Laughing Lines: Is There a Nonsurgical Way to Get Rid of It?

Laughing lines, also called smile lines, are fine wrinkles that form when you laugh or smile. Usually, they form around your mouth and sometimes around your eyes. They are only noticeable when you laugh or smile when you are young. As we get older and experience life, the lines tend to become visible even when we are not laughing or smiling.

Visible lines on your face when you are not showing any expression signify aging. Laughing lines are among these. However, you do not have to live with them. You have several options for getting rid of them.

WHAT CAUSES LAUGHING LINES?

As mentioned above, laughing lines occur when we laugh or smile, but your skin should naturally fall back into place. So, what causes it to form these permanent lines? Here are some common causes:

• Genetics.
• Sun damage.
• Loss of collagen leading to poor elasticity.
• Dehydrated skin.
• Smoking.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

Over the years, doctors and scientists have developed several options for getting rid of laughing and other facial lines. To find out which option works best for you, consult a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. The more experienced they are, the more knowledgeable they are about the options available. Here are the most popular nonsurgical treatment options available:

• Fillers

Among the most common solutions for facial wrinkles, including laughing lines, are fillers. These are commonly made from hyaluronic acid. The surgeon injects them into the crease that runs from your nose to your mouth. They are relatively safe because your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid. Crucially, the surgeon can reverse the process if you do not like the results.

Doctors have found that repeated use may have some permanent effects despite reversibility. The fillers may leave some scar tissue, causing a permanent filler effect. Some filler options may also offer permanent results and are usually injected deeper into the tissues.

• Botox^®

Botox^®, usually made from botulinum toxins, is also injectable, like fillers. However, they work in fundamentally different ways. Botox^® is injected with a fine needle into the target areas. Instead of filling up the target areas, it weakens the muscles that cause the creases. When the muscles weaken and relax, the wrinkles become much less visible. It works best for smile lines close to the eyes, but not so well for those around the mouth.

• Laser

Another treatment option is using a laser to eliminate a layer of skin. It is a skin resurfacing technique that works with the idea that newer skin has fewer wrinkles. It decreases both wrinkles and spots on the skin. The treatment has a more extended downtime of one to three weeks. It also causes some side effects like swelling and pain after the procedure.

• Micro-needling

Micro-needling or collagen induction is a technique for wrinkle reduction that increases collagen under the skin. The process aims to reverse the natural loss of collagen that happens when you age. Collagen is a protein in the skin that helps it maintain elasticity. The main idea behind the treatment is that more collagen means better elasticity.

• Over-the-counter Creams

The last nonsurgical option for treating laughing lines is over-the-counter creams. The most common and most studied ingredient in such creams is retinol. It is believed to break down the free radicals in the skin that lead to wrinkles. For the best results, you must use a cream with about 04 percent retinol thrice a week for six months.

For more about getting rid of laughing lines, visit Beverly Hills Aesthetics at our office in Los Angeles, California. Call 424-284-7570 to book an appointment today.