How to Get Rid of Smile Lines

Smile lines, also called nasolabial folds, are completely natural, but they can deepen over time and become more noticeable as skin loses elasticity. For many people, these lines are one of the first visible signs of aging, prompting a desire for smoother, more refreshed skin.

Whether you’re exploring gentle, at-home options or ready for professional treatment, SpaMedica in Toronto offers a wide range of non-surgical and surgical procedures tailored to your needs.

Smile lines are the creases that form between the corners of your nose and mouth. Also known as nasolabial folds, these lines become more defined with age and repetitive facial expressions.

Smile lines typically form as part of the natural aging process, but several factors can accelerate their appearance:

• Loss of collagen and elastin: These proteins help maintain firm, plump skin. As their levels decline, skin becomes thinner and more prone to folding.
• Facial volume loss: With age, the cheeks may flatten or sag, deepening the lines around the mouth.
• Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down collagen over time, speeding up the aging process.
• Smoking: Contributes to skin damage and repetitive lip movements that reinforce fold patterns.
• Weight fluctuations: Both significant weight loss and gain can stretch or deflate skin, affecting how smile lines appear.
• Genetics: Some people naturally develop deeper nasolabial folds earlier due to inherited facial structure.

While these options can’t reverse structural volume loss, they can support your skin’s resilience and reduce the early signs of smile lines.

Skincare Ingredients That Help

Look for topical products with:

• Retinol or retinoids: Boost collagen production and improve skin texture
• Peptides: Help strengthen and firm the skin
• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates and plumps
• Vitamin C: Brightens skin and protects against free radicals

Facial Exercises

Certain facial yoga techniques aim to stimulate circulation and tone the muscles around the mouth. While results are subtle and not proven to reverse aging, they may improve skin firmness over time.

Hydration and Diet

Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and collagen-boosting nutrients (like vitamin C and zinc) can help maintain skin health from the inside out.

Protecting Your Skin from Sun Damage

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF every day—even during Canadian winters
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses when outdoors
• Avoid tanning beds

Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking to preserve collagen
• Manage stress, which can trigger skin-damaging inflammation
• Get consistent sleep, allowing your skin time to regenerate

At SpaMedica, we offer a full suite of medical and cosmetic treatments for smile lines. Our team will assess the depth of your folds, overall facial volume, and skin quality to recommend a personalized plan.

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers (like Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra®) are injected into the nasolabial folds to plump and smooth the area. Fillers restore lost volume, soften shadows, and provide instant improvement with little to no downtime.

• Results: Immediate
  Duration: 6–18 months, depending on the product
• Recovery: Minimal (some swelling or bruising may occur)

Neuromodulators

Sometimes, Botox® or other neuromodulators may be used to relax surrounding facial muscles and prevent further deepening of smile lines, especially when used alongside dermal fillers.

• Procedure time: 15–30 minutes
• Recovery: Resume normal activities within hours
• Duration: Typically lasts 3–4 months

Laser Resurfacing

SpaMedica offers laser skin rejuvenation options that improve skin texture, stimulate collagen, and reduce the appearance of fine lines:

• Morpheus8: Combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to firm skin and remodel tissue
• Fractora™: Uses fractional radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles
• CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Targets deeper wrinkles and pigmentation with advanced precision

Laser treatments can be combined with injectables for enhanced, longer-lasting results.

Consulting a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon

Every face is unique, and so is the ideal treatment plan. During your consultation at SpaMedica, our expert team will assess your skin condition, facial structure, and cosmetic goals before making recommendations.

Factors to Consider

• Skin thickness and elasticity
• Overall facial symmetry and volume
• Tolerance for downtime and invasiveness
• Budget and long-term goals

Setting Realistic Expectations

While significant improvement is possible, it’s important to approach any treatment with realistic expectations. Some procedures offer immediate results, while others build gradually over weeks or require maintenance sessions.

Consistent Skincare Routine

• Use moisturizers with ingredients like peptides and antioxidants
• Apply retinol or retinoids at night (under medical guidance)
• Incorporate serums that support collagen production

Sun Protection

• Wear SPF 30+ daily
• Use physical barriers like sunglasses and hats
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors

Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat nutrient-rich foods and stay hydrated
• Get regular exercise
• Limit alcohol and sugar intake

Managing Facial Expressions

While you shouldn’t stop smiling, being aware of chronic muscle tension (like squinting or frowning) and addressing it with neuromodulators can help delay deepening over time.

Smile lines are a natural part of expression, but when they deepen with age, they can affect how we feel about our appearance. Fortunately, today’s medical aesthetics offer a variety of safe, effective solutions tailored to your skin, goals, and comfort level.

At SpaMedica, we combine advanced technology with medical expertise to help you look as refreshed and vibrant as you feel. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with skincare or ready to explore surgical options, our team is here to guide you.

Can smile lines be completely removed?

While non-surgical treatments can significantly reduce their appearance, surgical options like facelifts or cheek lifts offer more permanent correction. Complete “removal” depends on the severity and approach chosen.

At what age do smile lines typically appear?

Smile lines can start appearing in your late 20s to early 30s, but deepen most noticeably in the 40s and beyond due to cumulative volume loss and collagen breakdown.

Are facial exercises effective for smile lines?

There is limited clinical evidence, but facial exercises may slightly tone muscles. They can support skin health, but won’t reverse deeper folds.

How long do dermal filler results last for smile lines?

It depends on the product:

• Juvederm/Restylane: 6–12 months
• Radiesse: 12–18 months
• Sculptra: Up to 2 years (stimulates collagen over time)

Is Botox good for smile lines?

Botox may help prevent dynamic wrinkles near the mouth, but is typically less effective alone for deep nasolabial folds. It works best when combined with fillers.

Can drinking more water help with smile lines?

Hydration supports overall skin health, but won’t reverse existing smile lines. It can, however, complement other treatments and slow progression.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for smile lines?

For most patients, dermal fillers provide the fastest and most noticeable improvement. Combining fillers with laser resurfacing or Morpheus8 yields even better long-term results.

Ready to smooth out smile lines and restore a refreshed look?
Book your consultation with SpaMedica Toronto today and explore the right treatment for your goals.