Smile lines at 26 after weight loss. Do I have to get fillers ? Or there is no hope it will be reversed naturally? (photo)

Question

I am almost 26. Pretty healthy. I don't smoke or drink and never did. I also don't spend much time in the sun since 23. I have never really used any products on my face except occasional moisturizers and homemade masks. After losing weight this year which was a very slow process. I realized that the skin around my cheeks became a little droopy and some smile lines appeared close to my mouth. Is this reversible? Do some natural remedies exist ? Or only fillers can correct it?

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

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This area of the face, a line from the base of the nose to about the top of the mouth, is a common area of concern for most of our patients. This line, also known as a nasolabial fold, is a common line that appears as we continue to age or in someone who has lost a significant amount of weight. It will not "go away on it's own" but it is easily treated with dermal filler. Dermal filler is typically made from hyaluronic acid, a compound that is naturally found in the body, and so, has a high safety profile and is very effective in filling facial volume voids.

Trust your face to a board-certified medical professional that has experience with cosmetic procedures, such as, dermal filler and other injectable treatments.

Trust your face to a board-certified medical professional that has experience with cosmetic procedures, such as, dermal filler and other injectable treatments.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

At your age, I don’t believe you will need to do anything just yet. It is likely your skin will continue to retract for up to one year after the weight loss, creating a smoother, line-free look once again. If you still see the lines at that point, a bit of dermal filler will camouflage them quite effectively.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  It is important to take care of your skin.  You can consider treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling to help improve skin tone and texture.  We also recommend using medical grade skin care products and wearing sunscreen every day.  These may give you the improvement you are looking for.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I believe you may have some ongoing improvement in your laugh/nasolabial lines by just waiting another 6-12 months to see how much natural improvement happens. Otherwise, a soft/fine filler would be a reasonable option, as well as microneedling +/- PRP. Best to chat with your local dermatologist for the safest and most effective options in your case.

Russell S. Gornichec, MD · Answer

After significant weight loss skin laxity concerns are questions I get asked in my clinic. In a younger patient who has remaining elasticity in their skin such as you, it can take 6-12 months for the laxity to correct itself. I recommend waiting before getting any permanent or temporary intervention. If after 12 months you still have lines and irregularities to address then seek an experienced professional.Good luck

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

You're still very young and your skin tone should be quite good even though you've lost weight. Give yourself at least a year for the recovery and after that period of time you can make a decision whether or not something needs to be done. At this point in time don't rush into anything. I hope this helps in good luck from New York City plastic surgery

Smile lines at 26 after weight loss. Do I have to get fillers ? Or there is no hope it will be reversed naturally? (photo)

Answers (7)

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