What are smile lines?

Smile lines, also referred to as laugh lines, or parenthesis are the lines that appear around the mouth as we get older. They get their name because they appear when we smile, and when we’re young they disappear when our face is at rest. As the aging process starts to take its toll on our skin, these smile lines will begin to appear permanently, persisting even when the face is not making any expressions. Unfortunately, these smile lines are pretty much inevitable, though a proper skincare and sun care routine, coupled with a proper diet and hydration habits, may help the skin look more youthful for longer.

Why do smile lines appear?

There are a number of contributing factors to the development of smile lines. Sun damage is one major contributor, as it speeds along the process of aging, as do certain external factors such as smoking. Genetics can also play a role in whether or not smile lines appear, or how prominent they may appear.

Another reason why these lines are so common is because the mouth is such a mobile feature, responsible for many facial expressions, throughout the waking day. These repeated facial movements add extra wear and tear to the skin. However, the primarily factors are loss of elasticity and tissue volume within the skin around the mouth due to age. As we get older, the body does not produce as many key proteins, such as collagen, that contribute to the underlying support system of the skin that keeps it looking young and healthy. Additionally, the skin becomes more dehydrated due to decreased levels of hyaluronic acid, which makes laugh lines even more prominent.

How to treat smile lines

There are a few different options available to patients looking to treat smile lines. Aside from daily habits such as applying SPF and hydrating moisturizer, drinking enough water, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking, there are more permanent corrective options. Laser treatment, surgery, and collagen induction therapy are all viable options. However, the most popular treatment to treat smile lines is dermal filler injections. Dermal fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid-based fillers, add volume and hydration to areas of the face that display the signs of aging, and can be very effective to improve the appearance of smile lines. Dermal filler procedures involve having dermal filler injected into the crease that appears at the corner of the nose down to the corner of the mouth.

Benefits of Juvederm for smile lines

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, which can be used to effectively treat smile lines. It is favored for it strong lifting abilities, which diminishes the appearances of smile lines, and for its natural-looking effects. It is also preferred over other treatment options because it requires no downtime after injection, and the procedure is very quick – lasting only 10 to 15 minutes. Juvederm can be used on adult patients, and the product line offers different options that are indicated for the treatment of smiles lines. Juvederm XC provides results that last for up to 12 months, and  Juvederm Voluma can provide lasting results for up to 18 months.