Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds, are a natural part of how we express joy and laughter. Over time, these lines can become deeper and more noticeable as the skin loses collagen and elasticity. While they reflect a life filled with smiles, many people choose to soften them for a refreshed and youthful look.
At her Newport Beach practice, Dr. Tenley Lawton offers several effective options to treat smile lines each designed to deliver natural-looking results.
Smile lines are the creases that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. They develop because of years of smiling and other facial movements combined with the gradual decline of collagen in the skin. Genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices like smoking can also make these lines more pronounced over time.
While smile lines are perfectly normal, some people feel they make them look older or more tired than they feel. Fortunately, modern aesthetic treatments can help reduce their appearance while keeping your natural expressions intact.
Juvederm® Fillers
Juvederm® is one of the most popular and effective treatments for softening smile lines. These hyaluronic acid-based fillers add volume beneath the folds, which smooths and lifts the skin for a refreshed appearance.
The treatment takes only about 15 to 30 minutes, and results can last from six months up to a year or longer depending on the product used. Juvederm® is an excellent choice for those who want immediate, natural-looking results without surgery.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is a non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency energy combined with microneedling to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. As new collagen forms, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, which can gradually reduce the appearance of smile lines.
This option works well for people who want improvement without adding volume or who prefer a gradual, natural-looking change. The procedure involves minimal downtime, and results develop over several weeks as the skin heals and renews itself.
Facelift
For those with deeper or more prominent smile lines, a facelift can provide comprehensive and longer-lasting results. This surgical procedure tightens underlying tissues and removes excess skin to smooth the entire lower face, including the nasolabial folds.
Dr. Lawton customizes each facelift to match the patient’s facial structure and aesthetic goals, ensuring results look balanced and natural. While recovery takes longer than non-surgical treatments, the improvement can last for many years.
Choosing the right treatment depends on your skin’s condition, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. During a consultation, Dr. Lawton carefully evaluates your facial features and discusses your preferences to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Some people also benefit from a combination of treatments, such as starting with fillers and adding Morpheus8 to maintain collagen production and skin health over time.
While treatments can significantly reduce smile lines, the natural aging process will continue. The good news is that maintenance treatments and a healthy skincare routine can keep your results looking fresh for longer.
Fillers like Juvederm® gradually break down over several months, so most people return for touch-up treatments every six to twelve months. Morpheus8 results develop gradually and can last several months or more, especially when combined with other skin rejuvenation treatments.
A facelift offers the longest-lasting improvement, often keeping you looking younger for many years. Even after surgery, your skin will continue to age, but the procedure helps set the clock back significantly.
With expert guidance from Dr. Tenley Lawton and consistent skincare, you can keep your smile lines softer and enjoy a refreshed, natural look that reflects how you truly feel.
*Individual Results May Vary
Dr. Lawton strives to provide the best experience for everyone who chooses her practice for their aesthetic needs. Read why our patients love their results & experience with Dr. Lawton and her team of expert providers.
Would you like to learn more about treating smile lines? Simply fill out the form on this page or call Tenley K. Lawton, M.D. at (949) 356-6158 to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tenley Lawton. Proudly serving Newport Beach and the greater Orange County, CA, area.
*Individual Results May Vary.
