There’s Nothing Funny About Laugh Lines

By NewBeauty Editors · Feb 13, 2012

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a good laugh. But like some other repeated expressions (like squinting), lots of laughter can lead to permanent lines on the face. Nasolabial folds, often called smile or laugh lines, are the folds that travel from the sides of the nose to the corners of the lips. As facial volume wanes with age, these laugh lines can become more prominent.

They typically become more dramatic in your 40s or later, but for some, they can start to develop in their 30s. The loss of collagen, the support system that keeps the skin full and firm, can contribute to the formation of laugh lines, too. There are a few ways to lessen their appearance:

Topical treatments: Look for collagen-boosting ingredients like peptides or retinol, which help to stimulate collagen production. During facials, your aesthetician may opt for oxygen and hyaluronic acid serums to boost the skin.

Fillers: If you don’t have excessively saggy skin, some fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra Aesthetic, may offer quick improvements that are long-lasting, too because they stimulate collagen production or replace your natural collagen. Artefill is a permanent filler that is also effective for smile lines because it is a combination of collagen and non-resorbable beads.

Laser resurfacing: By creating tiny, strategic wounds, a laser treatment can help to promote collagen as the skin heals, leaving you with more youthful-looking skin and fewer deep lines around your mouth within a few months.

Mid-facelift: During this procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in order to tighten your muscles and remove sagging skin that has made your laugh lines more prominent. This type of lift can also improve your cheeks and may be paired with fillers to help restore volume and give a comprehensive and balanced look to your face. Plus, the results are permanent. Now that’s something to smile about.