Paranasal Augmentation (Nasolabial Fold Area) — Four Correction Methods
Paranasal augmentation is a facial contouring procedure that corrects a sunken area of bone beside the nose. It is not a procedure that directly smooths wrinkles, but as the sunken area is corrected, nasolabial folds may improve secondarily and indirectly. A sunken, fold-like depression in this area can make a person look older or tired, and can also make the mouth appear more protruding.
The causes of nasolabial folds include bone depression, the action of the smiling muscles, and the shape of the muscles themselves; paranasal augmentation is the method that corrects the bone depression among these causes. For more on our treatment approach, please see the About the Doctor page.
What kind of implant is used for paranasal augmentation?
Soft, highly biocompatible materials such as Gore-Tex or Surgiform are used. What matters most in paranasal augmentation is the shape of the implant that is inserted. Because performing every patient's surgery with the same shape can make the face look unnatural, Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery does not use off-the-shelf materials as-is; instead, Gore-Tex is hand-carved during surgery to match each individual's facial bone structure. The goal is to create a shape suited to each person's facial contour.
What is the difference between paranasal augmentation and filler injections?
Injectable treatments such as Restylane and Radiesse, as well as Botox injections, can help improve fine wrinkles. However, when the depression is significant, injectable treatments alone have their limits, and surgical correction may be considered. Which method is suitable depends on individual factors such as the degree of depression, so it is best to decide after a consultation.
What about synthetic bone implants and autologous fat grafting?
Synthetic bone implants, which were used in the past, could feel hard to the touch from the outside after surgery, and could cause a visible problem if the position shifted; more recently, these have been replaced by soft, highly biocompatible materials such as Gore-Tex or Surgiform.
Micro-autologous fat grafting has the advantage of using the patient's own tissue and being able to supplement other areas at the same time. However, a drawback is that about half of the grafted fat may be absorbed by the body; recently, advances in surgical technique have aimed to reduce this fat absorption. The degree of fat graft survival varies by individual.
What is the recovery period and scarring like for paranasal augmentation?
There is swelling for about 2–3 days after surgery, after which there is generally little disruption to daily life. For about 2–3 weeks after surgery, the upper lip may not lift as much when smiling, which can make expressions feel a bit awkward; this is caused by a temporary reduction in muscle strength and gradually recovers. Recovery speed varies by individual.
The incision is made inside the mouth, so there is generally little concern about visible external scarring. No special disinfection is needed, but it is important to keep the inside of the mouth clean at all times, drink water frequently, and rinse the mouth often with mouthwash. Sutures are dissolvable, so a separate visit to remove stitches is not necessary.
Consultation Information
Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul) · 2F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 02-3416-0070 (after hours 070-4027-0070) · Book a Consultation
This article is provided for informational purposes only, and the effects and recovery period of any surgery or procedure may vary by individual. All medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects, so please consult thoroughly with a specialist.
Procedure Detail Materials
Below are procedure guide materials from the previous website (surgery.co.kr). Before-and-after results may vary by individual, and all medical procedures carry a possibility of side effects.
