Best solution for crepey skin texture around smile lines on a 30 year old? (photos)

Question

Im concerned about worsening skin texture around my smile lines. I have acne-prone skin w/scarring (probably part of the issue) now the skin is getting loose, uneven and crepey.When I smile it collects into 2 parallel smile lines. It got worse after I started using retinol & while it improves a bit when the skin is well-moisturized, this is temporary. I don’t know if the issue is texture, scarring, wrinkling, or a combination? Should I consider peels, microneedling or laser resurfacing?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

A combination treatment approach would be best for your concerns. Dermal fillers will help restore lost volume and revitalize skin immediately. In conjunction with the filler, the Profound laser treatment would tighten the skin for a longer period of time. Profound is a revolutionary new energy-based facial treatment designed to create new elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid – the building blocks that keep your skin smooth and elastic. It is a microneedling and radiofrequency treatment that tightens and lifts the skin, especially in the lower face.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the lines themselves and also lift around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine Sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top as well as lasers, skin tightening treatments (Thermage, Fractora, Renuvion), thread lifting,  and peels to get the most conservative, natural look. I suggest seeing a facial sculpting expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

Edwin Cortez, MD, FACS · Answer

I think you have done well in analyzing your problems.  You have obviously dehydrated this area with the retinoid which makes these lines appear more prominent.  I would encourage you to decrease and/or change your retinoid to improve hydration.  I would consider adding a good hydrator to the affected areas. A hyaluronic acid filler properly injected should markedly improve the depths of your lines.

Ali A. Qureshi, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Aging is a frustrating process but there are good options. Enegy and laser devices like Sciton Halo uses energy to stimulate the skin to regenerate and fill in wrinkles and improve the quality and texture of the skin. Fillers can also help either alone or in conjunction with laser, depending on what you want to do and how much you are willing to spend. Best, Dr. Ali

Best solution for crepey skin texture around smile lines on a 30 year old? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Hyaluronic acid filler

Answer: Hyaluronic acid filler

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Answer: Rejuvenation in 30s

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Best solution for crepey skin texture around smile lines on a 30 year old? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Hyaluronic acid filler

Answer: Hyaluronic acid filler

Answer: Rejuvenation in 30s

Answer: Rejuvenation in 30s

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.