Have you ever noticed the lines that form around your mouth and eyes when you smile? These facial creases, medically known as nasolabial folds (around the mouth) is commonly called smile lines.
While they can add charm, some people worry these smile lines make them look older. If you’re wondering why they appear, whether they’re normal at a young age, or how to reduce them, read on.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know from causes to treatments so you can decide the best approach for your skin.
What Are Smile Lines and Why Do We Get Them?
Smile lines develop through a combination of natural ageing processes, repetitive facial movements, and environmental factors.
Understanding the science behind their formation helps you make better choices about prevention and treatment.
The primary cause of smile lines is the repeated contraction of facial muscles during expressions like smiling, laughing, and squinting.
Over time, these movements create permanent creases in the skin as collagen and elastin the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity begin to break down naturally with age.
Nasolabial Folds: The Deep Smile Lines Explained
Nasolabial folds are among the most prominent types of smile lines, running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
These lines can vary greatly in depth and prominence among individuals.
Characteristics of nasolabial folds:
- Present to some degree in most adults
- Can range from subtle to very pronounced
- Often become more noticeable with age
- May be asymmetrical between left and right sides
Contributing factors:
- Natural facial anatomy and bone structure
- Loss of facial volume with age
- Repeated expressions and muscle movements
- Genetics and individual skin characteristics
Treatment options:
- Dermal fillers to restore volume
- Skin tightening procedures
- Combination approaches for optimal results
- Maintenance treatments to preserve improvements
What causes smile lines?
While frequent smiling contributes, they’re also influenced by:
- Loss of collagen and elastin – These proteins form your skin’s natural support network. This gradual decline means your skin becomes less resilient to repeated movements, making expression lines more likely to become permanent.
- Loss of bony support – Gradual resorption of bone occurs as we age, and the support offered by the cheek bones reduces the tension on the overlying fat. This fat (the nasolabial fat) subsequently tends inward and downward, creating the typical fold that is visible .
- Sun exposure damage – Ultraviolet radiation breaks down collagen fibers and elastin, accelerating the formation of lines. People who spend significant time outdoors without proper sun protection often develop smile lines earlier and more prominently than those who protect their skin consistently.
- Genetics – Your DNA plays a substantial role in determining when and how prominently you’ll develop expression lines. Some people inherit naturally thicker skin or more robust collagen production, while others may be predisposed to earlier line formation regardless of their expression habits.
- Environmental factors – Pollution, smoking, and exposure to harsh weather conditions can accelerate skin ageing and make expression lines more pronounced.
People who smile frequently may notice lines slightly earlier, but the psychological and social benefits of smiling including stress reduction, improved relationships, and enhanced mental health far outweigh any cosmetic concerns.
Can Being Skinny Cause Smile Lines?
Weight loss can indeed contribute to the appearance of smile lines, particularly in the face.
When you lose weight rapidly or maintain a very low body weight, you may experience volume loss in facial fat pads the natural cushions that provide structure and support to your skin.
Facial fat pads serve as scaffolding for your skin, keeping it plump and smooth. When these diminish due to weight loss, genetics, or ageing, the skin can appear more creased and lines become more pronounced.
This is why some people notice that their smile lines become more visible after losing weight, even if they’re healthier overall.
However, maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise supports overall skin health by improving circulation and cellular repair processes.
How to get rid of Smile Lines?
Aesthetic Treatments for Smile Lines
Modern aesthetic treatments offer highly effective solutions for reducing smile lines, with options ranging from minimally invasive procedures to advanced professional treatments. The key is selecting treatments that address your specific type and severity of lines.
Professional treatments provide the most dramatic results:
Dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid are one of the most popular and effective treatments for smile lines. These restore lost volume beneath the skin, effectively lifting and smoothing static smile lines. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in your skin and attracts moisture, providing immediate plumping effects.
Benefits of smile line fillers:
- Immediate visible results
- Natural-looking enhancement
- Minimal downtime
- Results can last 12-18 months depending on the product used and individual metabolism
- Can be combined with other treatments for optimal results
Types of dermal fillers:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers – Most common, reversible, and natural-looking
- Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers – Longer-lasting, stimulate collagen production
- Poly-L-lactic acid fillers – Gradual results, stimulate natural collagen production
Botulinum toxin injections – These relax the muscles that cause smile lines, especially crow’s feet. Results last 3–4 months and may require fewer sessions over time. Best for lines that show during facial expressions
Laser resurfacing treatments – These boost collagen by creating tiny controlled skin injuries. Fractional CO2 lasers remove damaged layers, while non-ablative lasers work beneath the surface without removing skin.
Collagen stimulators – These function similarly to resurfacing techniques – they boost collagen production and remodelling, but without the risks and downtime associated with laser use.
At-home skincare options:
Prescription retinoids – These vitamin A derivatives boost collagen production and accelerate cell turnover, gradually improving line appearance over 3-6 months of consistent use. They’re particularly effective for fine lines and early-stage expression lines.
Topical peptides – These amino acid chains signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, supporting the skin’s natural repair processes. Results become visible after 6-12 weeks of regular application.
Professional-grade moisturizers – Products containing ceramides, niacinamide, and antioxidants help maintain skin barrier function and protect against further damage.
Over-the-counter options:
- Vitamin C serums – Antioxidant protection and collagen support
- Hyaluronic acid serums – Hydration and plumping effects
- Sunscreen – Daily protection against UV damage (minimum SPF 30)
Myths vs. Facts About Smile Lines
Separating fact from fiction helps you make better decisions about prevention and treatment options.
