What Causes Smile Lines? Understanding Nasolabial Folds And Facial Ageing

Smile lines, also known as nasolabial folds or laugh lines, are one of the most common facial ageing concerns. These lines run from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth and are a natural part of facial anatomy. However, as they become deeper and more noticeable over time, many people begin to feel they look older, more tired or less refreshed than they would like.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that smile lines are caused simply by smiling. While facial expressions do play a role, several other factors contribute to the development of nasolabial folds.

At It's Me & You Clinic, a doctor led aesthetics clinic and skin clinic in Kingston upon Thames, we regularly help patients from London, Surrey, Richmond, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Walton on Thames and surrounding areas understand the causes of smile lines and explore personalised treatment options for facial rejuvenation.

What Are Smile Lines?

Smile lines are the natural folds that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Everyone has nasolabial folds to some degree. They are a normal part of facial structure and help facilitate facial movement and expression.

However, with age and changes in facial anatomy, these folds often become deeper and more prominent.

As a result, many patients feel their face appears:

• Older

• More tired

• Less youthful

• Heavier around the lower face

Understanding why smile lines develop can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Does Smiling Cause Smile Lines?

Contrary to popular belief, smiling is not the primary cause of smile lines.

Facial expressions contribute to the formation of natural creases over time, but most noticeable nasolabial folds are caused by structural changes within the face rather than facial movement alone.

In fact, avoiding smiling would not prevent smile lines from developing.

The ageing process, volume loss and skin changes are far more significant contributing factors.

Age Related Volume Loss

One of the biggest causes of deeper smile lines is age related volume loss.

As we age, we gradually lose:

• Facial fat

• Collagen

• Elastin

• Structural support

These changes occur throughout the face but are particularly noticeable in the cheeks and mid face.

As cheek volume diminishes, the skin and soft tissues can descend slightly, increasing the appearance of nasolabial folds.

This is one reason why cheek filler is often considered alongside nasolabial filler during facial rejuvenation consultations.

Loss Of Collagen And Elastin

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that help maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

From our mid twenties onwards, collagen production gradually declines.

As collagen levels decrease, the skin becomes:

• Less firm

• Less elastic

• More prone to folding

• More vulnerable to visible ageing

Over time, this loss of support contributes to deeper and more noticeable smile lines.

Changes In Facial Fat Distribution

Ageing affects not only the skin but also the underlying fat compartments of the face.

Certain areas lose volume, while others may become more prominent.

This redistribution of facial fat can alter facial contours and increase the appearance of:

• Nasolabial folds

• Marionette lines

• Jowls

• Mid face flattening

Facial ageing is therefore often a three dimensional process rather than simply the appearance of surface wrinkles.

Skin Laxity

Skin laxity refers to the gradual loosening of the skin that occurs with age.

As skin loses elasticity and support, it becomes less able to resist gravity and facial movement.

This contributes to:

• Sagging around the cheeks

• Increased fold depth

• Changes in facial contours

• More visible smile lines

Skin laxity often develops gradually and may become more noticeable from the thirties onwards.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in determining facial structure and ageing patterns.

Some people naturally develop more pronounced smile lines earlier in life due to inherited facial characteristics.

Genetic factors may influence:

• Cheek volume

• Skin thickness

• Collagen production

• Facial proportions

• Ageing patterns

This explains why some individuals develop deeper nasolabial folds despite maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Weight Loss

Significant weight loss can sometimes contribute to more noticeable smile lines.

When facial fat is reduced, the cheeks may lose support, creating:

• Hollowing

• Mid face volume loss

• Increased fold depth

• More prominent nasolabial folds

While weight loss offers many health benefits, facial volume changes can occasionally accelerate visible signs of ageing.

Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin ageing.

Ultraviolet radiation can accelerate the breakdown of:

• Collagen

• Elastin

• Skin support structures

Over time, this contributes to:

• Wrinkles

• Skin laxity

• Uneven texture

• More visible smile lines

Consistent sun protection remains one of the most important strategies for maintaining healthy skin.

Smoking And Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices can also influence how quickly smile lines develop.

Factors associated with accelerated skin ageing include:

• Smoking

• Chronic stress

• Poor diet

• Dehydration

• Inadequate skincare

• Excessive alcohol consumption

These factors can affect collagen production and overall skin quality, contributing to visible ageing changes.

