What are my options for minimizing the appearance of vertical lines when smiling? (photos)

Question

Sending some photos … Hate my now vertical double lines when I smile … What can I do?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The kinds of lines seen in the photos provided that become more prominent in the lower face with smiling are referred to as "parallel laugh lines."  I have had gratifying results by smooth these lines by a fanning technique using an appropriately low viscosity, malleable, cohesive HA filler to provide buttressing to the area that resists the smile muscles and maintains a more smooth low face when smiling and laughing. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert and be sure to ask to see his/her personal before and after photos of this area treated in this fashion. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When we evaluate patients for injectable fillers, we do not do it while they are smiling. Injectable fillers are meant for wrinkles that remain when you are not smiling. In all likelihood, you are seeing these wrinkles more now than previously due to a loss of facial volume. Neurotoxins like botox are not applicable for this use. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi! You are forming these lines in your skin due to the dynamic motion of the smiling muscles. Unfortunately, you cannot/should not really get botox for the smiling muscles as that would cause severe asymmetry issues. Instead, the best option is to work on building the robustness of your skin so that the lines are less apparent. This would involve a 2 prong approach: (1) work on the skin - make sure you are on the best medical grade skincare available and considering skincare treatments too, (2) work on building collagen and support/structure of your skin via treatments like sculptra. This will not necessarily make the lines go away but it will substantially reduce them. Good luck!

Ricardo Pocurull, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
Some superficial filler may be injected to help support the smile lines from appearing as deeply. 
Additional options could be to add some support/volume to the midface /cheeks with a biostimulator like Sculptra or filler injections that could help lift the lower face. That may soften the lines as well. 
Good luck!

Lara Clinic · Answer

From the images it appears that you have radial cheek lines when smiling. These can be treated with thin fillers like RHA2, redensity, restylane Refyne. Going with a thinner filler in this area will provide support to reduce folding without adding bulkiness or creating a heavy feeling in this area. 
Biostimulators are also helpful in strengthening tissue in this area to reduce folding. Biostimulators are similar to fillers but work over time to promote collagen production.

What are my options for minimizing the appearance of vertical lines when smiling? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Options for smile lines

Answer: Options for smile lines

Answer: Radial cheek line treatment

Answer: Radial cheek line treatment

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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

What are my options for minimizing the appearance of vertical lines when smiling? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Options for smile lines

Answer: Options for smile lines

Answer: Radial cheek line treatment

Answer: Radial cheek line treatment

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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