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.

Berlin Beauty Medical Aesthetics · Answer

Minimizing the appearance of vertical lines, often referred to as "smile lines" or "nasolabial lines," when smiling can be achieved through a combination of dermal fillers and radiofrequency skin tightening. Here's how you can approach this:
Radiofrequency (RF) treatments, like Morpheus 8 or Thermage, can be used to tighten and firm the skin in the treated area. RF energy stimulates collagen production, which leads to improved skin texture and tighter skin. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including those in the nasolabial area.
Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers or biostimulators are commonly used to fill in and smooth out vertical lines when smiling.The combination of dermal fillers and radiofrequency treatments can provide a comprehensive solution for addressing smile lines:
Dermal fillers add volume to the lines and surrounding areas, making them less prominent, while also improving the overall contour and appearance of the mid-face.Radiofrequency skin tightening enhances the skin's quality and tightness, further reducing the visibility of lines and wrinkles.
Hope that helps!...Lena

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Your smile is beautiful, but it does not help in determining as to why you have this folding of the skin creating the lines you don’t like. You need to be evaluated in person with the face being both in repose, as well as smiling. Then a plan can be determined, discussed and if agreed executed with ease most of the time. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

I agree that Sculptra will soften the creases by both adding some thickness to skin but can also be used to add some volume up and behind so the skin drapes differently .

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

Answers (8)

More Dermal Fillers Questions

Can tear trough filler be administered superficially without causing tyndall effect?

What can I do to improve the appearance of my forehead? (Photo)

What's the best way to fill a deep tear trough caused by a tight ligament?

Facial balancing advice needed (Photo)

What procedures do I need for my face to be more like the second pic (smooth under eye and smile lines)? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS