Parallel smile lines - should I consider a facelift at 30 or are there other options? (Photo)

Question

I've asked my injectors to help me correct my parallel smile lines and no matter how much filler I put in they do not disappear. They only are there when I smile. What else could I do? What are the costs of a facelift? I'm only 30 and a facelift at my age seems rare to have to spend a substantial amount of money on a facelift.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hello from Istanbul! The lines you're referring to are likely caused by muscle movement, which is a natural aspect of facial expression. Reducing the frequency of certain facial expressions, such as smiling less, can make these lines less pronounced. Botox could also be an option for this purpose, as it temporarily reduces muscle activity. However, it's important to note that Botox will not completely erase these lines but can soften their appearance. As for a facelift, considering your age, it might be an extensive approach. It's generally more common in older individuals where skin laxity is more prominent. The costs of a facelift can vary significantly based on location, the surgeon's expertise, and the extent of the procedure. Best of luck to you!

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question.
The parallel smile lines reflect very low body fat and the limited volume under the skin allows the skin to fold when smiling.
Volume enhancement with a transfer can be an option but the people that very active lifestyle it may not last well.
Sculptra is a type of treatment that builds up the collagen in the dermis and can produce increased thickness and therefore smoother contour at rest and when smiling. It would be worthwhile exploring this avenue before contemplating surgery.
Sun damage will exacerbate the problem and so would smoking. I would strongly advise using regular sunblock irrespective of the weather and to avoid smoking in order to maintain the elasticity and blood supply of the skin.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Your animation lines are very normal for your level of expression and age. As a rule, you should not treat lines that appear while animating. That is a quick way to end up with contour deformities while not animating. Your facial aesthetics are in great shape and you are not in need of a facelift. Throughout the aging process it is smart to always use great sunblock daily and start doing great skin rejuvenation technologies (ie: CO2 laser, RF microneedling, other laser modalities to encourage collagen production).

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

They cannot be treated by either a simple injection of filler nor the most complex facelift. You're focusing on something that all people have, young and old.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Even a facelift won’t do anything for those lines. They look perfectly fine and natural to me. Don’t waste your money trying to find a solution

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Your lines are unlikely to be resolved with a facelift. That won’t stop surgeons from offering you a facelift. Please separate yourself from the mythology of plastic surgery. The truth is that surgery is unlikely to resolve this issue but it can damage your appearance. While there is no substitute for an in person consultation, please save yourself from unnecessary harm.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not suggest a facelift at this time, but rather a treatment called Secret which is micro-needling with radiofrequency to improve texture and build collagen and tighten your skin. It treats the face and neck and has no downtime. It is 3 monthly treatments and you can boost as you age.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Fillers should not be used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Doing so doesn’t eliminate the underlying cause and create excessive bulk where it isn’t needed.
Smile lines are associated with positive emotional expression, do not signify age, or highly appropriate and normal.
I suggest you drop the idea of treating these.
They shouldn’t be treated and you should be happy to be smiling.
A facelift will not treat them, it’s not appropriate for you.
Your injector should’ve known better than to try to treat your smile lines.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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