Smile Lines - Dermal Fillers

These are the small folds which appear on either side of the lips and run down from the nose. Some believe smile lines give the face character, while others do not like having these kinds of lines and seek professional treatment. As we age collagen and elastin fibres in the skin breakdown and this can mean that the face loses its youthful, plumped up appearance.

The act of facial skin getting back into shape after smiling, grinning or laughing is referred to as a "snap back". This implies that the skin jumps back to its position when we stop these actions. The breakdown of collagen and elastin in the dermis is highly accelerated through the exposure of the skin to the sun's UVA rays because they penetrate the skin on a deep level.

Injectable fillers can be used to treat smile lines but expert medical opinion should be sought to determine the best category amongst the products available. Direct injection of hyaluronic acid and collagen can be applied to the affected areas in order to regain volume. The most common type of hyaluronic acid substance used as part of this treatment is Restylane. However, due to its high density and long-lasting ability, hyaluronic acid is best suited for such treatment and will work as an excellent filling substance.

Collagen is known to last for approximately 3 to 4 months while hyaluronic acid can last for up to 6 to 12 months. Healing after treatment takes around one to two days and during this time you may experience some slight redness. The risks associated with these different methods of treatment are bruising and bumpiness.

It is possible to lessen side-effects by having the procedure performed by a skilled, gentle professional. It is advisable to massage the area as soon as a bump is noticed to give it a smoother feel and prepare it for quick recovery. Quality treatment will leave the area looking smoother with no lines at all.