Will Botox Help Smile Lines?

We’re all for a good laugh, but not necessarily the lines it leaves behind. If your smile lines (also called nasolabial folds) are starting to hang around long after the joke’s over, you’re probably wondering if Botox will help.

Short answer? Not exactly. But don’t click away just yet - we’ve got solutions!

First, What Are Smile Lines?

Smile lines are those creases that run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. They’re perfectly normal, and yes, they’re more visible when you smile. But over time, as collagen drops off and volume disappears (thanks, ageing), they can become more noticeable even when your face is at rest.

Will Botox Help Smile Lines?

Here’s the thing - Botox works best on dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated muscle movement (think frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet). It relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to scrunch up.

But smile lines? Those are more about volume loss and skin laxity than muscle overuse. Which means Botox isn’t the main character here.

So What Does Work?

Now we’re talking. If smile lines are bothering you, we’ve got some little tweaks up our sleeve:

1. Dermal Filler: The Go-To Fix

We can place a small amount of hyaluronic acid filler in the area to restore volume, soften the fold, and support the surrounding tissue. This gives a fresher, smoother look without freezing your face.

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2. Midface Rejuvenation: The Smart Approach

Sometimes, smile lines are actually a symptom of volume loss higher up in the face. By replacing volume in the cheeks (where it’s meant to be), we can naturally lift the lower face, reducing the depth of the lines without ever touching them directly.

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3. Skin Boosters or Polynucleotides: The Long Game

These aren’t quick fixes, but they improve skin quality, elasticity, and hydration over time, making lines softer and skin bouncier. Think of it as preventative maintenance for your face.

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But Can You Ever Use Botox for Smile Lines?

In very specific cases, a tiny touch of Botox might be used around the mouth to tweak how the muscles move, but it’s delicate work. Go too far, and you’ll end up sipping your tea through a straw. Not the vibe.

That’s why at Aesthetically Refined, we always tailor your treatment to your face - not a trend, not a template, and definitely not a TikTok filter.

Treat the Cause, Not Just the Crease

If smile lines are starting to settle in and you’d rather they didn’t, the best approach is a personalised one. It might involve filler, skin boosters, a cheek tweak - or a bit of everything! What it won’t involve? Overfilling or freezing your expression.

Ready to soften the lines without losing your character? Book your consultation and let’s work out a treatment plan that’s as individual as your laugh.