That first notice of laugh lines etching your face can be jolting. Those smiling creases that once charmed now seem to age your appearance beyond your years.
But you’re not alone – laugh lines are a rite of passage most of us go through. The good news? You’ve got options to turn back time.
In this complete guide, Dr. Soni from Ethos Spa will tell you everything you need to know about smoothing laugh lines with dermal fillers.
From understanding what causes them to choosing the right injectable, you’ll learn how fillers can rejuvenate your smile without going under the knife. Let’s get started!
What Are Laugh Lines and What Causes Them?
Laugh lines, or nasolabial folds, are the lines that extend from the corners of your nose to the edges of your mouth. They form as we age and the fat pads in our cheeks start to diminish.
This loss of facial volume leads to visible creases around the mouth and cheeks. Laugh lines also deepen as our skin loses elasticity and collagen over time.
Causes of Nasolabial Folds
| Cause | Description |
| Muscle Contraction | Repeated levator muscle contraction during facial expressions causes tissue expansion in the cheek fat pad, leading to nasolabial folds. J. Owsley et al., 2008 |
| Soft Tissue Interaction | The folds result from a conflict between the skin and fat envelope on one side and the underlying muscles on the other. J. Zufferey, 1992 |
| Cheek Mass Changes | Aging-related changes in the cheek mass and its support contribute to the deepening of these folds. N. Yousif et al., 1994 |
| Loss of Cheek Fat | Loss of volume in the deep medial cheek fat is an additional determinant of nasolabial folds. Rod J. Rohrich et al., 2008 |
| Facial Muscles | Two facial muscles may significantly contribute to the prominence of nasolabial folds as one ages. J. Pessa et al., 1993 |
While genetics plays a role, sun damage is another culprit that can exacerbate their appearance. And of course, all that smiling, laughing, and repetitive facial expressions etch the folds more over the years. The end result? Those parenthesis-shaped lines that can make us look older than we feel.
Can Dermal Fillers Smooth Out Laugh Lines?
The short answer – absolutely! Dermal fillers are one of the most effective treatments for softening the appearance of laugh lines and restoring a more youthful look. Here’s how they work:
How Do Fillers Plump Up Laugh Lines?
Dermal fillers add volume underneath the skin to fill in creases and folds. Injectable gels provide structure that lifts depressed areas along the nasolabial folds. The added volume reconstructs the fat pads that were lost to aging. This plumps up laugh lines from the inside out.
Do Fillers Stimulate Your Skin’s Own Collagen?
Many dermal fillers, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, stimulate collagen production in your skin. This ramps up your skin’s natural plumping capacities. The boosted collagen builds firmer skin tissue in the dermis layer, smoothing out lines even after the gel absorbs.
Can Dermal Fillers Relax Laugh Lines?
Some fillers contain lidocaine, an anesthetic that provides immediate relaxing of the muscle contractions creating laugh lines. This delivers an instant softening effect following treatment. Results build over the next few weeks as the collagen stimulation kicks in.
To summarize, dermal fillers both fill in lost volume and rejuvenate the skin’s structure. This dual action works to smooth away those telltale laugh lines around the mouth.
What Are the Best Dermal Fillers for Laugh Lines?
With many types of dermal fillers available, choosing the right injectable for your laugh lines is key. Here are top options recommended by experts:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are the most popular for laugh lines. HA has high water-binding properties that add natural-looking volume. These fillers come in formulations tailored for specific areas. For example:
- Restylane Defyne has a flexible gel that integrates motions around the mouth.
- Juvederm Voluma works well for age-related cheek hollowness.
- Restylane Refyne contains wrinkle-smoothing lidocaine.
Collagen Stimulating Fillers
Sculptra and Radiesse fillers promote your body’s natural collagen production. This creates longer lasting, smoother looking skin. The effects build gradually over months. These work well for severely set-in laugh lines.