Can Smile Lines Be Prevented?

Completely preventing smile lines is not realistic because they are a natural part of facial anatomy and ageing.

However, certain habits may help slow their progression:

• Daily sunscreen use

• Medical grade skincare

• Maintaining hydration

• Avoiding smoking

• Healthy nutrition

• Managing sun exposure

While these measures support skin health, they cannot completely prevent age related volume loss and structural facial changes.

What Is The Best Treatment For Smile Lines?

The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Nasolabial Filler

Dermal filler is often used to soften smile lines and restore support.

Cheek Filler

In some patients, restoring cheek volume can indirectly improve nasolabial folds.

Skin Boosters

Skin boosters may improve hydration and skin quality.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides can help support skin regeneration and improve overall skin health.

Combination Treatments

Many patients achieve the best results through a personalised combination approach.

At It's Me & You Clinic, treatment recommendations are based on comprehensive facial assessment rather than treating a single line in isolation.

Why A Full Facial Assessment Matters

One of the biggest mistakes in aesthetic medicine is treating nasolabial folds without understanding why they have developed.

Smile lines are often a symptom of broader facial ageing changes involving:

• The cheeks

• Mid face

• Skin quality

• Facial support structures

At It's Me & You Clinic, we evaluate the entire face to create balanced treatment plans that support natural looking outcomes.

Smile Line Treatments In London, Surrey And Kingston Upon Thames

Patients searching for treatment for smile lines in London and Surrey often want natural looking rejuvenation that restores freshness without creating an artificial appearance.

Located within Siddeley House in Kingston upon Thames, It's Me & You Clinic provides doctor led facial rejuvenation treatments for patients throughout South West London and Surrey. We regularly welcome patients from Richmond, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Walton on Thames, Weybridge and neighbouring areas.

Our aesthetics clinic and skin clinic offers a discreet and confidential environment with convenient access via Kingston railway station, nearby Bentall Centre parking and additional town centre parking facilities. Patients appreciate our personalised consultations and evidence based approach to aesthetic medicine.

Why Choose It's Me & You Clinic?

Patients choose It's Me & You Clinic because we provide:

• Doctor led aesthetic treatments

• Treatments performed by doctors or qualified nurses

• Comprehensive facial assessments

• Personalised treatment plans

• Premium quality products

• Evidence based care

• Natural looking results

• Detailed aftercare support

Every treatment recommendation is tailored to the individual patient, helping achieve refreshed and balanced outcomes that enhance natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are smile lines caused by smiling?

Not primarily. Smile lines are mainly caused by ageing, volume loss, skin changes and facial structure rather than smiling alone.

At what age do smile lines appear?

Many people begin noticing more prominent smile lines in their thirties and forties, although genetics can influence timing.

Does weight loss cause smile lines?

Significant weight loss can sometimes increase the appearance of smile lines by reducing facial volume.

Can skincare remove smile lines?

Skincare can improve skin quality but is unlikely to fully correct deeper nasolabial folds caused by volume loss.

What treatment works best for smile lines?

Nasolabial filler, cheek filler and combination treatments are often used depending on the underlying cause.

Can smile lines be prevented?

While they cannot be completely prevented, good skincare, sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits may help slow their progression.

Conclusion

Smile lines are a natural part of facial ageing, but they are influenced by far more than facial expressions alone. Factors such as volume loss, collagen reduction, skin laxity, genetics and lifestyle all contribute to the development of deeper nasolabial folds over time.

Understanding the underlying cause is essential for choosing the most effective treatment. If you are concerned about smile lines and are considering treatment in London, Surrey or Kingston upon Thames, a consultation at It's Me & You Clinic can help identify the most appropriate solution for your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

About Dr Laura Geige

Dr Laura Geige is a Level 7 qualified aesthetic practitioner and founder of It's Me & You Clinic, a doctor led aesthetics clinic and skin clinic in Kingston upon Thames. She specialises in dermal fillers, anti wrinkle treatments, skin rejuvenation and non surgical facial aesthetics. Her approach combines evidence based medicine, personalised treatment planning and premium quality materials to help patients achieve safe, natural looking and balanced results.