Tel. +82 2-6952-1234
Weekdays 
11:00 am ~ 8:30 pm 🌙
Saturday 
10:00 am ~ 4:30 pm 
(No lunch break)
Lunch Break
1:30 pm ~ 2:30 pm

Address
7F, Kate Clinic, 148 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

   

Kate Clinic
 Business Registration Number: 525-36-00662 
 Representative : Lee Won-sang   |   E-mail : kateclinic@naver.com
Terms of Use   |   Privacy Policy

 ⓒKATE CLINIC. All Rights Reserved

 Operating Hours

 Tel. +82 2-6952-1234
Weekdays11:00 am - 8:30 pm 🌙
Saturday10:00 am - 4:30 pm (No lunch break)
Lunch Break1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Address   7F, Kate Clinic, 148 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

   

Kate Clinic   |   Business Registration Number : 525-36-00662   |   Representative: Lee Won-sang   |   E-mail : kateclinic@naver.com

Terms of Use   |   Privacy Policy    |   ⓒKATE CLINIC. All Rights Reserved