Deep wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and forehead creases, form from volume loss, skin laxity and repeated muscle movement. At Re:berry Hongdae, a doctor first identifies which cause dominates, then may combine filler, Botox, energy-based lifting or boosters. Improvement is typically gradual over 1 to 6 months and varies by individual.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
What are deep wrinkles and folds?
Deep wrinkles are lines that remain visible when the face is completely relaxed. Folds are larger creases where tissue meets or overlaps, most famously the nasolabial fold running from the nose to the mouth corner. Both differ from fine lines, which are shallow and often related to dryness. If your lines are mostly superficial, our Fine Lines page may be more relevant.
What causes deep wrinkles and folds?
Several processes usually work together, which is why one treatment rarely solves everything.
- Volume loss: Fat pads in the cheeks and temples shrink and shift with age, so the mid-face flattens and folds deepen below it.
- Skin laxity: Collagen and elastin decline, so skin holds its position less well and drapes over the jawline and mouth.
- Muscle movement: Repeated frowning, squinting and raising the brows engrave dynamic lines that eventually become static.
- Bone changes: The facial skeleton gradually remodels, reducing support around the eyes, cheeks and jaw.
- Sun and lifestyle: UV exposure, smoking, poor sleep and rapid weight change all speed collagen breakdown.
How does a doctor tell the types apart?
At consultation, the doctor looks at your face at rest, during expression and from several angles. A few simple distinctions guide the plan:
Dynamic vs static lines
Dynamic lines appear only with movement, such as frown lines when you concentrate. Static lines stay even at rest. Dynamic lines usually respond well to Botox, while static lines often need filler, boosters or collagen stimulation as well.
Volume-driven vs laxity-driven folds
If gently lifting the cheek with a fingertip makes the nasolabial fold soften noticeably, the fold may be driven largely by mid-face descent or volume loss. If the skin itself is loose and crepey, laxity is likely the main factor. Many people have both.
Skin thickness and quality
Thin skin can show filler more easily and may benefit from boosters first. Thicker, heavier skin may respond better to deeper energy-based lifting before any volume is added.
Which treatments may help?
Hyaluronic acid filler
Filler restores volume and support. It can be placed directly into a fold or, often more naturally, into the cheek or chin to reduce the shadow from above or below. See Juvederm Filler for Deep Wrinkles and Folds and the Restylane equivalent.
Botox
Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles behind forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet and some neck bands. It works on the movement part of the problem. Learn more on Botox for Wrinkles.
Energy-based lifting
Ultherapy Prime uses focused ultrasound to heat deeper support layers, and Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency to tighten the skin. Sofwave and ONDA are other options. These devices target laxity and stimulate collagen gradually; they do not add volume.
Skin boosters
Rejuran Healer, CellREDM, Laetigen and similar boosters improve skin quality, which helps lines look softer and makes the skin a better base for other treatments.
Re:berry signature programs
Revolle and the Eternal Youth Program are Re:berry's signature combination approaches that bring several of these elements together. Your doctor can explain whether a structured program suits you.
What does a combination plan look like?
Re:berry's philosophy is diagnosis before packages and a designed combination rather than one procedure. A typical sequence for someone with mixed causes might be:
- Energy-based lifting first, to address laxity and start collagen remodeling.
- Botox for active expression lines, on the same day or soon after, depending on the plan.
- A conservative amount of filler for remaining volume deficits, sometimes after 2 to 4 weeks so swelling has settled.
- Boosters for skin quality, spaced as a course.
Not everyone needs every step. The goal is stable improvement over time, not a dramatic one-day change.
What is a realistic timeline?
- Filler: Visible immediately, settles over 1 to 2 weeks.
- Botox: Starts in about 3 to 5 days, peaks around 2 weeks, lasts roughly 3 to 4 months.
- Ultherapy Prime or Thermage FLX: Gradual improvement over 2 to 6 months.
- Boosters: Build over a course of sessions across 1 to 3 months.
Results vary by individual, and very deep folds are typically softened rather than erased.
What can you do at home?
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, not smoking, consistent sleep and a retinoid-based routine (if your doctor approves) all help slow the deepening of lines. These steps do not replace in-clinic treatment for established folds, but they protect the results you invest in.
Risks and limitations
Each treatment carries its own risks, from bruising and swelling after injections to temporary tenderness or numbness after lifting devices. Filler has a small but serious risk of vascular complications, which is why anatomy and technique matter. Overfilling folds can create a heavy look, so a balanced, conservative plan is usually safer.
Getting started at Re:berry Hongdae
Bring photos of what bothers you most and a list of past treatments. Pricing depends on areas, shot count and plan, and is confirmed in writing at consultation. Find the branch on Location & Hours and request a consultation through the Booking page.
Key facts
- Common types: Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, forehead and frown lines, neck bands
- Main causes: Volume loss, skin laxity, muscle movement, sun damage
- Typical tools: HA filler, Botox, Ultherapy Prime, Thermage FLX, skin boosters
- Results seen: Filler immediately; Botox in 3 to 14 days; lifting over 1 to 6 months
- Approach: Diagnosis first, then a combination plan
- Good to know: Very deep folds are softened, not erased
Frequently asked questions
Can nasolabial folds be removed completely?
Usually not completely. The nasolabial fold is a natural feature of the face, and trying to erase it with filler can look unnatural. Treatment aims to soften it by restoring support and tightening skin. A doctor will discuss a realistic degree of improvement at consultation.
Is filler or Botox better for deep wrinkles?
It depends on the cause. Botox suits lines driven by muscle movement, such as frown lines. Filler suits lines driven by volume loss, such as deep folds. Many people benefit from both in different areas, which is why diagnosis comes first.
At what age do deep folds usually appear?
It varies widely with genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle. Many people notice nasolabial folds deepening in their 30s or 40s, while static forehead lines can appear earlier in very expressive faces. Prevention with sun protection and good skin care helps at any age.
How long should I wait between filler and lifting treatments?
Many doctors perform energy-based lifting before filler, or leave a gap of about two weeks or more after filler before heating the same area. The exact timing depends on the device and product, so follow your doctor's plan. Your doctor will set this timing in your written plan.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Start with a diagnosis, not a package
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae designs your plan after a one-to-one skin assessment. Multilingual consultation support is available.