They’re called smile lines, but if they’re making you feel less than joyful when you look in the mirror, you’re not alone. These fine lines and creases that form around the nose and mouth—also known as nasolabial folds—are one of the most common signs of aging. The good news? With the right treatment plan, you can smooth smile lines and restore a youthful, glowing look without surgery.
From collagen-boosting injectables like Sculptra to skin-supporting lifestyle tips, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about how to get rid of smile lines and feel confident in your skin.
What Are Smile Lines and What Causes Them?
Understanding Nasolabial Folds
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are the creases that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. Everyone has them, but over time, they can become deeper and more pronounced, especially when you smile or laugh.
Common Causes of Smile Lines
Several factors contribute to the development of these laugh lines, some of which are out of our control, but many can be slowed or improved with the right care.
Aging and Collagen Loss
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, plump, and elastic. This collagen breakdown leads to sagging and volume loss in the midface, which deepens nasolabial folds.
Sun Exposure and Skin Damage
Chronic sun exposure is a major culprit in premature aging. UV rays break down collagen fibers and accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including laugh lines.
Repetitive Facial Expressions
Smiling, laughing, and talking are beautiful parts of life, but they also contribute to the formation of expression lines. Over time, repeated movements of facial muscles etch lines into the skin.
Lifestyle Factors (Smoking, Diet, Sleep)
Smoking, poor nutrition, dehydration, and lack of sleep can all accelerate skin aging and reduce your skin’s ability to repair itself, making lines look more prominent.
Why Sculptra Is the Best Solution for Smile Lines
If you’re wondering how to get rid of nasolabial folds for the long term, look no further than Sculptra. This next-generation injectable offers subtle, natural-looking results that build over time—and boost your skin’s health from within. Whether you’re looking to soften facial folds or exploring treatments like a non-surgical BBL for fuller curves, Sculptra’s collagen-stimulating benefits can make a big difference.
How Sculptra Works to Smooth Smile Lines
Unlike traditional dermal fillers that simply “fill” a wrinkle, Sculptra is a biostimulatory injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). If you’ve ever wondered “what is Sculptra exactly,” it’s a treatment designed to work beneath the skin to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, gradually plumping and firming the area for long-lasting results.
Benefits of Choosing Sculptra Over Other Fillers
- Gradual, natural-looking improvement
- Longer-lasting results (up to two years)
- No “overfilled” look
- Improves overall skin quality and thickness
- Minimal maintenance compared to hyaluronic acid fillers
How Sculptra Stimulates Natural Collagen Production
Sculptra doesn’t create instant volume. Instead, it acts as a scaffold for new collagen to form, gradually softening laugh lines and restoring youthful contours. This makes it the ideal solution for deep smile lines and overall face rejuvenation.
The Sculptra Treatment Process for Smile Lines
Consultation and Personalized Treatment Plan
At Elase, we start with a comprehensive consultation to assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a custom plan. We’ll evaluate the depth of your smile lines, the condition of your skin, and whether Sculptra is the best option for you.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Your provider will cleanse the area and may apply a topical numbing cream.
- Sculptra is then injected into targeted areas using a fine needle or cannula.
- The treatment typically takes 30–45 minutes, depending on your needs.
Is There Any Pain or Downtime?
Most clients find the Sculptra treatment to be very tolerable. You may experience slight swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site, but this usually resolves within a few days. You can return to normal activities almost immediately.
Aftercare Tips for Optimal Results
You’ll be advised to follow the “5-5-5” rule: massage the treated area 5 minutes, 5 times a day, for 5 days. This helps ensure the product distributes evenly and supports optimal collagen stimulation.
How Long Do Sculptra Results Last for Smile Lines?
Timeline of Collagen Stimulation and Visible Improvements
Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Sculptra doesn’t offer instant results. You’ll start to notice improvement around 4–6 weeks post-treatment, with full results developing over 3–6 months as your body builds new collagen.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most patients need 2–3 sessions, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, for optimal results. The number of sessions depends on the depth of your laugh lines and your individual collagen response.
Tips for Maintaining Your Results
To maintain your youthful glow, we recommend:
- Annual maintenance treatments
- A consistent skincare routine
- Sun protection and a healthy lifestyle
Other Ways to Prevent and Reduce Smile Lines
While in-office treatments like Sculptra are powerful, at-home care and lifestyle adjustments can also support smoother skin and prevent deepening folds.
Skincare Ingredients That Help
Look for products with:
- Retinol: Increases cell turnover and collagen
- Peptides: Signal the skin to produce more collagen
- Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps and hydrates for immediate softening
Facial Exercises and Massage Techniques
Gentle facial massage or tools like gua sha and facial rollers can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps the skin stay firm and lifted, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Healthier, Firmer Skin
- Stay hydrated and eat a collagen-supporting diet (think leafy greens, berries, and bone broth)
- Prioritize quality sleep
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Always wear SPF, even on cloudy days
What to Look for in a Med Spa or Aesthetic Clinic
When choosing where to get your smile lines treated, make sure the clinic:
- Has licensed, experienced providers
- Offers Sculptra and other medical-grade injectables
- Provides personalized consultations
- Uses a natural, anatomy-based approach to facial balancing
At Elase, we’re known for our expert-level injectors, cutting-edge technology, and results that enhance your natural beauty, never overdone.
How to Choose Between Sculptra and Other Treatment Options
Sculptra isn’t the only solution to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds, but it is one of the most strategic when you’re targeting volume loss and skin quality at the same time. For more superficial lines or faster results, your provider may recommend hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. If skin texture is a primary concern, resurfacing treatments or collagen-boosting technologies may be recommended.
At Elase, we take a personalized approach. We’ll walk you through all your treatment options, discuss your comfort level with downtime, and recommend a solution based on your goals, skin condition, and anatomy. The result? A plan that’s not just effective, but truly right for you.
Book Your Sculptra Consultation at Elase Today!
If you’re ready to smooth your smile lines or wrinkles and glow with confidence again, our team is here to help. Let’s build a plan that works for you, using Sculptra’s collagen-boosting power to refresh your look from the inside out.
Book your consultation at Elase today and take the first step toward firmer, younger-looking skin—naturally.
