Smile lines men notice are the same nasolabial folds women have, running from the nose to the mouth corners. They deepen with age, sun, smoking and weight loss. Male skin is often thicker, so fine lines may show later, but folds still form. Treatments are similar: filler, laser or a lift, adjusted to keep a natural, masculine look.
This guide is part of our smile lines overview, which explains the three types of fold.
Causes
Smile lines in men form from the same anatomy as in women; sun exposure, smoking, weight change and genes speed up how deep they get.
A 2024 anatomy review explains that the skin below the fold is firmly attached to the mouth muscle while the cheek above is looser. With age, ligaments lose resilience and cheek tissue sags toward the fold. Mayo Clinic lists age, ultraviolet light, smoking, pollution, repeated expressions and family history as causes of lasting lines.
Two factors stand out for many men:
- Sun exposure: outdoor work or sport without sunscreen breaks down collagen and elastin.
- Smoking: a 2013 study of 79 identical twin pairs found smokers had deeper nasolabial folds, with visible differences after as little as five years’ difference in smoking.
Rapid weight loss, for example from intense training or weight-loss medicines, can empty the cheeks and make smile lines on men look deeper.
Treatments
Men use the same treatments as women, but with less volume and different placement to keep a strong, natural male mid-face.
| Option | What it does | Note for men |
|---|---|---|
| Daily sunscreen and retinoid | Slows deepening, improves texture | Easy to add to shaving routine |
| Hyaluronic acid filler | Softens the fold, about 9 to 12 months | Small amounts avoid a rounded face |
| Laser resurfacing | Smooths skin around the fold | Plan around beard and sun exposure |
| Facelift or midface lift | Repositions sagging cheeks | Scars planned around the beard line |
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US), men had about 146,951 hyaluronic acid filler procedures in 2024, around 3% of the total, and 16% of combination laser treatments. In my practice, I treat male folds conservatively and place support higher on the cheekbone, because filling the fold heavily can make a man’s face look soft and feminine.
For a full list of options, see smile lines treatment and smile lines filler.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Short answers on male smile lines: causes, whether they look good, filler for men, beards and how to prevent them.
Why do men get smile lines?
The fold is normal anatomy in everyone. In men, it deepens with age, sun exposure, smoking, weight loss and genetics. Male skin is often thicker, which may delay fine lines, but it doesn’t prevent the fold from forming.
Are smile lines attractive on guys?
Many people see smile lines on guys as a sign of warmth and character. Mild folds that show when smiling rarely need treatment. Men usually seek treatment when folds look deep at rest and make them appear tired or older.
Is filler for male smile lines different?
The product is the same, but placement differs. Men usually need less volume in the fold and more support on the cheekbone to keep a masculine shape. Ask your injector how they adapt treatment for male faces.
Can a beard hide smile lines?
A beard can disguise the lower end of the fold near the mouth corner, but the upper part beside the nose usually stays visible. Some men use a beard alongside skincare or filler instead of treating the fold alone.
How can men prevent deep smile lines?
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more daily, avoid smoking, keep weight stable and use a retinoid at night. Mayo Clinic notes quitting smoking helps skin even after years of smoking. These habits slow deepening, though they can’t stop normal aging.
Do male smile lines need a different surgery?
The procedures are the same, but surgeons plan incisions around the sideburns and beard and avoid an over-tight look. In 2024, men had about 7% of facelifts in the US, according to ASPS statistics.
If you’d like a male-focused assessment of your smile lines, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For causes and types, return to the smile lines hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Hong GW, Song S, Park SY, et al. Why Do Nasolabial Folds Appear? Exploring the Anatomical Perspectives and the Role of Thread-Based Interventions. Diagnostics. 2024;14(7):716. mdpi.com
- Wrinkles: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. 2023. mayoclinic.org
- Face it: Twins who smoke look older, says study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Newswise. 2013. newswise.com
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedures: Men. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- About JUVÉDERM Ultra XC for Facial Wrinkles and Folds. Patient labeling. AbbVie. 2023. rxabbvie.com
- Willson A. Facial fat: The good, the bad and the confusing. ASPS. 2024. plasticsurgery.org
