Smile lines, the folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, are one of the most common reasons people book an aesthetics consultation. Most people expect us to treat the line itself. In this video Paul, our Clinical Director, explains the approach hardly anyone talks about, and why it often gives a softer, more natural result.
Paul appears in real video filmed at our clinic; his voice in this video is AI-generated and lip-synced, made with his consent. The treatment footage is real and filmed with consent.
The line is often a shadow
As we age, we gradually lose some of the support in the mid-face. The cheek sits a little lower and flatter, and the skin below it folds more deeply when we smile or rest. What looks like a deep line is often a shadow created by that loss of support higher up.
Why we don't just fill the fold
Placing filler straight into the fold can soften it, but it can also add weight to the lower face. Done heavily, it can make the area look full or puffy, and over time it can change the shape of the face in a way that no longer looks like you.
Restoring support where it was lost
Instead, we often restore a small amount of support higher in the cheek. When that support returns, the skin below is gently lifted and the fold softens on its own. Sometimes a tiny amount is still placed near the line, but far less than people expect.
Small amounts, careful placement
Our approach is always conservative. We would rather you came back for a small top-up than leave with too much. The goal is that nobody can tell what you have had done, only that you look fresher.
Your consultation
Every treatment starts with a consultation. We look at your face at rest and when you smile, talk about your medical history, and explain what we would suggest and why. If we don't think treatment is right for you, we will say so.
Frequently asked questions
Will my cheeks look bigger?
No. The amounts we use to restore support are small and placed to look natural, not to create a new shape.
How long does it last?
It varies from person to person. We will talk you through what to expect for you at your consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe it as pressure rather than pain. We take our time and check in with you throughout.
When will I see the result?
There is usually some change straight away, with the final result once any swelling has settled over the following couple of weeks.
Why the cheek matters so much
The mid-face is like the frame that holds the lower face in place. When it loses a little support, everything beneath it is affected: the smile lines deepen, the corners of the mouth can turn down slightly, and the jawline can soften. Looking at the face as a whole, rather than one line at a time, is what keeps results balanced.
Choosing who treats you
Smile line treatment involves an area with important blood vessels, so experience and anatomy matter. At 65Beauty, a CQC-registered, nurse-led clinic, treatments are planned carefully and only carried out after a full consultation. We will always explain what we are doing, why, and what the alternatives are, including doing nothing at all.
If smile lines are bothering you, come and talk to us at 39 Kings Road, Brentwood.
Book a consultation
Results vary. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are subject to a consultation.
Results vary from person to person. Every treatment starts with a consultation with a registered clinician.