Synthetic Fillers
Advanced fillers like Bellafill contain synthetic collagen for the most permanent, wrinkle-relaxing results. However, these aren’t reversible like HA fillers. Make sure you’re ready for long lasting change.
What Results Can I Expect from Laugh Line Fillers?
Wondering how dramatic the effects of fillers on laugh lines will be? Check out these before and after photos of real patients:
Dermal Fillers for Laugh Lines Before and After Pictures
Source: Juvederm.com
Source: RestylaneUSA.com
As you can see, the rejuvenated after shots show softened nasolabial folds and restored volume in the cheeks. Results look natural, not overdone. Your exact results depend on factors like age and how advanced your laugh lines are.
Best Dermal Fillers for Smile Lines
Dermal filler injections have various brands with different formulations and consistencies to deliver specific results. Choosing the best filler brand is important to achieve the best results. Some injectable dermal filler brands for smile lines are:
| Brand of Dermal Filler | Dermal Filler Type | Description | FDA-approval | Duration |
| Juvéderm Vollure XC | Hyaluronic acid | Medium thickness Medium spreadability Honey-like smooth and runny consistency | FDA-approved for moderate to severe facial wrinkles | 18 months |
| Restylane Refyne | Hyaluronic acid | Flexible consistency that moves with facial movements | FDA-approved for resolving moderate to severe facial wrinkles | 6 months |
| Restylane Defyne | Hyaluronic acid | Flexible but thicker consistency | FDA-approved for moderate to severe facial wrinkles | 12 months |
| Restylane Silk | Hyaluronic acid | Low viscosity Silky consistency | FDA-approved lip filler for laugh lines and nasolabial folds | 6 months |
| Sculptra | Poly-l-lactic acid | Liquid consistency rather than gel-like Injected into deeper layers of the dermis Gets absorbed by the skin to boost collagen production and replace lost volume | FDA-approved for facial wrinkles and fat loss | 2 years |
| Radiesse | Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) | Viscous consistency like that of a connective tissueThicker than hyaluronic acid fillers | FDA-approved for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and facial fat loss | 15 months |
Using the right brand is also crucial for the success of your cosmetic treatment with facial filler injections. That’s why you should seek a highly-trained injector to achieve a customized beauty plan.
How is Dermal Filler Injected for Laugh Lines?
Ready to smooth those bothersome laugh lines?
Dr. Soni shares what to expect during a dermal filler treatment session:
Numbing and Marking
Dr. Soni will first apply a topical anesthetic cream followed by small injections around the treatment area. This minimizes discomfort. Guide markings may be made on your laugh lines.
Injecting the Filler
Using an ultrafine needle, Dr. Soni will skillfully inject the filler into the indented areas of your laugh lines. This is where precision technique is key for natural looking results.
Molding the Filler
After injecting, Dr. Soni may lightly massage the area to ensure proper contouring and placement of the filler. This smooths and blends the product.
Minimizing Side Effects
Ice packs are often applied after to reduce swelling and tenderness. Dr. Soni will review what to expect post-treatment and how to care for your skin.
Overall, dermal filler sessions only take around 30 minutes. While individual pain thresholds vary, many experience nothing beyond mild discomfort. Any side effects like bruising are temporary.
How Long Do Laugh Line Fillers Last?
Fillers designed for laugh lines and facial folds typically last 6-18 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible, so they aren’t permanent. Your body naturally absorbs the gel over time. Maintenance touch up sessions can sustain your smooth, youthful look.
Finding an Expert for Laugh Line Fillers in New Jersey
If you’re searching for an experienced filler injector in the New Jersey area, look no further than Ethos Spa. With a team of board-certified providers, Ethos Spa delivers laugh line treatments tailored just for you.
Led by Dr. Hardik Soni, Ethos Spa gets amazing yet natural looking results. Visit our state-of-the-art facility in Summit, NJ to revitalize your smile and say goodbye to laugh lines!
