Would dermal fillers improve these lines? (Photo)

Question

As you can see in the picture below, there are clear lines around my mouth, it’s like there’s a dent. It’s especially prominent when there’s lighting. Is this a dental problem or can I fix it using dermal fillers and botox?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos along with your question. Those nose-to-mouth lines (or smile lines) are what we call nasolabial folds, which are often the first areas to show signs of aging. Those lines will also become more prominent as you age due to the reduction of collagen and elasticity. The good news is those lines can easily be addressed by dermal fillers. Dermal filler is precisely injected to fill any deep lines to restore lost volume and create a smoother-looking appearance. The results are subtle enough that no one would even notice. You’ll enjoy looking refreshed and rejuvenated. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon, particularly one with extensive experience with injectables. Your surgeon can assess your skin and facial profile, recommend the best treatment plan, and ensure the best possible results.

George Yang, MD · Answer

Hi, you don't really have true nasolabial folds which is called smile lines. You have less fat in paranasal fold area (next to the nose.) Other than filling with dermal fillers, there is a silicone paranasal fold implant which can help, but I have some issues with that procedure. Many patients who have the silicone implants in this area, do like the results when they are not smiling, but when they smile, the silicone is too firm and does not compress like fat. For this reason, I prefer using a denser dermal filler like Restylane Defyne or Refyne which also resists deformation, so it's tendency is to spring back to its original shape after it is "smushed" like when you actively smile. When injected into the correct anatomic location, it acts as a firm, but softer implant which feels like your own tissues. When done properly, if you stick your tongue under the area of the smile line you should not see a "speed bump" which is usually intradermal/subcutaneous filler. EXPLANATION: If you look at children and teenagers without these shadows, you will notice their cheek fat pad blends right down to the upper lip without a shadow. During my consultation, I have a video examining one of my children to show the presence of fat in this area. As a contrast, I also have these same paranasal folds at the age of 50. I contrast my anatomy to my child's anatomy to show the loss of fat in this region. To properly revolumize this area, is more about filling the right layer. If filler is injected in the manufacturer's specified "intradermal" injection, this will help the fold initially, but over time, the filler migrates upwards, making the nasolabial fat pad thicker. Then the process is repeated and the nasolabial fat pad gets even thicker. Often times, including for a patient yesterday, I will dissolve the old filler to reduce that area. Afterwards, the true area of fat loss is revolumized. This type of filling lasts longer than the intradermal filling, which the results may last about a year. I think that the filler material lasts much longer than a year, but the shadow/fold improvement doesn't last the full year, which means that the filler is moving with each smiling movement. When the person is not smiling as in your photos, the paranasal fold area has less shadowing. By not filling subcutaneously, when the person smiles, they can create a natural looking smile line. When they stop smiling the filler pushes the fold out, as seen in young people. The weird thing is when patients as to eliminate smile lines when they are smiling. This would require the subcutaneous/intradermal filling. However, if we examine how children and teenagers are shadowless around the paranasal fold area when not smiling, and able to form a proper smile line crease when smiling shows us what nature intended. I prefer to follow nature for a natural appearing result. I have a paranasal fold powerpoint presentation for consultations with video to explain. For my link, I will include my upper eyelid filler gallery to show what I think looks like natural looking results. If patients want #Russianlips or other unnatural procedures, I direct them to other providers who are more than happen to offer them the "trending procedures." Good work should not be visible to the casual observer. Hope this reply provided you with some value. Good luck. Best, Dr. Yang

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the nasolabial folds 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 and lasers, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, Fractora, and Renuvion (J Plasma), 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The area that you're describing is the nasolabial folds.  Fillers are commonly used to soften the look that concerns you.  The treatment is done in the office and the results last approximately one year depending on the filler selected.  See an expert injector near you for treatment.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

What you have is a mild case of nasal labial folds which are present in every single individual on this planet. But if you’re not happy with the depth of them, you can definitely have them corrected or improved with the filler. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery

Would dermal fillers improve these lines? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Fillers

Answer: Fillers

Answer: Nasolabial fold correction

Answer: Nasolabial fold correction

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Would dermal fillers improve these lines? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Fillers

Answer: Fillers

Answer: Nasolabial fold correction

Answer: Nasolabial fold correction

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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.