Smile Lines Treatment in Toronto

How do you know if you have smile lines? Smile lines, also called nasolabial folds or laugh lines. You will recognize them as creases that run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. They develop over time due to repeated facial expressions, loss of skin elasticity, and the natural aging process.

These lines start near your nostrils and curve around your mouth like parentheses. In younger people or those with very elastic skin, these lines might only appear when smiling. But as we get older, they can become more permanent and visible even when our faces are relaxed.

Interestingly, these lines can be symmetrical (the same on both sides) or asymmetrical (more pronounced on one side). Asymmetrical smile lines are normal and often related to which side of your face you use more when expressing yourself.

Botox is a popular treatment for reducing smile lines, and for good reason! It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles. When you smile or laugh, certain muscles in your face contract. Over time, these repeated contractions can lead to permanent lines. Botox relaxes these muscles, helping reduce dynamic smile lines.

The procedure is quick and easy. A trained professional will make a few tiny injections around the area of your smile lines. You might feel a little pinch, but it's usually not too uncomfortable. After the treatment, you can go right back to your normal activities, although we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

You'll start to see results in about 3-7 days, with full results visible after two weeks. The effects typically last for 3-4 months, after which you can come back for a touch-up if you want to maintain the results.

Dermal fillers are another fantastic option for tackling smile lines. They are especially great for deeper lines that Botox might not fully address. Fillers work differently from Botox—instead of relaxing muscles, they actually fill in the creases and restore lost volume.

Most dermal fillers we use are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin. When injected into smile lines, these fillers plump up the area, smooth out the creases, and give your skin a more youthful appearance.

One of the best things about fillers is that you see results immediately. You'll walk out of our clinic with visibly smoother skin! The procedure is quick, too, usually taking only 20-30 minutes. Depending on the specific product used, the results from fillers can last anywhere from 4-6 months to 2-3 years. To maintain the effect, you'll need to come back for repeat injections every several months.

If you're just starting to see smile lines, or if you're young enough that your laugh lines still disappear after you stop smiling, there are steps you can take to prevent or minimize the development of these lines. And even if you're already getting treatments, these tips can help you maintain your results for longer:

• Use Sunscreen: Since it's hard to avoid the sun entirely, the best thing you can do is use sunscreen to protect your skin from premature aging. Make it a daily habit, even on cloudy days! Protect skin from UV damage with SPF 30+, reapplying every 2 hours outside.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 64 oz water daily to maintain moisture and elasticity. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These are diuretics and can dehydrate you.
• Follow a Skincare Routine: Cleanse morning and night. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to reveal fresher skin. Use a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates facial aging.
• Don't Stop Smiling!: It's true that repetitive facial movements may contribute to wrinkles. Yet joy and laughter are good for the body and soul.

Don't let laugh lines get the last laugh. If your self-esteem has taken a hit due to deep smile lines, it's time to take action and seek professional help.

At DLK on Avenue in Toronto, we're highly experienced with advanced filler techniques for natural-looking smile line reduction. With an expert team and personalized plans, we give patients natural-looking results in a safe environment.

Smile lines shouldn't hold you back from showing off your beautiful smile! Expert care and advanced solutions for skin concerns are just a phone call away. Schedule a consultation at DLK on Avenue today to discuss your treatment options for laugh lines in Toronto.