Smile Lines

Smile Lines: Causes, Prevention and Treatments

Smile lines, also referred to as laugh lines, are creases around the mouth that are formed during the natural ageing process. The smile lines around the mouth look like parenthesis. A smile line is formed from an individual using a muscle repeatedly, pushing the skin around the mouth into a repeated folding pattern. The skin around the mouth also loses tissue volume and elasticity as we age, causing laugh lines around the mouth. Laugh lines will be hard to avoid as the skin ages, as it is harder for the skin to repair itself from the damage that has been done.

How to get rid of smile lines?

Many individuals are interested in how to get rid of smile lines. One treatment that is available to remove smile lines is Refirme NXT. This non-invasive treatment can be done in as little as 20 minutes. It has been cleared by the FDA and the TGA. This top of the line treatment utilises advanced technologies to help fade away smile lines. The method is a controlled method that uses radio frequency and optical energy. This skin treatment is safe for all skin types and colours. There is very little if any pain associated with Refirme NXT, and no downtime is needed. Individuals can return to normal activities once the procedure is finished. The total number of treatments an individual will need will be based off how deep the smile lines are. Typically, treatments are spread out over a course of 3 to 4 week intervals, with 2 to 5 sessions needed. Side effects include mild redness, swelling of the skin, and blanching of the skin that dissipates within a few hours after treatment.

Another method that is used to get rid of smile lines around the mouth is the use of dermal fillers. These are often used to fill in deeper smile lines. Dermal fillers are injected into the skin with a tiny needle. They are fast, easy and effective. Before the treatment, the doctor will map out the areas on the face that need treated. A numbing cream will be applied, and the patient will wait while it takes effect, usually about half an hour. The dermal fillers will then be injected into the skin. Ice may be applied to help eliminate bruising. Dermal fillers do not have any downtime, a patient can return to normal activities immediately after a treatment. Dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of dermal filler used. Since dermal fillers are made from natural substances, they are considered safer than traditional collagen fillers.  Side effects associated with dermal fillers include swelling, redness, and irritation at the injection site, but this typically only lasts for a few hours after the procedure.

Areas of Treatment:

How to prevent wrinkles and facial lines?

While there is no real solution to this question, there are ways we can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and premature ageing of the skin. Sunscreen should always be worn, as the sun can break down collagen in the skin, which will make the firmness and elasticity of the skin become compromised. Sunscreen should be worn during the entire year to protect the face.

Another step in preventing wrinkles is to give up on bad habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. The collagen and elastin in the skin are damaged from chemical in cigarettes, which will make the ageing process happen much faster.

Eating a well-balanced diet can help to improve the skin, which can be beneficial to those that want to learn how to prevent wrinkles. Individuals that eat a diet rich in vitamin A, C, and E will find that the skin benefits from these vitamins.