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Author: Representative of Medical Corporation Shingetsukai Shinya Sasagawa, MD
Specialist Clinic for Nasolabial Fold and Wrinkle Treatments
Osaka Houreisen Skin Clinic / Tokyo Houreisen Skin Clinic / Nagoya Houreisen Skin Clinic
Meet Our Doctor
“Which is better for nasolabial folds: hyaluronic acid or growth factor treatment?”
Even if you are not particularly interested in aesthetic medicine, you have probably heard of hyaluronic acid. Growth factor treatments, on the other hand, may be less familiar to you.
Both are injectable treatments for nasolabial folds offered at our clinic. However, they work in different ways and produce results at different rates.
In short, here is the key difference:
Hyaluronic acid fillers directly lift depressed areas and can produce a visible improvement immediately after injection.
Growth factor treatment aims to stimulate your own collagen production, achieving gradual, natural-looking improvement with potentially long-lasting results.
Questions such as “How soon do I want to see results?” and “What will maintenance cost if I need repeat treatments?” can help you choose. Below, we explain the differences with actual patient cases.
Do Any of These Concerns Sound Familiar?
目次
- Do Any of These Concerns Sound Familiar?
- What Do Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Do in the Skin?
- Comparing Hyaluronic Acid and Growth Factor Treatments
- How the Treatments Differ: Real Patient Cases
- What About Long-Term Maintenance Costs?
- How Do We Decide Which Treatment Is Suitable?
- If You Have Both Treatments, Which Should Come First?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Factors and Hyaluronic Acid
- Which is better for me: growth factor treatment or hyaluronic acid?
- How long does hyaluronic acid last? Will I need repeated injections?
- When will I see results from growth factor treatment?
- Can growth factors and hyaluronic acid be combined? Which should come first?
- Which treatment gives a more natural-looking result?
- I am worried about complications or side effects. What should I check before treatment?
- Summary | Tell Us What Kind of Result You Want
What Do Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Do in the Skin?
To understand how these treatments differ, let us first look at hyaluronic acid and collagen, both of which occur naturally in the body.
Hyaluronic Acid | Helps Retain Moisture
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, joints, and other tissues. It helps retain moisture and supports skin hydration and smoothness.
For nasolabial fold injections, we use a gel-like hyaluronic acid filler. The injected gel lifts depressed areas from within, so the change can be noticeable immediately after treatment.
Collagen | A Protein That Supports Skin Firmness
Collagen is a protein found abundantly in the dermis. It forms a supporting network that helps maintain skin firmness. Another protein, elastin, also contributes to skin elasticity.
As these proteins decrease or change with age and UV exposure, the skin may lose firmness and elasticity, making wrinkles and sagging more noticeable.
In growth factor treatment, the aim is not to inject collagen directly, but to act on your own cells and encourage the production of collagen and elastin.Because this process takes time, the effects are not immediate.
Comparing Hyaluronic Acid and Growth Factor Treatments
| Treatment | Who It May Suit | When Results Appear | Duration | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | People seeking faster improvement in nasolabial folds or direct lifting of depressions beside the nose. | Results are often noticeable immediately after injection. | Approximately 1–2 years with the fillers used at our clinic; varies by product, area, and amount injected. | Generally does not last as long as our growth factor treatment. |
| Growth Factor | People seeking gradual, natural-looking improvement and longer-lasting results. | Changes develop gradually over about 3–6 months; results are generally assessed at around 6 months. | We have documented an individual case showing sustained improvement 4 years and 2 months after treatment. | Results are not immediate. |
The duration and degree of improvement vary between individuals. The 4-year-and-2-month growth factor result refers to a single case observed at our clinic. For details, see our article on long-term results. Risks for each treatment are outlined in the case and treatment details below.
How the Treatments Differ: Real Patient Cases
Hyaluronic Acid | Immediate Changes from Lifting Depressed Areas
Hyaluronic acid filler is injected into wrinkled or depressed areas to add volume and soften nasolabial folds. It may be used for deep depressions beside the nose or pronounced nasolabial folds that remain visible even when the face is at rest.
In addition, at our clinic, hyaluronic acid often improves nasolabial lines that are etched into the skin.The distinction is not as simple as “hyaluronic acid for hollows, growth factors for wrinkles.”
Benefits and Considerations
This may suit people seeking quicker improvement in nasolabial folds.
We adjust the injection location, depth, and volume while considering the nasolabial folds and overall facial balance.
The fillers used at our clinic generally last around 1–2 years, although duration varies by product, amount injected, and treatment area.
Man in His 20s | Immediately After Hyaluronic Acid Treatment
This patient received Voluma XC to treat nasolabial folds extending from the sides of the nose. The photos compare before treatment and immediately afterward.
