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.

If it's the laugh lines you're worried about, then you don't need a facelift.  You should consider fillers, as they are simpler, cheaper, and less risky.  Be sure to discuss with your own surgeon about how this applies to you, and whether they have any special concerns in your case.