Should I have a facelift to get rid of laughter lines, or is there a permanent alternative?

There are several types of facelifts, as you
mention, but your photos and the goal of minimizing laugh lines (which we call
nasolabial folds) suggest treatment with dermal fillers. It's always difficult
to offer specific treatment recommendations without a personal exam, but your
skin appears to remain fairly tight with few wrinkles, so I don't think you
necessarily need even a modified facelift at this point. At my practice in
Toronto, we use fillers such as JUVÉDERM, Restylane, and Emervel to reduce
laugh lines. Even though fillers are not a permanent solution, they do offer
long-lasting results without the upfront cost of a surgical procedure. Another
more permanent solution would be fat grafting, although there would be a few
weeks of downtime.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos with us. I would recommend that you begin with dermal fillers as this would be a very rewarding way to soften the laugh lines. If you are looking for something more permanent, then you can also consider fat grafts into this area. A facelift may be premature at this point.  I would visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area can discuss these options with you in more detail. 

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. The nice thing about trying non-surgical fillers first, is that the effects are temporary and can be dissolved if you do not like the look. This option is also less costly. I recommend that you meet with a qualified injector for consultation and discuss filler for your nasolabial fo;lds. You may find that the improvement/softening effect from this is sufficient for you for now.All the best

From your photographs you appear to be a better candidate for soft tissue fillers or fat grafting rather than a facelift.  There are some great new injectibles available that last several years, can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and are MUCH less expensive than surgery.  While not permanent, this can be a nice bridge while you are still so young.

Based on your photos, you do not look as if you need a facelift. I would suggest that you start with filler and/or Botox to treat your early signs of aging. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Because of facial motion creating the nasolabial fold even the most thorough facelift will see that anatomic feature return. This is best treated by fillers to buffer the transition between the cheek in the upper lip.

A facelift should raise your cheek soft tissues and reduce your nasolabial folds and elminate your marionette lines.  Your neck looks fine so a neck lift in addition will not be necessary, maybe a small amount of liposuction in the submental region would suffice.  This procedure would be the best to obtain a longlasting result. 

there are three areas that we look at to address any aging face:skin surfacevolumelaxity of skin an muscleBased on your pictures you may benefit from a mini-face lift and/or non-surgical options such as fillers and botox. It would be best to discuss your options in consultation with a plastic surgeon. 

I would not recommend a facelift for you at this time.  Improvement of your laugh lines could be done non-surgically with fillers and can more directly improve the area than a facelift.  

Thanks by your post. When you say laughter lines, are you referring to the grooves between your lips and cheeks? If that is the case, standard facelift techniques will soften, but not significantly improve this area. A midface lift would be necessary to better lift this area. If you don't elect to proceed with surgery, fillers can help to lift the cheeks and soften these grooves. Be sure to consult with an experienced facelift surgeon for an in-person examination and discussion of your options.