Don't Frown Over Smile Lines: Let us Help You Banish Them

Your face goes through a wide range of changes as the years pass. For many, the youthful, rounded contour of childhood fades into a leaner, more streamlined facial appearance during young adulthood. As time passes, we take on lines, folds, and wrinkles that come with age. 

While these changes are a natural part of growing older, that doesn’t mean they are unavoidable. Treatments can help restore a more youthful, well-rested appearance. That’s especially true when it comes to smile lines. 

Located in The Woodlands, Texas, Medical Aesthetics & Laser is a highly sought-after resource. We take pride in providing the best medical aesthetic treatment options to our community; our team members pursue ongoing training that expands skills within their practice areas. 

Today, let’s talk about smile lines, what they are, how they develop, and how to minimize their appearance. 

What are smile lines?

Smile lines are the term used to describe the lines that develop from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. 

When you’re young, you may only notice smile lines when you’re making certain facial expressions. But as the years pass, these lines can deepen, eventually becoming visible at all times, no matter what facial expressions you’re creating. 

Smile lines don’t just develop because you’ve spent time smiling. All facial lines are the result of the multitude of facial expressions we make throughout each day. 

Why treat smile lines at all?

When it comes to medical aesthetics, you have options. You should never choose any treatment unless you feel that the results would enhance your quality of life. No one should alter their appearance to meet the aesthetic ideals of another person. 

Many people who choose to treat smile lines do so because these folds are visible even when you’re not smiling. They can change the overall appearance of your face and significantly age you. 

Smoothing them away can change your appearance and help you look more youthful. 

Dermal fillers are the perfect treatment for smile lines

One of the most effective ways to minimize the appearance of smile lines is by restoring volume beneath them. Dermal fillers are a highly beneficial treatment option.

We use Radiesse® and Juvederm® to treat smile lines. Juvederm® is formulated with a synthetic version of hyaluronic acid — a substance your body naturally produces — and has a smooth, gel-like consistency that instantly plumps and softens lines.

Radiesse®, on the other hand, is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a smooth gel. In addition to providing immediate volume, Radiesse stimulates your body’s natural collagen production for longer-term structural support.

When injected into the skin, these fillers restore lost volume, smooth folds, and soften the deep creases that create smile lines. The skin appears firmer, smoother, and more youthful.

Juvederm® results typically last 6 to 18 months, while Radiesse® can last 12 to 18 months or longer depending on the treatment area and individual response. As your body gradually metabolizes the filler, smile lines will slowly reappear, at which point you can choose to maintain your results with follow-up treatment.

It’s critical to work with a skilled practitioner when treating smile lines. Injecting the proper volume of filler is crucial, and too much can give your face an abnormal, stretched appearance. 

Are dermal fillers painful?

Dermal fillers are not a painful treatment. You might feel a slight pinch as the needle enters your skin, but we can apply a numbing cream to reduce those sensations. 

A small degree of soreness and minimal bruising are possible after your injections, but when these side effects do develop, they don’t last long. Within a couple of days, the filler material settles into place, and you see the full impact of your treatment. 

Best of all, dermal fillers can trigger your body to create new collagen and elastin cells, which deliver a natural plumping effect in the treatment area. 

Call us today to book an appointment at Medical Aesthetics & Laser to explore these and other treatments for smile lines. We also offer online booking to make it easy to connect with our office, even outside of typical business hours.