The first question that usually comes up in a consultation for nasolabial folds is, "Is Ultherapy better, or Thermage?"
However, what we actually check first in the examination room is not the name of the device, but whether the prominent nasolabial folds are caused by sagging cheeks or by a decrease in skin elasticity.
This is because even for the same nasolabial folds, if the cause is different, the approach we consider also changes.
In this article, we've summarized which concerns Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Oligio, and Titanium are suitable for, respectively, and what to look at before deciding on a combination.
Take just one minute to read this.
Nasolabial Folds: Not Just a Problem Around the Mouth?
If you only view nasolabial folds as a single line around the mouth, your approach can easily go awry.
Sometimes, the cheek area sags, causing the lines around the mouth to fold and appear deeper. Other times, a decrease in skin elasticity makes the wrinkles appear relatively more prominent.
It's not uncommon for both situations to overlap.
Even when discussing the same concern, for some, sagging cheeks are the main cause, while for others, decreased elasticity or fine wrinkles have a greater impact.
Facial fat volume and skin thickness are also factors that influence how prominent nasolabial folds appear.
Rather than deciding on a device first and then trying to fit the cause to it, identifying the cause first and then finding the appropriate approach can help reduce individual differences in results.
Therefore, the process of identifying the cause comes first before choosing a Lifting & Tightening combination.
A more detailed explanation of this distinction in causes can be found in Criteria for Distinguishing Between Sagging and Elasticity: Which to Address First.
Ultherapy and Thermage FLX: Why Are They Considered Together?
If prominent cheek sagging emphasizes nasolabial folds, a combination of Ultherapy and Thermage FLX may be considered.
Ultherapy is a Lifting & Tightening procedure considered when concerns about facial lines and sagging arise, while Thermage FLX is a procedure considered for decreased skin elasticity, fine wrinkles, and skin texture management.
In other words, if the cheeks are sagging, making the nasolabial folds appear deeper, and at the same time, the skin's own elasticity has decreased, you may discuss an approach that addresses overall facial sagging along with skin elasticity management.
However, combining these two procedures may not be equally suitable for everyone.
If the skin is thin or there is hollowing in the cheeks, strong Lifting & Tightening might be burdensome, and if there is a large amount of fat, elasticity management alone might not meet expectations.
Before the procedure, the following factors are typically checked:
- Skin thickness and presence of cheek hollowing
- Degree of cheek sagging
- Degree of elasticity decrease
- Facial fat volume
- History of previous procedures
The reason why Thermage FLX shot count should not be viewed solely as a number is discussed in more detail in Why Thermage FLX Shot Count Should Not Be Judged by Number Alone.
If you're curious which cause your nasolabial folds are closer to, please leave your condition via Consult Now via Chat.
Oligio and Titanium: Considered in 'These' Cases
If you want to manage both skin elasticity and facial lines, the combination of Oligio and Titanium is also an option.
Oligio is an RF Lifting & Tightening procedure considered when concerns about decreased skin elasticity, fine wrinkles, and changes in skin texture arise, while Titanium is a Lifting & Tightening procedure considered when addressing both facial lines and decreased elasticity.
Specifically, this combination may be considered if the skin around the nasolabial folds appears less elastic than before, if fine wrinkles around the mouth and changes in skin texture are felt simultaneously, or if sagging cheek elasticity makes the jawline and facial contours appear blurred.
Here's a quick overview of which concerns each of the four devices primarily addresses:
| Device | Primary Concerns Addressed |
|---|---|
| Ultherapy | Facial lines, cheek sagging |
| Thermage FLX | Deep elasticity decrease and coarse wrinkles, intensive elasticity management |
| Oligio | Managing decreased elasticity and fine wrinkles with a relatively less burdensome approach |
| Titanium | Facial lines, decreased elasticity |
As shown in the table, each device has a slightly different focus.
Therefore, simply combining multiple devices is not always the correct answer for nasolabial fold concerns.
The necessary approach varies depending on whether the cause is decreased elasticity, cheek sagging, the influence of fat volume, or a problem with skin thickness.
Points to check before undergoing OligioX and Titanium procedures are separately summarized in What to Check Before Nonhyeon Station OligioX Procedure and What to Check Before Sinnonhyeon Titanium Lifting Procedure.
