Nasolabial folds — the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth — are commonly called smile lines or laugh lines. While they are a natural part of facial anatomy, deepening nasolabial folds and marionette lines can create a tired or aged appearance. Dermal filler can soften these lines and restore a smoother, more youthful transition between the cheek and the mouth area.

What Causes Deep Smile Lines and Nasolabial Folds

Nasolabial folds deepen over time due to a combination of factors: loss of mid-face volume, decreased skin elasticity, and the repetitive movements of smiling and speaking. As the cheeks lose volume and begin to descend, the fold between the cheek and the upper lip becomes more pronounced. Gravity, sun exposure, and genetics all play a role in how quickly laugh lines develop and how deep they become.

Our Approach to Smile Lines Filler

Rather than simply filling the nasolabial fold directly — which can create an unnatural, puffy appearance — Sarah often takes a comprehensive approach to laugh lines treatment. Her strategy may include:

• Mid-face volume restoration — Restoring volume with cheek filler provides an upward lift that naturally softens nasolabial folds from above
• Direct fold treatment — When appropriate, a moderate-density hyaluronic acid filler is placed precisely within the fold for immediate smoothing
• Blending technique — Filler is feathered into surrounding tissue to avoid visible lines of demarcation
• Marionette line correction — The lines extending from the mouth corners downward are often addressed in the same session for comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation

This layered strategy is why nasolabial fold filler is one of our most versatile injectable treatments — it can be tailored to subtle softening or significant correction depending on your goals.

Nasolabial Fold Filler Results and Recovery

Smile lines filler treatments take about 15-20 minutes. Results are visible immediately, with final results settling within one to two weeks. Depending on the filler used and the depth of the folds, results typically last 9-18 months. Many patients combine nasolabial fold treatment with lip filler to refresh the entire mouth area, or with under-eye filler and jawline contouring for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan.