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Smile Lines: Causes and treatment
Smile lines are creases around the mouth from years of expression. At PHI Clinic, dermal fillers restore smoothness and volume for a softer, rejuvenated, and more youthful appearance.
What are smile lines?
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are the natural skin folds that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These lines are created by repetitive facial movements like smiling, laughing, or talking, as well as the gradual loss of collagen and elastin within the skin. Over time, sun damage, reduced skin elasticity, and genetic factors can make these lines appear deeper, even when your face is at rest. Treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox can effectively smooth these creases, restore volume, and rejuvenate the surrounding skin for a refreshed appearance.
At PHI Clinic, our experienced practitioners assess each patient’s facial anatomy and dynamic expression to design a tailored treatment plan. Using hyaluronic dermal filler, we gently replenish lost volume in the midface and support the surrounding tissue. This approach softens smile lines, improves facial symmetry, and maintains natural movement. In some cases, Botulinum toxin may be combined with fillers to relax the cheek muscles and orbicularis oris, creating smoother transitions and a refined overall result.
What are smile lines?
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are the natural skin folds that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These lines are created by repetitive facial movements like smiling, laughing, or talking, as well as the gradual loss of collagen and elastin within the skin. Over time, sun damage, reduced skin elasticity, and genetic factors can make these lines appear deeper, even when your face is at rest. Treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox can effectively smooth these creases, restore volume, and rejuvenate the surrounding skin for a refreshed appearance.
At PHI Clinic, our experienced practitioners assess each patient’s facial anatomy and dynamic expression to design a tailored treatment plan. Using hyaluronic dermal filler, we gently replenish lost volume in the midface and support the surrounding tissue. This approach softens smile lines, improves facial symmetry, and maintains natural movement. In some cases, Botulinum toxin may be combined with fillers to relax the cheek muscles and orbicularis oris, creating smoother transitions and a refined overall result.
Smile Lines price
What Causes Bunny Lines?
Smile lines develop gradually through a combination of biological and lifestyle influences, including:
- Ageing: The breakdown of collagen and elastin leads to reduced skin firmness and elasticity.
- Facial expressions: Repeated contraction of the cheek muscles during smiling and laughter causes creasing over time.
- Sun exposure: UV rays damage collagen fibres and accelerate skin ageing.
- Genetic factors: Some people naturally have deeper nasolabial folds due to facial structure or inherited skin characteristics.
- Skin quality: Dehydration or an inconsistent skincare routine can make lines more visible.
- Smoking: Nicotine reduces oxygen and blood flow, weakening the skin’s ability to repair itself.
At PHI Clinic London, we address these causes using injectable fillers and skin-tightening treatments that restore structure and improve skin texture.
How to treat smile lines
The most effective solution for deep smile lines is hyaluronic acid dermal filler, which restores lost facial volume and hydration. This cosmetic treatment works beneath the skin to lift, smooth, and reduce the depth of nasolabial folds. Results are visible immediately and typically last 9 to 18 months, depending on the treatment area and individual metabolism. For more pronounced wrinkles or where expression plays a role, combining dermal fillers with Botulinum toxin can achieve enhanced results. Botox relaxes nearby muscles involved in repetitive facial movements, while fillers rebuild structure for smoother, longer-lasting rejuvenation.
Patients with advanced lines or sun-damaged skin may also benefit from laser skin resurfacing or polylactic acid-based collagen stimulators, which encourage natural collagen renewal and improve texture. During your consultation, our practitioners will explain each treatment option in detail, discuss expectations, and recommend the most effective solution for your concerns.
How to treat smile lines
The most effective solution for deep smile lines is hyaluronic acid dermal filler, which restores lost facial volume and hydration. This cosmetic treatment works beneath the skin to lift, smooth, and reduce the depth of nasolabial folds. Results are visible immediately and typically last 9 to 18 months, depending on the treatment area and individual metabolism. For more pronounced wrinkles or where expression plays a role, combining dermal fillers with Botulinum toxin can achieve enhanced results. Botox relaxes nearby muscles involved in repetitive facial movements, while fillers rebuild structure for smoother, longer-lasting rejuvenation.
Patients with advanced lines or sun-damaged skin may also benefit from laser skin resurfacing or polylactic acid-based collagen stimulators, which encourage natural collagen renewal and improve texture. During your consultation, our practitioners will explain each treatment option in detail, discuss expectations, and recommend the most effective solution for your concerns.
Aftercare and Recovery
After treatment, you may notice slight redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection points. These effects are temporary and usually fade within a few hours. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, heat exposure, or facial massage for 24 hours to ensure the filler settles evenly.
Following your aftercare advice helps maintain results and supports healthy connective tissue beneath the skin, leaving you with smoother, more youthful contours and a confident smile.
Safe and effective treatment
Your safety is our top priority and making our patients feel welcomed and reassured when entering PHI Clinic. To ensure maximum standard of patient care, all of our treatments are only ever carried out by our experienced and highly qualified team, who receive regular in-house and external training from industry experts.
At PHI Clinic we do not offer same day treatment as initial consultation to ensure patients have time to reflect on their bespoke treatment plan before choosing to proceed.
Smile lines frequently asked questions
Location
PHI Clinic
102 Harley Street,
London,
W1G 7JB,
United Kingdom
Tel: 02070345999
Opening Hours
Monday & Tuesday - 9:30am to 6:00pm
Wednesday & Thursday - 9:30am to 8:00pm
Friday - 9:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday - 11:30am to 12:30pm
Sunday - Closed
Opening times can change, if your appointment is outside of these times please contact the clinic for confirmation.
