Nasolabial Fold Laser Lifting Comparison — Ultherapy vs Thermage vs TuneFace

Nasolabial folds deepen for many different reasons—facial structure, aging, soft tissue descent, and volume imbalance.Before choosing any treatment, it’s important to understand how each nasolabial fold laser lifting comparison method works and which device fits your specific anatomy.

While filler is often used to soften these lines, many patients prefer non-injectable lifting treatments because fillers can cause side effects or look unnatural depending on the case.Laser-based lifting devices offer a less invasive option with no added volume.

How Laser Lifting Improves Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds can improve when:

• The skin is tightened

• The SMAS layer is lifted

• The volume above the fold (the “heavy” midface area) is reduced

Because the causes differ, the correct device should be chosen based on:skin thickness, fat distribution, degree of sagging, and severity of midface descent.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how each device works.

Ultherapy – Deep Ultrasound Lifting

Ultherapy is a well-known ultrasound lifting device targeting deeper structures such as:

1. Superficial dermis

2. Deep dermis

3. SMAS layer

By delivering thermal energy precisely into these layers, Ultherapy strengthens internal support and lifts the midface, which naturally softens nasolabial folds.

Ideal Candidates

• Most types of nasolabial folds

• Those with midface heaviness, deep sagging, or jowling

• Patients needing SMAS-level tightening

Effectiveness: High

Thermage – RF Skin Tightening for Elasticity

Thermage uses monopolar radiofrequency to heat the dermis, stimulating collagen remodeling.

It does not reach the SMAS or deeper fat layers, meaning its lifting effect is lighter compared to Ultherapy.However, for thin-skinned patients, Thermage can provide excellent tightening without risk of fat loss.

Ideal Candidates

• Thin skin with mild sagging

• Nasolabial folds without excess midface fat

• Patients concerned about cheek hollowing

Effectiveness: Low–Medium

TuneFace – Deep RF Heating with Less Pain

TuneFace is a unipolar RF lifting device.Unlike Thermage, unipolar RF creates heat through water molecule rotation, allowing deeper and more even penetration into:

• Dermis

• Subcutaneous fat

• Partially into the SMAS layer

While not as SMAS-focused as Ultherapy, TuneFace can improve nasolabial folds more effectively than shallow RF devices—especially with minimal discomfort.

Ideal Candidates

• Normal to thin skin

• Mild to moderate nasolabial folds

• Those worried about pain or fat loss

Effectiveness: Medium

Quick Comparison – Which Device Fits Your Nasolabial Folds?

Device	Effectiveness	Best for	Avoid if
Ultherapy	High	Most nasolabial folds, sagging midface, deep fat descent	Very low pain tolerance
Thermage	Low–Medium	Thin skin, minimal fat, elasticity improvement	Thick skin, heavy midface
TuneFace	Medium	Moderate folds, low pain tolerance, avoiding fat loss	Very severe sagging

Other Treatment Options to Consider

Laser lifting is not the only method for nasolabial fold correction. Depending on the root cause, these may be more effective:

• Filler (light volumization above the fold)

• Collagen stimulators (improving dermal thickness)

• Thread lifting (lifting midface tissues)

A proper assessment is essential to avoid worsening sagging or creating unnatural volume.

How to Choose the Right Treatment

Choosing the right nasolabial fold treatment depends on:

• Skin thickness

• Fat distribution

• Degree of sagging

• Onset of midface heaviness

• Desire for stronger lift vs gentle tightening

Because each device behaves differently in each layer of the face, combining a professional assessment with personalized planning gives the best results.

💎 Need Help Choosing the Right Nasolabial Fold Treatment?

If you want to know whether Ultherapy, Thermage, TuneFace, or another treatment is the best match for your facial structure, you can connect with a certified Korean dermatologist through Korea Plastic Surgery.

✔ 100% free consultation

✔ Patients never pay us

✔ Matched with clinics experienced in personalized facial-lifting planning