Overview
What smile lines are
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. Everyone has them. They become a concern when they deepen enough to make you look tired or older at rest.
The real cause is often higher up
As we age, the cheeks lose fat and bone support, and the tissue slides down a little. That extra weight piles up along the fold and makes it deeper. So filling only the line can sometimes look heavy, while putting back a bit of support in the cheeks softens the fold more naturally. Sun damage, weight loss, and smoking also play a part.
Treatment options
- Juvéderm, Belotero, and Radiesse fillers soften the fold and restore lift where it's needed.
- Sculptra works gradually, prompting your own collagen for longer-lasting volume.
- Facial fat transfer, performed by Dr. Kim, uses your own fat for a longer-term result.
Choosing the right approach
Filler is quick and has little downtime, which makes it a good starting point for mild to moderate folds. If sagging along the jawline also bothers you, a facelift may address the bigger picture. Either way, the goal is to look refreshed without changing how your face moves when you smile.
Recommended Treatment
Juvederm
JUVÉDERM® is a collection of FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers designed to restore lost facial volume, smooth wrinkles, enhance lips, and improve facial contours with natural-looking results. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim uses advanced injection techniques and comprehensive facial analysis to customize each JUVÉDERM® treatment based on individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. By combining medical precision with an artistic approach, JUVÉDERM® injections can soften smile lines, define the jawline, enhance cheek volume, and rejuvenate aging skin without surgery or downtime, offering patients a safe, effective, and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation solution.
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