What’s the Best Way to Battle Laugh Lines?

May 28, 2013 - By Dr. Jules Feledy

Laugh lines – they’re one of the least-liked signs of aging, but it’s should be a small comfort that they’re supposed to mean you’ve had a happy life so far. Nasolabial wrinkles, better known as “laugh lines” or “smile lines,” are the lines that seem to connect the edges of your lips to the edges of your nose. Some people take pride in their laugh lines, but plenty more would see them vanish.

If you’re one of the latter, you might be asking: what’s the best way to accomplish that?

Surgery, fillers, or topical options?

It basically comes down to three options: surgical, injectables, and external skin care. Surgical options, such as facelifts or cheek augmentation, are the most permanent, but also the most expensive. Plus, being surgical procedures, there’s an element of risk involved. Injectable options like Botox and Juvederm are less risky, but also less permanent, and will still cost a pretty penny. For the more frugal, there’s creams with retinol, like Retin-A. Retinoids are effective in preventing collagen loss, a chief culprit in the formation of laugh lines.

With all of these options, what’s the best choice? When it comes to the maximization of results-per-cost, and the minimization of risk, the injectable option comes out on top. Juvederm won’t last as long as a surgical option, but it can last upwards of 12 months before it needs topping off – at around $450 per cheek, that could work out to just $900 per year to keep laugh lines at bay. Basically, the injectable option yields the best results at the best price, with minimal risk to you.

However, only you can truly know what’s right for you, be it surgery, injectables, topical treatments, or even just letting yourself age naturally. Well, you and our plastic surgeon – book a consultation and see what they think about your options. Hopefully, you’ll leave their office smiling.