What are smile lines (nasolabial folds)?
Causes of smile lines
- Age. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, reducing its ability to ‘bounce back’ when making facial expressions. Aging also thins the skin, which makes wrinkles more visible.
- Genetics. Some individuals with a family history of smile lines may have a higher predisposition to developing wrinkles prematurely. This can’t be prevented, but treatments like fillers can temporarily hide smile lines.
- Lifestyle. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, poor hydration, excessive sun exposure, and stress, can contribute to smile lines.
- Facial movements. Repetitive facial movements, such as smiling and laughing, cause muscles to contract repeatedly, leaving permanent lines.
Are smile lines normal?
Why consider dermal fillers for smile lines?
How fillers work to reduce smile lines
Benefits of fillers over other wrinkle treatments
- Minimal downtime. You can schedule a laugh lines filler session during your lunch hour, then return to work right after. It’s non-invasive, and aftercare is equally simple. Unlike surgery, you don’t have to take sick days just to get fillers.
- Reversible results. If you’re not satisfied with the results of your anti-aging filler treatment, you just have to wait for it to dissolve naturally. Your face will return to its original appearance, ideal for those who are not yet ready to commit to long-term treatments.
- Faster results. Unlike topical products that take months to show subtle results or surgery that requires long downtimes, dermal fillers provide quicker results in just a few days. Fillers only take 10 to 14 days to settle and show their full results.
- Affordable wrinkle solution. Cosmetic injectables like fillers are more budget-friendly than surgical procedures.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
Types of fillers for smile lines
Popular filler brands
Juvederm. Juvederm for smile lines is a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based filler with results lasting up to 18 months.
Restylane. Like Juvederm, Restylane for nasolabial folds is an HA filler that can last for 6 to 18 months before needing touch-ups.
Belotero. Belotero is used as filler around the mouth, nose, eyes, forehead, and cheeks with results lasting 6 to 12 months.
Radiesse. Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite-based filler used for deep fine lines with results that can last for up to 18 months.
Sculptra. Sculptra is a poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA)-based filler used to restore heavy volume loss in the cheeks, jawline, temples, and around the mouth. It’s also the longest-lasting filler with results that can last for up to 2 years.
Choosing the right filler for your skin type & age
Assessing smile lines depth. Deeper fine lines often mean more volume loss, which will help us determine which filler type and brand we need to use.
Choosing filler type. Hyaluronic acid injections are best for moderate to severe fine lines, while PLLA is best for deeper folds.
Considering desired results. Sxome clients prefer short-term when trying fillers for the first time. Also, we ask our clients about the level of enhancement they want to achieve.
What to expect during the smile line filler procedure
Consultation and facial assessment
Step-by-step injection process
Downtime and recovery timeline
Smile Line Filler Before & After: Real Patient Results
Smile line filler aftercare: do’s and don’ts
Essential do’s for faster healing
DO keep your head elevated for at least 4 hours or more after the filler treatment to avoid migration.
DO stay hydrated after the filler treatment to keep your skin plump and healthy.
DO keep the injection site clean by using a gentle facial cleanser.
DO report any unusual symptoms, such as lumps, lingering pain, or potential infection, to your provider.
DO stay patient as dermal fillers take days to settle and show their full results.
What to avoid after the procedure
AVOID touching, pressing, or disturbing your nasolabial areas in the next 48 hours post-treatment.
AVOID heat exposure, such as direct sunlight, sauna, hot tubs, tanning machines, and so on, for 48 hours.
AVOID getting facial massages or other treatments until your provider clears you.
AVOID bending down or lying on your side/face immediately after your filler treatment.
AVOID strenuous physical activities that can increase blood flow and swelling.
Side effects and safety considerations
Temporary reactions vs serious risks
Temporary, non-serious dermal filler reactions
Redness and swelling in the injection area
Bruising and tenderness
Mild itching or rash on the treatment area
Small bumps that resolve as the filler settles
Tingling sensation or mild numbness that goes away in a few hours
Serious dermal filler reactions
Worsening swelling or redness after 48 hours
Hard and big lumps that don’t soften
Severe pain despite over-the-counter medication
Open sores or ulceration on the treated area
Muscle weakness near the injection site
Skin discoloration may indicate poor blood flow
How to ensure a safe experience
Fillers vs Botox vs other smile line treatments
Which option is right for you?
Pros and cons of Botox and fillers
Pros and cons of Botox
Reduces muscle movement that causes smile lines when making facial expressions
Minimal downtime and can be scheduled during your work lunch hour
Prevents deeper lines from forming or getting worse over time
Can be combined with dermal fillers for more youthful results
Only addresses wrinkles formed by muscle movement, not skin folding or volume loss, which are the common causes of smile lines
Doesn’t restore volume on deep fine lines and facial grooves like smile lines
Pros and cons of dermal fillers
Restores lost facial volume to efficiently minimize the appearance of smile lines
Minimally invasive and does not require major recovery time
Visible results right after the procedure, with the full results showing in 1 to 2 weeks
Long-lasting with results stretching for up to 18 months
Higher risk of bruising and swelling compared to Botox
Costs slightly higher than Botox treatments
How much do smile line fillers cost?
Average dermal filler price by brand
Juvederm – $600 to $750+
Restylane – $550 to $700+
Belotero – $500 to $600+
Radiesse – $700 to $900+
Sculptra – $800 to $1,200+
Bellafill – $1,000 to $1,200+
Are fillers worth the investment?
Choosing the Best Provider for Smile Line Fillers in Eau Claire, WI
What to look for in an injector
Medical license and accreditation. Only licensed medical practitioners should administer dermal fillers for your safety. It can be an MD, DO, RN, NP, or PA who is accredited to provide such treatment.
Specialized injector training. Choose filler injectors who have undergone specialized training in providing injectable cosmetic treatments.
Years of experience. Trust only an injector who has an extensive portfolio of dermal filler treatments and has been in the industry for years.
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Smile Line Fillers FAQ
How do dermal fillers treat smile lines?
How long do smile line fillers last?
How often do I need to get filler touch-ups?
Are smile line fillers safe?
Do smile line fillers hurt?
What is the downtime after smile line filler injections?
Can I combine smile line fillers with other treatments?
Will I look natural after a smile line filler?
Who is a good candidate for smile line fillers?
Book your smile line filler consultation today



