One of the most common concerns we treat at our Gilbert, AZ, med spa is deepening smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds. These creases tend to become more pronounced as collagen levels decline, facial volume shifts, and the skin gradually loses its firmness. Dermal fillers are an excellent, nonsurgical treatment for minimizing these frustrating smile lines.
What Are Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds, commonly called smile lines, are the natural creases that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They appear when you smile, even in youth, but tend to deepen as collagen levels decline and facial volume shifts. Over time, these folds can remain visible even when the face is at rest, contributing to a tired or aged appearance.
What Causes Smile Lines?
Smile lines deepen for several reasons, including natural anatomical differences, repetitive facial movements, and changes in the skin and underlying facial structure as we age. Key contributors include:
Expression: Each person has their own way of expressing themselves. On the mouth in particular, we activate the levator alae muscle when we smile. With repeated use of this muscle, these expressions freeze into permanent lines or creases on the face.
Facial Structure: Individual facial anatomy determines how, why, and to what extent we develop nasolabial folds.
Soft-tissue Volume Loss: The aging process makes skin grow thinner, encourages fatty tissue loss, as well as the loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin no longer sits smoothly on the face. That’s when wrinkles, creases, and folds begin to appear around the mouth area.
Bone Loss: With age, bone mass decreases, and the sturdy structure it once provided for the skin weakens. As a result, we experience lax skin and lose volume.
Even patients who take excellent care of their skin eventually see these changes. Fortunately, fillers can help restore the volume and support these areas, helping your skin look smoother and more youthful again.
How Dermal Fillers Soften Smile Lines
Dermal fillers work by replenishing lost volume beneath the skin. When injected into the smile lines, they:
- Add a gentle lift to support the overlying crease
- Smooth etched-in lines and folds
- Restore a more youthful contour to the midface
- Maintain natural movement and expression
Because dermal fillers offer such versatility, they’re an excellent option for achieving balanced, harmonious results across multiple facial areas.
What Are the Best Fillers for Smile Lines?
The best fillers for smile lines are typically hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which add volume to smooth out creases. However, the right choice for you depends on your skin quality, the depth of your folds, and how long you want the results to last.
- HA fillers, such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®, lift and support the tissue, restoring a smoother contour around the mouth. They are ideal if you want immediate, natural-looking results or if you’re new to fillers and want reversible results.
- Collagen-stimulating fillers like Radiesse® or Sculptra® can help rebuild internal structure and enhance firmness over time. They are a good option if you have deeper folds or require longer-lasting improvements.
During your consultation, our providers will help you choose the formula—or combination of formulas—that will achieve the most natural and flattering outcome. You can also take our quiz about which wrinkle filler is best for you.
What Results Can You Expect?
You can expect an immediate improvement in the appearance of smile lines, with the treated area looking smoother and more lifted right after your appointment. Over the next 1 to 2 weeks, the filler settles and becomes smoothly embedded in the surrounding tissue, giving a soft, seamless appearance.
Results typically last 9 to 18 months, depending on the filler used, your metabolism, and the level of facial expression. Many patients maintain their results with minor touch-ups once or twice a year. Many of our patients choose to address multiple signs of aging during a single appointment with full facial rejuvenation, which combines fillers with BOTOX® injections.
What Is Recovery Like After Filler Treatments?
Recovery after dermal filler treatment is typically minimal, with most patients returning to work or daily activities right away. You may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or occasional bruising, which usually resolves within a few days.
To ensure the best results, we typically recommend:
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Steering clear of excessive heat or saunas temporarily
- Waiting a day or 2 before scheduling any facial massage or skin treatments
When performed by an experienced injector, smile-line filler should enhance your natural features, rather than altering them. You’ll look rested, not changed.
Ready To Refresh Your Smile Lines?
If you’re considering dermal fillers for smile lines, our team in Gilbert is here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a more noticeable rejuvenation, we’ll help you achieve natural-looking results that reflect your confidence. You can request a consultation using the online form or call us at (480) 466-7355 to schedule an appointment.
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