Before Deciding on a Combination, We Look at 'This Order' First
There's a recommended sequence to follow before deciding on nasolabial fold Lifting & Tightening.
- Identify the cause of prominent nasolabial folds — Is it cheek sagging, decreased elasticity, or a combination of both factors?
- Check skin condition — Examine skin thickness and elasticity in advance using an AI skin measurement device, etc.
- Confirm facial structure and fat volume — Cheek hollowing, fat volume, overall facial balance.
- Medical consultation — Discuss the appropriate device, intensity, and combination direction for your individual condition.
Rather than relying solely on online information or recommendations from others, we recommend thoroughly discussing the approach that suits your skin characteristics and facial condition with a medical professional.
The way treatments vary by wrinkle type is also covered in Why Treatments Differ by Wrinkle Type.
(※ After the procedure, temporary redness, swelling, or pain may occur depending on the individual, and rarely, burns or cheek hollowing have been reported.)
It is advisable to carefully decide after receiving information about such possibilities, the recovery process, and individual limitations before the procedure.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask via Consult Now via Chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
For nasolabial folds, which procedure is better, Ultherapy or Thermage FLX?
It is difficult to definitively say which is better. The approach may differ between cases where nasolabial folds are emphasized by cheek sagging and cases where decreased elasticity is the main cause.
It is advisable to check skin thickness, fat volume, and degree of sagging, and then consult with a medical professional to find the direction that suits you.
Does receiving Oligio and Titanium together help improve nasolabial folds more?
The combination of Oligio and Titanium can be considered when addressing both decreased elasticity and changes in facial lines.
However, combining devices may not be equally suitable for everyone, and the necessary approach varies depending on the cause. We recommend checking through a consultation whether it is suitable for your individual condition.
What side effects can occur after nasolabial fold Lifting & Tightening?
Temporary redness, swelling, or pain may occur depending on the individual.
Rarely, burns or cheek hollowing have been reported, so it is important to receive sufficient information about the possibilities and recovery process from a medical professional before the procedure.
My skin is thin; can I still get nasolabial fold Lifting & Tightening?
If your skin is thin or there is hollowing in the cheeks, strong Lifting & Tightening might be burdensome.
In such cases, it is advisable to first check skin thickness and facial structure, and then thoroughly consult with a medical professional about the appropriate direction and intensity for your individual condition.
What should I check during a nasolabial fold Lifting & Tightening consultation?
It is helpful to check the degree of cheek sagging, skin thickness, fat volume, presence of decreased elasticity, and history of previous procedures.
This is because understanding the cause of prominent nasolabial folds first can help find the direction that suits you.
Recovery and Downtime: Usually Subsides Within a Few Days
Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Oligio, and Titanium are Lifting & Tightening procedures that use ultrasound or radiofrequency energy. They are performed without incision, allowing for a relatively quick return to daily life.
(※ Immediately after the procedure, redness, mild swelling, numbness, or a tingling sensation may occur, but these usually subside within a few days. Recovery patterns may vary depending on the device, intensity, area, and individual differences.)
Rarely, burns or cheek hollowing have been reported, so it is advisable to receive information about post-procedure care and precautions during the consultation.
How Costs Are Structured
The cost of nasolabial fold Lifting & Tightening is not fixed but is divided into several factors.
The structure varies depending on which device among Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Oligio, and Titanium is used, whether it's a standalone or combination treatment, the number of shots or lines, the area covered (just around the nasolabial folds or the entire face), and whether post-procedure care is included.
Even with the same device, the necessary scope differs depending on the cause and skin condition. Therefore, for specific pricing, it is more accurate to receive guidance tailored to your individual condition after a skin measurement and medical consultation.
Visit and Consultation Information
O.N Clinic is conveniently located within walking distance from Gangnam Station Exit 11.
Since the distinction of nasolabial fold causes and device combinations vary depending on skin condition, organizing your questions in advance through chat consultation before your visit can make the consultation much smoother.
Appointments and consultations can be easily inquired about via chat.
Author: Dr. Oh Seung-Min (Chief Director of O.N Clinic, graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Academic Chairman of the Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society). Detailed history can be found in Medical Staff Introduction. First Published 2026-06-11 / Last Reviewed 2026-08-15
This article is for general information purposes only, and suitable treatments and results may vary depending on individual conditions.
