Would filler help my deep smile lines? Age 34 (Photo)

Question

ive had fat transfer but the smile lines have not improved at all, its the first thing people notice about me, the rest of my face is youthful , I've had filler over the years, should i get filler done in my smile lines, i have a wide face through the upper cheeks. thanks

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @nikiperth! I recommend Morpheus 8. Morpheus8 is a non-surgical treatment for full body skin resurfacing, skin tightening, and fat reduction of stubborn areas. It uses minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency energy (RF) to penetrate the skin deeper than other microneedling devices, triggering the skin’s natural healing response to promote skin tightening and lifting. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

In your photo, your smile line is actually called a nasolabial fold, extending from your nose down past the corner of your mouth.  This is a normal landmark, but because of your individual anatomy is more prominent than usual.  There are several factors that come into play, such as the fatty fullness in the cheeks just behind these lines, as well as the pull of underlying muscles with expression.  Although you can never expect to completely smooth these lines out, several available fillers can help soften their appearance by plumping up the skin in the depth of the lines.  Although fat grafting works well adding volume to many areas of the face, I have found fillers to be more reliable in this particular area.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Yes.  Injectable fillers work quite nicely to soften - but no completely eliminate - your smile lines.  There are a number of FDA approved choices here, like Juvederm and Restylane.All the best!

Kristin M. Baird, MD · Answer

Yes, there are many fillers which would be beneficial for your "smile lines", called nasolabial folds. Most often deeper smile lines result from loss of volume in the upper face/cheek areas. It sounds as though you may have had fat transfer to address your upper face volume loss so filler to your nasolabial folds is appropriate. Remember you would like to soften your fols not completely erase them for a more natural look. Many filler choices exist for for the nasolabial folds. Please consult a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon experienced in aesthetic injectables. Best wishes.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Using fillers to treat smile lines was the first approved indication for their use. In fact, I personally was using the original Zyderm I collagen filler for this purpose over three decades ago. Today we have a wide variety of much more sophisticated and safe injectable volumzing fillers for this purpose. So, the short answer to your question is that volumizing fillers can absolutely be used to soften smile lines.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fillers can be used for smile lines with success, but they shouldnt be used to get rid of them completely as this is unnatural and is not attractive.  You should see a cosmetic dermatologist for a formal in person consultation.  Someone who is experienced in fillers and facial rejuvenation and uses cannulas to prevent bruising and swelling.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Niki. Fillers can help reduce your deep smile lines. Which filler would be appropriate for you and how many syringes you would need would be best determined during an in-person consultation with an experienced injector. Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

At least a filler like Voluma might help but only i person evaluation allows a better answer.........

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Everyone's smile lines get deeper with animation.  Fillers can help soften them when you are not smiling. Best to be evaluated in person.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, fillers can help with the nasolabial fold lines (smile lines).  See an experienced injector for the best result.  I use fillers such as Perlane, Voluma, Juvederm and have wonderful results.