My Smile Lines

How Can I Get Rid of My Smile Lines?

What are smile lines?

Smile lines, sometimes called laugh lines, are types of wrinkles that primarily develop around the sides of your mouth. Sometimes smile lines can also occur around your eyes. They are more noticeable when you smile.

As you age, these types of wrinkles may be inevitable. However, you have many options that may help get rid of them.

What causes smile lines?

The primary causes of smile lines include:

• a loss of elasticity (collagen)
• dehydrated skin
• genetics
• smoking
• sun damage

What are my treatment options?

When it comes to smile lines, there are a variety of treatment options available. Whether you’re looking for surgical options or other cosmetic procedures, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist (skin specialist) or plastic surgeon who’s knowledgeable and experienced in treating wrinkles.

Injectable fillers

Injectable fillers are among the top choices for people looking to get rid of smile lines without undergoing surgery. Many are made from hyaluronic acid and are injected at the crease that goes from your mouth to your nose.

However, it’s thought that after repeated injections, some scar tissue may be left behind that causes a more permanent filler effect.

Botox

Botulinum toxins are also injectable fillers, though they work differently. Your dermatologist injects the substance with a small needle into the area of concern.

The substances work by weakening the muscles in the given area, which makes lines and wrinkles more relaxed and less noticeable, and works well for the smile lines around the eyes, but is not effective for the treatment of lines around the sides of the mouth. You can see results within a few days of the initial injection.

Botox injections may be performed by a dermatologist, ophthalmologist, or plastic surgeon. Recovery time is relatively short, and you should be able to resume your usual activities (including exercise) after 24 hours. Some common side effects include headaches, redness or discoloration, or irritation at the injection site.

Botox injections last approximately 3 months. To maintain the desired results, you’ll need to schedule appointments with your doctor for additional treatments.

The cost depends on how many units your doctor uses, but can be up to hundreds of dollars per treatment.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option if you want more significant results that last longer. A facelift (rhytidectomy) is the most all-inclusive and permanent solution for smile lines. This can address lines around your mouth and your eyes all in one procedure. Your plastic surgeon might recommend eyelid surgery with a facelift.

Laser treatments

Laser treatments refer to a type of skin resurfacing technique that removes the top layer of skin cells. The procedure is meant to decrease skin spots and wrinkles by revealing the lower layer of new skin.

Swelling and pain are common side effects, but these subside after a few days. Scarring and infection are also possible.

Collagen induction therapy

Collagen induction therapy (also called microneedling or skin needling) aims to increase natural collagen production in your skin.

As you age, your skin loses collagen and therefore loses elasticity, so the thought behind needling is that more collagen can fill in wrinkles, such as smile lines. For the procedure, your doctor will use a roller with small needles, such as the Micropen.

OTC creams

OTC creams offer more affordable wrinkle treatment options. Retinol is among one of the more studied ingredients because of its claimed ability to break down the free radicals that can lead to wrinkles.

Vitamin C, peptides, and hydroxy acids are also used to treat wrinkles. The downside to OTC creams is that they can take months to work, and you won’t get permanent results. Side effects can include redness or discoloration, rashes, and burning.

How can I prevent smile lines?

Some causes of laugh lines may be prevented with healthy lifestyle habits as a young adult. For example, you can wear sunscreen every day to prevent wrinkles that are related to sun damage.

Keeping your skin hydrated also goes a long way, whether you already have smile lines or not. Be sure to drink plenty of water every day, and avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol — both have diuretic effects.

Wash your face once or twice a day and follow up with a moisturizer tailored to your skin type. 

Exercise and a plant-based diet can also help keep your skin healthy.

If you needed another reason to quit smoking, know that kicking this habit now can help prevent future wrinkles, including smile lines. 

The takeaway

Smile lines are a natural part of the aging process. As you get older, any lines or wrinkles you have can deepen or multiply. Still, there are steps you can take to minimize this process.

Treatment options for laugh lines abound. Talk with your doctor about the options that are best for you based on your specific needs. Surgery is an option, but it’s not always necessary.

You may be able to prevent smile lines from getting worse as you age. Keeping your skin hydrated and taking care of your overall health go a long way.

 

It helps to fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin ageing, releasing powerful enzymes, skin-smoothing and helps fortify the skin with anti-pollution fighting antioxidants technology ahead of next-day exposure.

 

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