Methods to improve smile lines

Smile lines (nasolabial folds) extend from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth. They do not affect health, but the more obvious they are, the more they age the face. Skin aging is the main cause of this condition. Master, Doctor Vu Thi Thuy Trang, specialist in Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said there are many advanced methods to treat smile lines.

Softwave technology

This is a non-invasive treatment method, using parallel ultrasound beam technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production at wrinkles and laugh lines. Collagen is the main protein that helps firm skin and reduce wrinkles. Elastin is a protein that helps skin stretch and return to its original state, maintaining elasticity. Total treatment time with Sofwave including anesthesia is 2-3 hours. This is a quick treatment, requiring no recovery time. The effect is seen immediately after treatment, but will be more obvious after 3 months, according to Dr. Trang.

HIFU

HIFU (High-Intensity focused ultrasound) is a method that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to treat many different conditions, including laugh lines. HIFU focuses energy deep into the SMAS layer (superficial fascia-muscle-nerve system located under the facial skin) to lift the face and firm the skin’s underlying structure, improving sagging skin around the smile lines.

The temperature at the convergence point (about 60-70 degrees Celsius) stimulates the regeneration of new collagen and elastin, filling wrinkles and deep grooves. HIFU technology takes 2-3 hours, one treatment, and the effect lasts about 6-12 months. This technology causes almost no damage on the surface, only pain, the level of pain varies from person to person, and can last a few days after treatment.

Filler injection

Filler injection is a medical cosmetic procedure in which filler is injected under the skin to cover wrinkles and fill in missing volume. The process can take 15-30 minutes. Filler injections are usually only performed once for a treatment, effective for 12-18 months, depending on the type of filler used. Patients who take good care of their skin, eat and live healthily can prolong the effectiveness of filler. Over time, the filler is eliminated from the body naturally, then the smile lines can slowly reappear.

Laser microablation

Advanced laser ablation technologies (most commonly used are fractional CO2 or fractional Erbium lasers) tighten and stimulate collagen growth, helping to remove wrinkles and fade smile lines. Treatment time is 30-120 minutes, results can be seen after 3-4 treatments. The number of times it is done depends on each person’s skin condition. Effects can last 6-12 months.

Radio frequency technology

Radio frequency (RF) technology penetrates deeply into the epidermis and dermis, stimulating natural collagen and elastin production, reducing wrinkles, treating scars, loose skin… without causing harm. painful. Depending on the treatment area, it may take the patient 10-60 minutes. Effectiveness lasts 6-12 months, depending on technology.

Dr. Trang said laugh lines form during the natural aging process of humans, and there is no permanent, effective treatment. Slow down the time smile lines appear by not smoking and not sleeping on your side often. Limit exposure to sunlight, use sunscreen regularly, apply moisturizer and active ingredients that stimulate the skin to produce collagen. Eat and live healthily, get enough sleep.