Smile lines are a natural part of life, reflecting moments of joy, laughter, and the passage of time. While some embrace them as part of their charm, others prefer to minimize their appearance. The good news is that there are various treatment options available to address smile lines, ranging from subtle enhancements to more intensive procedures targeting deeper folds.
Here, we’ve consulted with two dermatologists to discuss the most sought-after treatments for smile lines.
Featured Experts
- Steven Curti, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA
- Lauren Moy, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Rodeo Derm in Beverly Hills
What Causes Smile Lines?
Nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines, are a natural result of facial expressions. Dr. Steven Curti, a facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA, explains that these lines form when we move our facial muscles through activities like talking, smiling, and expressing emotions. As we age, changes in skin elasticity and facial structure can make these lines more prominent.
Dr. Lauren Moy, a surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, adds that smile lines develop due to a combination of factors, including muscle insertions in the dermis and changes in skin elasticity and subcutaneous fat. Environmental influences, such as sun exposure and lifestyle choices, can accelerate the formation of these lines.
While often associated with aging, Dr. Curti emphasizes that smile lines are a natural part of facial evolution. Treatment goals typically focus on softening these lines for a more natural appearance, rather than attempting to erase them completely. “Smile lines should be approached with conservative treatments for a subtle correction,” he advises.
Best In-Office Treatments for Smile Lines
Fillers
Strategically placed fillers around the nose and mouth can effectively reduce the appearance of smile lines. Dr. Curti recommends using fillers to enhance volume in these areas, providing support to the cheeks and midface for a softer look.
It is crucial to exercise restraint when using fillers to achieve a natural outcome. Dr. Curti suggests placing a small amount in the fold only as needed to avoid an overly puffy appearance and maintain facial harmony.
Neuromodulators
In addition to smoothing fine lines, neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport can help soften nasolabial folds by reducing muscle tension. While they do not replace lost volume, targeted injections can slow the progression of smile lines over time.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines microneedling and radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Dr. Moy recommends pairing Morpheus8 with a fractional laser for comprehensive treatment of both deep laxity and fine lines.
Chemical Peels & Lasers
For superficial lines, treatments like chemical peels can enhance skin texture and boost collagen production. Laser resurfacing offers more advanced results, particularly for addressing texture concerns around the mouth.