How to get rid of smile lines depends on what causes them. For a fold from volume loss, hyaluronic acid filler gives the fastest visible change. Deep, sagging folds respond better to a facelift or midface lift. Fine surface lines improve with laser or retinoids over months. Daily sunscreen and not smoking slow the deepening. No option removes them completely.
This guide is part of our smile lines overview, which explains the three types of fold.
Quick answer
Match the method to the cause: filler for hollows, lifting for sagging, resurfacing for skin creases, and sun protection for prevention.
- Look at your folds at rest and when smiling. If they only show when you smile, they’re normal and need no treatment.
- Check for cheek sagging. Gently lift the cheek toward the ear in a mirror. If the fold softens a lot, sagging is the main cause.
- Start prevention now. Use SPF 30 or more daily and stop smoking.
- Add a retinoid for skin texture and fine lines.
- See a doctor if the fold bothers you at rest, for filler, laser or surgery.
No treatment can promise the lines will vanish, and no smile lines at all would look unnatural. The aim is a softer fold.
In-office treatments
How to remove smile lines most effectively: filler, laser, subcision, fat grafting and surgery, ranked here by size of change.
| Rank | Treatment | Results | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Facelift or midface lift | Largest change for sagging folds | Years |
| 2 | Hyaluronic acid filler | Immediate softening | About 9 to 12 months |
| 3 | Fat grafting | Natural volume; some fat reabsorbs | Variable |
| 4 | Subcision | Mild to moderate improvement | At least 6 months in one small study |
| 5 | Laser resurfacing | Smoother skin, fine lines | Long-lasting with sun care |
| 6 | Prescription retinoid | Gradual fine-line improvement | While used |
| 7 | Over-the-counter retinol | Slower, milder | While used |
| 8 | Sunscreen and not smoking | Prevents deepening | Ongoing |
| 9 | Facial exercises | No proven effect on folds | Not applicable |
The labelled main study of one widely used hyaluronic acid filler enrolled 146 people; 88% kept their improvement at 24 weeks, and results usually last about nine months to a year. A 2012 study found that nasolabial improvement after a facelift held up well at about five years. For how to rid smile lines with each technique in detail, see our smile lines treatment comparison and smile lines filler guide.
In my practice, the most common mistake I see is overfilling the fold itself, which makes the mid-face look heavy. Restoring cheek support first usually needs less product.
At-home remedies
Smile lines remedies at home can improve skin quality and slow deepening, but they won’t flatten a fold caused by sagging or volume loss.
- Sunscreen: Mayo Clinic advises broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more every day, reapplied every two hours outdoors.
- Retinol: in a 2007 randomised trial in very elderly volunteers, 0.4% retinol lotion improved fine wrinkles after 24 weeks compared with a plain lotion.
- Moisturiser: traps water in the skin, so dryness lines look less obvious.
- Stopping smoking: a study of 79 identical twin pairs linked smoking with deeper nasolabial folds.
- Stable weight: rapid loss can empty the cheeks and deepen the fold.
Our skincare for smile lines guide lists ingredients that work.
Without filler
Ways to reduce smile lines without filler include laser, subcision, fat grafting, threads, surgery and consistent retinoid use.
Subcision uses a needle under the fold to release tethered skin. In a 2015 study of 16 patients, 13 showed moderate improvement at one month, and 13 kept at least mild improvement at six months, with no side effects lasting beyond a few days. Laser resurfacing smooths skin, with roughly one to two weeks of healing. Your own fat can replace filler, though a small 2015 study showed the correction fading gradually over six months. Face yoga isn’t a proven option; see smile lines exercises.
How fast?
Filler works the same day, laser in one to three months, retinoids in several months, and surgery once swelling settles over weeks.
If you need smile lines gone for an event, filler is the quickest in-office route; allow two weeks for bruising to clear. For a same-day fix, makeup helps; our smile lines makeup guide shows how to stop creasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on getting rid of smile lines naturally, fast or without filler, and whether they can disappear for good.
Can I get rid of smile lines naturally?
You can soften the skin part with daily sunscreen, a retinoid, moisturiser and not smoking. These won’t remove a fold from sagging or volume loss. Natural options without needles mainly prevent deepening and improve texture over months.
How do I get rid of smile lines fast?
Hyaluronic acid filler gives a visible change the same day. Expect possible redness, swelling and bruising, which in product studies mostly lasted a week or less. Makeup gives an instant effect for one day. Plan filler about two weeks before an event.
Is there a way to get rid of smile lines without filler?
Options include subcision, laser resurfacing, fat grafting, threads and a facelift or midface lift for sagging. Retinoids help fine lines over months. The right choice depends on whether your fold comes from volume loss, sagging or muscle pull.
Can smile lines disappear completely?
Not permanently. The fold is normal anatomy, and everyone has one. Treatment can soften it, but it will show when you smile and may deepen again with time. Removing it entirely would look unnatural.
If you’d like a plan matched to your fold type, 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
- About JUVÉDERM Ultra XC for Facial Wrinkles and Folds. Patient labeling. AbbVie. 2023. rxabbvie.com
- Journal report finds patients still look younger five years after facelift surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2012. plasticsurgery.org
- Robati RM, Abdollahimajd F, Robati AM. Evaluation of Subcision for the Correction of the Prominent Nasolabial Folds. Dermatol Res Pract. 2015;2015:976153. doaj.org
- Ghasemi B, Tabaie SM, Azizjalali M, et al. Injection of Autologous Fat Alone and in Combination With Autologous Platelet Gel for Nasolabial Fold Augmentation. J Skin Stem Cell. 2015;2(3):e35681. brieflands.com
- Kafi R, Kwak HSR, Schumacher WE, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612. pure.johnshopkins.edu
- 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
- Laser skin resurfacing recovery. ASPS. plasticsurgery.org