Woman in Her 30s | One Syringe of Hyaluronic Acid for the Upper Nasolabial Folds
This patient was concerned about shadows extending from depressions beside the nose to the upper nasolabial folds. One syringe of hyaluronic acid was injected from the base of the nostrils to the upper folds.
Hyaluronic acid filler can be placed directly into the depressed area and adjusted while the change is assessed during the appointment. In this case, the treatment was guided by facial balance and differences between the two sides.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can sometimes be adjusted using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. However, dissolving filler carries risks, including allergic reactions, and does not guarantee restoration of the original appearance.
Learn More About Hyaluronic Acid Benefits, Drawbacks, and Pricing
Growth Factor | Improving Skin Firmness for Gradual, Long-Lasting Changes
Growth factor treatment involves injecting a solution with a fine needle to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin and improve nasolabial folds.
Unlike hyaluronic acid filler, it is not intended to create an immediate, substantial increase in volume.Some patients notice changes after about one month, but improvement generally develops gradually over 3–6 months. At our clinic, we usually assess results at around six months.
Benefits and Considerations
We may recommend this treatment to people who prefer a gradual return toward a younger-looking appearance rather than an obvious injected look.
We have observed many cases in which the effects have lasted for years after a single treatment. In addition to improving wrinkles, we believe that maintaining skin firmness may help reduce the appearance of future wrinkles and sagging.
People seeking a substantial, immediate change may find this treatment less suitable.
Woman in Her 50s | Six Months After Growth Factor Treatment
These photos compare before treatment with six months after growth factor injections. The follow-up interval differs from the immediate post-treatment hyaluronic acid cases.
Man in His 50s | Seven Months After One Growth Factor Treatment
This patient had been concerned about nasolabial folds since his early 20s. For his first aesthetic treatment, he chose growth factor injections because he wanted natural-looking improvement.
Before treatment, nasolabial folds were deep on both sides, especially on the right. Improvement was observed after one treatment. Unlike the hyaluronic acid examples showing immediate changes, this case demonstrates a gradual result assessed over time.
At our clinic, we first monitor the results of one treatment and assess whether another session is needed after approximately six months. Even when clinics use the same term, “growth factor,” the formulations and injection techniques may differ.We review previous treatments and examine your skin before proceeding.
Learn About Our Growth Factor Treatment / Results and Considerations to Know Before Treatment
What About Long-Term Maintenance Costs?
Hyaluronic acid is priced per syringe, while the growth factor treatment price covers both nasolabial folds. If two or three syringes of filler are needed, or further injections are required later, the overall cost will be higher than the initial quoted price.
Standard prices confirmed September 12, 2026. Includes tax, consultation, needles, and anesthesia. These treatments are not covered by Japanese public health insurance. Prices do not represent what the featured patients necessarily paid, nor what every patient will need. Official Price List
Hyaluronic acid filler is gradually absorbed, so an additional injection may be considered if the folds become bothersome again. The amount required may differ from the first treatment.
Although growth factor treatment may have a higher initial price, if the effects last a long time, you may need fewer repeat treatments and spend less on maintenance.That is one reason we may suggest it to patients who prioritize long-term cost.
During your consultation, we explain the likely number of syringes and whether additional treatments may be needed. For more information, read our article on the cost of nasolabial fold treatments.
How Do We Decide Which Treatment Is Suitable?
Hyaluronic Acid for Those Seeking Results Before an Upcoming Event
If you have an upcoming wedding, reunion, or other event and want to improve your nasolabial folds beforehand, hyaluronic acid filler may be suitable because changes can be seen immediately after treatment.
Growth factor treatment can take up to six months to show its effects, so you should plan ahead if you have an important date in mind.
Hyaluronic acid injections can also cause bruising, so treatment immediately before an event is not always advisable. Please tell us your event date so we can discuss the best time for treatment.
Growth Factors for Those Who Prefer Gradual, Long-Lasting Results
For patients who say, “I do not want my appearance to change suddenly,” or “I would prefer longer-lasting treatment rather than frequent repeat visits,” we may recommend growth factor injections.
The aim is to gradually soften nasolabial folds by improving the skin’s firmness and elasticity. However, severe cheek sagging or deep depressions beside the nose may not respond sufficiently to growth factor treatment alone.
Even folds that appear equally deep may require different treatments.
During your consultation, we assess not only the creases themselves but also depressions beside the nose, cheek volume and sagging, and facial movement when you smile. Lighting can also create shadows that make folds seem more prominent. We discuss your concerns and examine your face before recommending treatment.
Even when choosing hyaluronic acid filler, we do not inject excessive amounts in an attempt to erase the folds completely. At our clinic, we carefully determine an appropriate amount to aim for a natural-looking result.
If You Have Both Treatments, Which Should Come First?
