Which muscles or underlying structure cause these lines when I smile? How can I minimize their appearance? (photos)

Question

Female ,30’s Which specific muscles cause these lines in my face when I smile? Would a fat transfer help soften the appearance of my face? I have a very wide round face due to bone structure and large masseters but not much facial fat.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and photos. Repetitive muscle movements may cause lines that can deepen over time. Botox can be administered to target the muscles causing them to appear when you smile by relaxing muscle movement and smoothing the lines away.  The lines you’re referring to are likely associated with the zygomaticus major and minor muscles.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon or expert injector. They will be able to assess your concerns and determine the treatment plan that may be right for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach would give the most improvement. Deep wrinkles and smile lines can be improved with a combination of Botox and/or fillers for the lines themselves and to build anatomical support with Sculptra for collagen building. Ultherapy is a great skin tightening device, but works best in combination with other treatments like J Plasma, RF treatments, lasers, microneedling/PRP, salt facials, Cosmelan for skin tightening and improve skin tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

All the muscles involved in smile are creating lines, wrinkles when person is smiling because skin is pulled up and lateral. Skin does not have such an elesticity to compensate and shrink immediatelly, even in the youngest age; whatch a child smiling and you will see the lines. For that reason, it should not be expected that one particular treatment (fat grafting) would improve this phenomenon. However, small lines around eyes, forehead or mouth can be managed with Botox, fillers, laser. dermabrasion, etc. Hope this helps.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

When you smile, the main muscles that cause lines in the face are the zygomaticus major and minor muscles, which are located in the cheek area and pull the corners of the mouth upward. The orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eye, also contributes to the appearance of lines around the eyes (crow's feet) when you smile.

A fat transfer procedure can help to soften the appearance of your face by adding volume and fullness to areas that may be lacking in facial fat. It can be a good option if you have a wide and round face due to bone structure and large masseters, as it can help to balance out the proportions of your face.

However, it's important to note that a fat transfer may not directly address the lines in your face when you smile. Botox injections, on the other hand, can be used to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for these lines, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance. A combination of fat transfer and Botox may be a good option to achieve your desired results.

It's best to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific concerns and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

Smile lines are caused by the underlying muscles 
They can be reduced with botox .
Another technique is the use of intradermal fat grafting which thickens the skin

Which muscles or underlying structure cause these lines when I smile? How can I minimize their appearance? (photos)

Answers (5)

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