Laughter Lines

What are Laughter Lines?

Laughter lines, also called smile lines or nasolabial folds, are the creases that appear around the mouth and eyes when we smile or laugh. Over time, these lines can become permanent wrinkles due to ageing and repeated facial expressions.

Causes

Natural Ageing Factors

• Loss of collagen and elastin → skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
• Volume loss in cheeks and under eyes → deeper folds form.
• Repeated facial movements (smiling, laughing) create permanent lines.
• Reduced skin hydration with age.

Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

• Sun exposure → accelerates collagen breakdown.
• Smoking → damages skin and reduces blood flow.
• Stress & lack of sleep → contribute to premature skin ageing.
• Poor skincare routine → dry, unprotected skin shows wrinkles faster.

Symptoms / Appearance

• Fine lines or deep creases around the:
• Corners of the eyes (crow’s feet)
• Sides of the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
• Become more noticeable when smiling, laughing, or talking.
• May give a tired or aged look.

Treatments

Non-Surgical Options

• Dermal fillers → restore volume to cheeks and smooth folds.
• Botox® → relaxes muscles that deepen laughter lines (commonly used around eyes).
• Laser resurfacing → improves skin texture and stimulates collagen.
• Microneedling → tightens and smooths fine lines.
• Chemical peels → improve skin texture and reduce superficial wrinkles.
• Medical-grade skincare → retinoids, hyaluronic acid, peptides.

View our treatments

Surgical Options

• Facelift / mini facelift → lifts sagging skin and reduces deeper lines.
• Fat transfer → restores lost facial volume naturally.

Prevention

• Daily sun protection (SPF 30+).
• Maintain a hydrated and healthy lifestyle (plenty of water, balanced diet).
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
• Use anti-ageing skincare early (retinoids, antioxidants, peptides).
• Get regular skin treatments (peels, facials, collagen-boosting therapies).

FAQs

Q1. Are laughter lines a bad thing?
No – they’re a natural part of ageing and often seen as a sign of happiness.

Q2. Can skincare alone remove them?
Skincare can soften fine lines but deeper folds usually need fillers or advanced treatments.

Q3. At what age do laughter lines appear?
Often noticeable from the late 20s–30s, deepening with age.

Q4. Do fillers for laughter lines look natural?
Yes, when done professionally, fillers provide a subtle, refreshed look.

Q5. How long do treatments last?
Fillers last 6–18 months, Botox 3–6 months, and laser/peels provide longer-term improvements with maintenance.