If natural-looking, long-lasting improvement is your priority, one approach is to assess the effects of growth factor treatment first and then add hyaluronic acid only where needed.
For example, your skin firmness and nasolabial creases may improve, but you may still be concerned about a depression beside the nose. After assessing the growth factor results at around six months, we can examine the remaining depression and consider lifting it with hyaluronic acid.
If growth factor treatment has achieved sufficient improvement, additional hyaluronic acid may not be needed. Conversely, if faster results are a priority, filler may be selected first.
If you have previously received hyaluronic acid filler, please tell us which product was used and when and where it was injected. We will assess any remaining filler and the current condition of your skin before suggesting further treatment.
Man in His 30s | Hyaluronic Acid Added Six Months After Growth Factor Treatment
This patient first underwent growth factor treatment, followed by hyaluronic acid injections six months later. Before treatment, he had deeply etched nasolabial folds, also influenced by cheek volume.
His nasolabial folds had improved at six months, but he wanted further improvement in the shallow lines that remained.We therefore added one syringe of Vollift XC.
This is an example of staged treatment: first assessing the growth factor results, then using hyaluronic acid to address any remaining concerns.
Hyaluronic acid: Possible risks include swelling, bruising, pain, discomfort, asymmetry, lumps, unevenness, allergic reactions, and infection. Very rarely, vascular occlusion may lead to serious complications such as skin necrosis, impaired vision, or blindness.
Learn About Combining Growth Factors and Hyaluronic Acid
Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Factors and Hyaluronic Acid
Which is better for me: growth factor treatment or hyaluronic acid?
For patients who prefer gradual, natural-looking and long-lasting results, we may recommend growth factor treatment. For faster improvement or direct lifting of depressions beside the nose, hyaluronic acid filler may be suitable. We examine skin creases, depressions around the nose, and cheek sagging, and discuss the degree of improvement you hope to achieve.
How long does hyaluronic acid last? Will I need repeated injections?
The fillers we use for nasolabial folds generally last about 1–2 years. Duration varies by product, injection site, and volume. Because the filler is gradually absorbed, another injection may be considered if the folds become bothersome again. Not everyone needs treatment at the same intervals.
When will I see results from growth factor treatment?
Some people notice improvement after about one month, but results generally develop over 3–6 months. At our clinic, we usually assess the outcome and decide whether additional treatment is needed at around six months. This treatment is not intended to produce an immediate substantial increase in volume.
Can growth factors and hyaluronic acid be combined? Which should come first?
Yes. If you prioritize gradual and lasting improvement, one approach is to receive growth factor treatment, assess the result at around six months, and then add hyaluronic acid to any remaining depressions. If you want faster results, filler may be chosen first. If you already have filler, we will review the product, injection site, timing, and current condition before deciding.
Which treatment gives a more natural-looking result?
Both treatments can aim for natural-looking results. Growth factor treatment works gradually and may appeal to people who do not want a sudden change in appearance. With hyaluronic acid, selecting the right location, depth, and amount for the folds is important. At our clinic, we avoid unnecessary injections and choose an appropriate volume to maintain a natural appearance.
I am worried about complications or side effects. What should I check before treatment?
Hyaluronic acid fillers have a dissolving agent, but dissolving also involves risks. Growth factor treatment has no comparable dissolving injection, and excessive fullness, lumps, or unevenness may be difficult to reverse.
To reduce the risk of these problems, we review past treatment history and examine the skin before carefully selecting the formulation, concentration, injection volume, and depth. Our clinic has performed more than 3,000 growth factor treatments and, as of September 2026, has not experienced cases of excessive fullness, lumps, unevenness, or unnatural-looking results (based on our clinic’s experience).
This does not guarantee that complications cannot occur in the future. Before treatment, we explain the expected benefits, limitations, and risks. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Treatment Details and References
Our Growth Factor Treatment / Our Hyaluronic Acid Treatment / Price List
FDA: Dermal Fillers — Features and Risks
Summary | Tell Us What Kind of Result You Want
Although both are injectable treatments for nasolabial folds, hyaluronic acid and growth factor treatment work differently and produce results at different rates. Understanding not only the initial price but also how long results may last and the potential maintenance costs can help you set realistic expectations.
At our clinic, we ask more than “Which treatment would you like?” We also discuss what bothers you, how much improvement you want, and how soon you would like to see results. After a thorough examination, we explain the expected benefits and limitations, pain, downtime, risks, and costs.
Not Sure Which Treatment to Choose? You Can Still Book a Consultation
You do not need to decide on a treatment before booking. Our doctors and nurses can discuss your concerns and explain the benefits and considerations of each option. You are welcome to take time to consider our recommendations before making a decision.
We do not pressure patients into upgrades or recommend unnecessary treatments. We take time to explain the procedures and precautions so that you can make an informed decision.
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