Smile Line Treatments: How to Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds
Smile Line Treatments: How to Get Rid of Nasolabial Folds
Smile lines—also known as nasolabial folds—are those deep creases that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. They’re a normal part of aging, caused by years of laughing, talking, sun exposure, and gravity. While they show a life well lived, you don’t have to live with them forever.
There are both non-surgical and surgical solutions to soften or eliminate nasolabial folds—some subtle, some dramatic. Let’s break down the most reliable aesthetic procedures to get rid of them: Botox, Juvederm, TriLift, facelifts, and supportive natural methods.
1. Botox: Best for Softening Expression Lines (But Not a First-Line for Folds)
Let’s be clear: Botox doesn’t fill in nasolabial folds. Instead, it relaxes facial muscles to reduce the repetitive movements that deepen lines over time.
✅ When Botox helps with smile lines:
You have dynamic wrinkles near the folds (that deepen with movement)
You’re combining it with Juvederm or TriLift for full-face rejuvenation
You want to prevent lines from getting deeper
Used strategically, Botox enhances results when paired with other treatments. Learn more about the difference between Botox and Juvederm for balanced facial rejuvenation.
2. Juvederm: The Go-To Filler for Smile Lines
Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that adds volume beneath the skin, lifting folds and smoothing creases instantly. It’s a leading treatment for smile lines because it works with your natural tissue to restore youthful contours.
Benefits:
Immediate results
Long-lasting (12–18 months)
Non-surgical and quick
Tailored to your skin’s needs with various Juvederm types
For patients whose folds are due to volume loss, our Juvederm procedures in Columbus offer predictable, natural-looking improvement with minimal downtime.
3. TriLift: The Non-Invasive Lift That Tightens Skin and Builds Muscle
TriLift is an advanced, non-surgical treatment that combines RF energy, muscle stimulation, and microneedling to tighten, tone, and smooth the skin—making it a great option for reducing early to moderate smile lines.
TriLift works by:
Tightening skin using radiofrequency
Stimulating facial muscles for lift and definition
Improving skin texture with fractional RF microneedling
It’s especially effective if you’re not ready for fillers or surgery, and it continues to build collagen for months after treatment. Learn more about how long TriLift results last and when to expect visible improvements.
4. Facelift: The Most Dramatic and Long-Lasting Option
When smile lines are deep caused by sagging skin or you have other parts of your face you’d like to address , a facelift may be the best approach. Surgical facelifts lift the cheeks and midface, directly reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds while restoring overall facial structure.
Good candidates for a facelift:
Have moderate to severe skin laxity
Aren’t seeing results from fillers or RF treatments
Want results that last 10+ years
Dr. Okada performs SMAS facelifts and aims for a more refined, subtle, natural look, not the “wind-tunnel” look
5. Natural Options: Supportive but Limited
While natural methods won’t erase deep folds, they can support skin health and slow wrinkle formation. These include:
Facial massage to boost circulation
Facial exercises to tone midface muscles
Topical retinoids to improve texture
Daily sunscreen and hydration
They work best in combination with medical treatments—especially during early signs of aging or in younger patients looking to delay deeper folds.
Bottom Line: The Best Smile Line Treatment Depends on the Cause
Nasolabial folds form due to a mix of volume loss, muscle laxity, and skin aging. The best treatment plan targets your specific concern:
Ready to Treat Your Smile Lines?
At Stratus Plastic Surgery, we offer a customized approach to treating nasolabial folds—whether you want a subtle refresh or a complete facial transformation.
Schedule a consultation and let us help you find the right solution for your unique face, skin, and goals.