01 May Smile Line & Nasolabial Folds Treatment: Can Surgery Erase Deep Lines?
Smile Lines And Folds: A Line You Don’t Want To Cross
As individuals move into age 30, 40, and 50, the first signs of aging appear. Mild wrinkles, frown lines, and reduced skin elasticity form. These issues are a mild annoyance for some. Over time, however, deep smile lines and nasolabial folds appear. Smile lines and nasolabial folds are terms used interchangeably. These are the creases that run from the sides of the nose and extend to the corners of the mouth. The creases can deepen over time, forming what appears like parentheses or a triangle with the upper lip. The deep creases can affect confidence and self-esteem, but there are solutions to address these smile lines.
Attacking aging with non-surgical treatment
The appearance and severity of nasolabial folds vary, but individuals will first explore non-surgical options. Skincare products, such as creams and serums, can help mild smile lines by speeding up skin cell turnover and improving firmness. Moderate wrinkles can benefit from dermal fillers or botulinum toxin injections. Dermal fillers are injectables of natural substances, like hyaluronic acid, that plump up skin to reduce wrinkles. Another option, botulinum toxin injections, freezes the surrounding muscles, thereby limiting movement and the appearance of wrinkles. While effective, these options are short-lived, requiring multiple applications over time.
Let’s address deep lines with surgery
A facelift or rhytidectomy is the most effective procedure to address deep lines. The procedure lifts and tightens the skin, producing a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Facelifts are complex procedures that involve the patient being placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision along the hairline to the ears. The skin is gently lifted to access the layers of tissue and muscle. The surgeon repositions the tissue and muscle using advanced techniques to address these deep wrinkles. The skin is then stretched and draped in the appropriate position. The surgeon removes the excess skin and closes the incisions, discreetly hiding the surgical sites around the hairline. Facelifts are ideal for the mid to lower portions of the face, targeting nasolabial folds while improving the jawline.
The power of mini-facelifts
Surgeons can also address nasolabial folds using a mini-facelift or an S-lift. The procedure targets the lower half of the face but uses minimally invasive incisions and techniques. The surgeon may use local anesthesia and make small S-shaped incisions around the hairline and ear. The immediate tissue and muscular layers are manipulated to improve wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging in the lower face. Mini-facelifts are popular as most procedures take 2-3 hours, and the patient can leave on the same day. The recovery timeline is also shorter; however, the results may be less noticeable than those of a traditional facelift. Facelifts and mini-facelifts are sometimes combined with other proceudures for optimal results.
Should you or shouldn’t you try surgery?
Non-surgical options may only produce a minimal improvement in deep nasolabial folds. Severe smile lines benefit from surgical intervention, which can provide results lasting several years. Facelifts can tighten sagging skin and address deep lines that show no improvement from non-surgical means. Older patients with realistic expectations are the best candidates for facelifts. The mini-facelift option is best for younger patients who notice mild to moderate smile lines. These patients may have once used dermal fillers or other non-surgical options. Surgery, while effective, is not without risk. Scarring, infections, swelling, and bleeding can occur but can also be managed. The surgeon will discuss all risks and benefits during an initial consultation.
Erase those deep lines for a youthful glow
Deep smile lines are evidence of aging and may be accompanied by sagging skin and increased tissue around the jawline. These lines aren’t a medical concern but can impact confidence over time. Clearing up those smile lines can feel like turning back the clock. Patients can feel several years younger and are motivated to interact with others and start new projects, even at an advanced age. While non-surgical options can help, the dramatic improvement facelifts provide cannot be overlooked. A surgeon can help decide the most appropriate techniques to finally banish deep smile lines.