Smile Lines
The lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Smile lines — also known as nasolabial folds — are the lines that run from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They are a natural part of facial anatomy and are present to some degree in most adults. What prompts patients to seek treatment is when they deepen significantly, become prominent at rest, or contribute to an overall tired or aged appearance that no longer reflects how they feel.
Nasolabial folds deepen through a combination of factors that work simultaneously. Volume loss in the cheeks and mid-face is the primary driver — as the fat pads above the fold diminish and descend, they collect at the fold and deepen it from above. The fold itself is a ligamentous structure anchored to the underlying bone, which means it does not simply disappear with volume restoration — but addressing the volume loss above it significantly reduces its prominence. Skin laxity contributes as the overlying skin loses its firmness and elasticity. Repeated facial movement deepens the crease over time as the skin becomes less resilient.
It is worth noting that very deep nasolabial folds in a patient with otherwise good skin and facial structure are almost always a sign of significant mid-face volume loss — treating the fold directly without addressing the volume deficit above it produces a limited and often unnatural result.
Treatments to consider.
The most effective approach to smile lines addresses both the fold itself and the volume loss driving it. Dermal fillers placed directly into the nasolabial fold smooth and soften it — but the result is significantly improved when combined with cheek volume restoration that addresses the descent of tissue from above. This combined approach produces a more natural and complete result than treating the fold in isolation.
The 8-Point Facelift addresses nasolabial folds as part of a comprehensive approach to mid and lower face rejuvenation — restoring volume across multiple points to lift and support the whole area rather than simply filling the fold. Collagen stimulating treatments rebuild structural collagen progressively over time, improving skin quality and firmness and reducing the prominence of the fold gradually. Skin boosters improve skin quality and hydration in the perioral area, complementing more structural treatments. Anti-wrinkle injections can play a supporting role in some patients — relaxing the muscles that pull on the fold and contribute to its deepening.
Treatments that may help: Dermal Fillers, 8-Point Facelift, Collagen Stimulating Treatments, Skin Boosters, Anti-Wrinkle Injections, Professional Skincare.
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