2026-06-04
Paranasal Augmentation Reviews: An Effective Way to Fill Nasolabial Folds and a Sunken Midface
For those concerned about deep nasolabial folds or a flat midface, we have summarized the principles, pros, and cons of Paranasal Augmentation. 345 Plastic Surgery Clinic provides professional information on the differences between silicone implants and autologous bone grafts, who needs the surgery, and explains the diagnostic criteria for natural, three-dimensional volume.
What is Paranasal Augmentation for Relieving Nasolabial Fold Concerns?
Many people worry that their deep nasolabial folds or unusually flat midface make them look cold or stern. In such cases, the procedure commonly known as 'noble surgery' can be considered, which is medically referred to as Paranasal augmentation.
This is a surgery that fills in volume by inserting an implant or autologous tissue into the depressed area next to the nostrils, where the nasolabial folds begin. Through this, you can expect a more three-dimensional facial contour and achieve the visual effect of making the mouth appear relatively less protruded.
Recommended Candidates for Paranasal Augmentation
Cases with high satisfaction after paranasal augmentation are those accompanied by structural depression rather than just deep wrinkles. The representative types are as follows:
- Underdeveloped midface: Cases where the bone structure around the nose is congenitally depressed, making the face look flat.
- Relatively protruded mouth: Cases where the maxilla (upper jaw) is normal, but the alar base next to the nose is sunken, making the mouth look more protruded. This can be compensated by filling in the volume.
- Lantern jaw (developed mandible): Cases where the lower jaw is developed, making the upper jaw appear relatively pushed back and the midface sunken. It helps to balance the face.
Differences in Surgical Materials: Silicone Implant vs. Autologous Bone Graft
The material used during surgery varies depending on the patient's condition and preferences.
1. Silicone Implant
As the most commonly used material, it has the advantage of a relatively simple surgical process and is easy to precisely sculpt into the desired shape. However, if the implant is not accurately fixed, it may shift position, or very rarely, cause bone erosion or tooth root irritation due to long-term pressure. Therefore, it is important to have the surgery performed by an experienced specialist.
2. Autologous Bone Graft
Because it uses the patient's own bone tissue, it has the advantage of almost no foreign body reaction and is maintained permanently after engraftment. It is often performed without the burden of additional harvesting by utilizing the excised bone when combined with facial contouring surgeries (such as cheekbone reduction or genioplasty).
Precautions for a Successful Paranasal Augmentation
Just because your nasolabial folds are deep does not mean paranasal augmentation is the only answer. If skin sagging is the cause, lifting may be appropriate, and if it is a simple lack of volume, fillers or fat grafting can be alternatives.
The core of paranasal augmentation is selecting the size and position of the implant. Excessive volume can make the philtrum look long or cause the movement of the upper lip to become unnatural. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a plan that fits your facial structure through sufficient consultation with medical staff who have abundant clinical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of surgery is 'Gwijok Surgery' (Nobel Surgery)?
Gwijok Surgery is a procedure that fills in the sunken area where nasolabial folds begin next to the nostrils, by inserting an implant or autologous tissue. Medically known as paranasal augmentation, it creates a more three-dimensional facial contour and makes the mouth appear less protruded.
If I have deep nasolabial folds, do I unconditionally need Gwijok Surgery?
No. The appropriate treatment method varies depending on the cause of the nasolabial folds. If skin sagging is the cause, a lifting procedure might be more suitable, and if it's simply a lack of volume, fillers or fat grafting can be good alternatives, so an accurate diagnosis is necessary.
What materials are used in Gwijok Surgery?
Mainly two methods are used: silicone implants and autologous bone grafting. Silicone is easy to process and popular, while autologous bone grafting has the advantage of almost no foreign body reaction and permanent maintenance after engraftment. The material is chosen based on the patient's condition and preference.
Are there any side effects or precautions for Gwijok Surgery?
Yes, the size and placement of the implant are very important. If too much volume is filled, the philtrum may appear longer, or the movement of the upper lip may become awkward. Also, if a silicone implant is not properly fixed, displacement or bone erosion can occur, so it is essential for a skilled specialist to perform the surgery.
Can Gwijok Surgery help with protruding mouth correction?
Yes, it greatly helps in compensating for a relatively protruding mouth. If the upper jaw is normal but the paranasal base is sunken, making the mouth appear relatively more protruded, Gwijok Surgery can fill the sunken area, creating a visual effect of the mouth appearing less protruded.