Myth: Smile Lines Only Affect Older Adults
Fact:
Contrary to popular belief, smile lines don’t only affect older adults. Many teenagers and young adults are surprised to notice these lines appearing much earlier than expected, often leading to concerns about premature aging.
Myth: Losing weight will eliminate smile lines
Fact:
While weight loss can sometimes make smile lines more noticeable due to facial volume loss, it won’t eliminate existing lines. Facial fat pads provide structural support that can minimize line appearance, but once lines are etched into the skin, they typically require professional treatment.
Myth: Facial fat is the primary cause of all expression lines
Fact:
Facial fat actually helps prevent expression lines by providing natural cushioning and support. Excess fat in specific compartments can result in folds, but lines and creases form due to the loss of overall skin structure and compounded by repeated movement over time.
Myth: Gaining weight will fill in existing lines
Fact:
Weight gain doesn’t strategically target facial volume loss or fill in existing lines. Age-related volume loss and structural skin changes require professional volume replacement through fillers for effective improvement. Healthy facial fat distribution supports overall skin quality, but weight changes alone won’t address smile lines.
Myth: Expensive creams can completely eliminate deep smile lines
Fact:
While quality skincare helps, deep static lines typically require professional treatment
Myth: Smile lines are purely cosmetic and have no other implications
Fact:
They’re a natural part of aging and facial expression, and shouldn’t be completely eliminated
Myth: All smile line treatments are painful and require significant downtime
Fact:
Many modern treatments are minimally invasive with little to no downtime
When to See an Aesthetic Doctor About Smile Lines
Consider consulting an aesthetic doctor when:
- Smile lines affect your confidence – If the appearance of your smile lines is impacting your self-esteem or how you feel about your appearance
- Lines are static – When lines remain visible even when your face is at rest
- Progressive deepening – If you notice your smile lines becoming more pronounced over time
- Asymmetry concerns – When one side of your face shows more prominent lines than the other
- Early intervention goals – If you want to prevent dynamic lines from becoming permanent
- Home remedies aren’t working – When over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes haven’t provided desired results
- Combination concerns – If smile lines are appearing alongside other signs of aging you’d like to address
- Special events – When you want to look your best for important occasions
Questions to Ask Before Starting Smile Line Treatment
Before committing to any smile line treatment, ask potential providers:
- What type of smile lines do I have (dynamic vs. static), and how was this determined?
- What are the primary causes of my specific lines?
- What is your experience treating smile lines in my age group and skin type?
- What combination of treatments do you recommend and why?
- What results can I realistically expect, and how long will they last?
- How many sessions will I need, and what is the overall timeline?
- What are the potential risks and side effects for my chosen treatment?
- How will we monitor progress and adjust treatments if needed?
- What is your approach to maintenance after initial improvement?
- What happens if I don’t respond to the initial treatment plan?
The provider’s ability to comprehensively answer these questions reflects their expertise and commitment to personalized care.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Smile Line Treatment Provider🚩
Be cautious if a provider:
- Promises complete elimination of all smile lines (this is rarely realistic)
- Recommends the same treatment for everyone without individual assessment
- Focuses solely on aggressive treatments without discussing prevention and maintenance
- Cannot explain the science behind their recommended treatments
- Uses devices or injectables without proper certification or evidence
- Dismisses the importance of realistic expectations and natural facial expressions
- Has no before-and-after documentation of similar cases in your age group
- Pressures you to purchase expensive treatment packages upfront
- Cannot provide clear information about potential risks and recovery time
- Shows reluctance to refer you to other specialists when appropriate
Your safety and results depend on choosing a clinic that prioritizes medical principles and individualized care over quick sales.
Why choose Dr Shane for Aesthetic Treatment in Singapore?
If you’re concerned about smile lines and want to explore your options, Dr Shane’s clinic in Singapore offers comprehensive consultations to help you understand your choices.
Our approach focuses on natural-looking results that enhance your confidence while maintaining your unique facial expressions.
Book your consultation today to discuss personalized treatment options that align with your goals and lifestyle.
At Dr Shane’s clinic, we believe remarkable results begin with three fundamentals: medical precision, honest advice, and customised care.
While many clinics focus on selling treatments, we prioritise:
- In-depth 1-1 skin health consultations (at least 30 mins)
- HSA/FDA-compliant protocols using approved devices with documented safety profiles
- Personalised energy settings adjusted for your unique skin thickness and concerns
What makes our approach different?
✔ Doctor-Led Consultations
Every treatment plan begins with a medical evaluation of your skin’s needs – not a sales conversation.
✔ Safety-First Philosophy
We use only HSA-approved devices and disclose all potential risks transparently.
✔ No Pressure, Just Professional Advice
You’ll leave your consultation either:
- Confident this treatment is right for you, or
- Aware of better alternatives for your goals
✔ Natural-Looking Results
Our treatment plans prioritise gradual, authentic improvement over dramatic but short-lived changes.
✔ Continued Aftercare
Post-treatment guidance to help maintain and optimise your results
The First Step is Always a Conversation
Many patients discover during consultation that their skin concerns actually require:
→ A different treatment approach
→ Combination therapies
→ Or simply more time before considering procedures
Book a skin health assessment to get professional insights before deciding on any treatment.
Let us help you find what’s right for your skin—not just what’s trending.
Secure your consultation slot with Dr Shane today
Great skin starts with the right diagnosis.