Nasolabial folds/smile lines. What can I do to lessen them? (Photo)

Question

Hi ! I’m only 26 years old yet my smile lines are very prominent and I quite frankly despise them, they make me hate my face so much :/ So I really really want to know what can I do to at least lessen them ? I will take any advice as I’m really motivated to get it fixed. Thank you in advance!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo and being so open about your concerns. I completely understand how frustrating prominent smile lines can feel, especially at a younger age. The good news is there are a few approaches that can help soften their appearance and improve overall facial harmony:

Dermal Fillers – Hyaluronic acid fillers are one of the most effective ways to reduce the depth of nasolabial folds. They add volume under the skin, lifting the area and smoothing the lines. Results are immediate and can last 12–18 months depending on the product used.

Skin Quality Improvement – Maintaining healthy, hydrated, and collagen-rich skin can make a noticeable difference:

Daily sunscreen to protect against UV damage

Retinoids or peptides to stimulate collagen production

Hydrating products to plump the skin

Subtle Volume Support – Sometimes, volume loss in the cheeks can make nasolabial folds appear more prominent. Strategic filler placement in the mid-face can lift the cheeks and indirectly soften smile lines.

Lifestyle Factors – Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and minimizing repetitive facial expressions can also help prevent them from deepening.

At 26, your skin is still resilient, which is great — combining preventative care with non-surgical enhancement can give a natural, refreshed look without needing more invasive procedures.

Your motivation is the perfect start — addressing this early often gives the best, long-lasting results.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

It is normal to have a visible groove in between your porous cheek skin and your smooth upper lip. If this is causing you grief, please consider meeting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists to discuss the possibility of utilizing injectable fillers. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

No need to hate your face. First, your smile lines are not so prominent. And, they can be easily treated by an experienced, cosmetic dermatology filler expert. A robust HA volumizing filler can be used for the cheeks, which would not only create a more ideal, feminine, heart-shaped, oval face, but secondarilly improve the smile lines. And if still necessary (unlikely), the smile lines can be addressed directly with a low viscosity, cohesive, malleable HA filler to further elevate and smooth them. The results of these approaches are typically immediate and engenders little to no significant downtime. So, no need to continue to fret. Just make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert and ask to see his/her befores and afters prior to undergoing any treatment. Best of luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Fillers are a great way to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds.  The treatment is done in the office with results lasting approximately a year.  Morpheus8 treatments can enhance your filler results by improving overall skin tone and texture.  We recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.

Nasolabial folds/smile lines. What can I do to lessen them? (Photo)

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