At Radiant Wellness & Aesthetics Med Spa in Forked River, NJ, we are committed to providing our clients with the latest and most effective skin care treatments. Dermaplaning is one of these advanced procedures, offering an exceptional way to achieve smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin. Let’s delve into what dermaplaning is, how it works, and who can benefit from this popular exfoliation technique.
You have probably had this moment: you catch your reflection at a certain angle, maybe under bathroom lighting or in a car mirror, and the lines running from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth look more pronounced than they did a few years ago. These are commonly called nasolabial folds, or smile lines, and they are one of the most frequent reasons people start researching dermal filler as an option.
Updated this month, here is what is actually happening underneath the skin, why these lines deepen with age, and how filler is typically used to address them in Forked River, New Jersey.
It Is Not Really About the Lines Themselves
Here is the part that surprises most people: nasolabial folds are not caused by the skin itself getting weaker in that specific spot. They are largely a byproduct of volume loss happening elsewhere in the midface. As the cheeks lose fat pad volume and bone density gradually decreases with age, the tissue that used to sit up higher on the face starts to shift downward. That shift pulls the skin along the nose-to-mouth line, making the fold more visible even if the skin quality in that exact area has not changed much at all.
This is why people who try to address smile lines with only surface-level skin care are often disappointed. The concern is structural, not just textural.
Why This Concern Often Shows Up Alongside Skin Laxity
Volume loss and skin laxity tend to go hand in hand. As underlying support decreases, the skin above it has less structure to cling to, which can make it appear looser overall, not just along the nasolabial fold. That is part of why a conversation about filler often expands into a broader look at cheek volume, jawline definition, and overall facial balance rather than treating one line in isolation.
How Dermal Filler Addresses This
Dermal fillers are gel-based treatments, most commonly made from hyaluronic acid, that are placed strategically to restore lost volume. Rather than injecting directly into the fold itself in every case, an experienced provider often looks at the cheek area first. Restoring volume higher on the face can lift the tissue back into a more youthful position, which softens the appearance of the nasolabial fold indirectly. In other cases, a small amount is placed directly along the fold for more immediate softening.
At Radiant Wellness Aesthetics, dermal filler treatments are approached with this structural mindset, evaluating the whole midface rather than only the line that brought someone in the door. The goal is a natural, balanced result rather than an overfilled look.
Why Technique Matters More Than Product Alone
Two people can use the exact same filler product and end up with very different results depending on where and how it is placed. Overfilling directly into the fold without addressing the underlying volume loss can sometimes create an unnatural, puffy appearance. This is one of the more common concerns people bring up before their first filler appointment, and it is a fair one. A thoughtful injector treats the cause of the fold, not just the crease itself.
What Else Contributes to Deeper Smile Lines
While volume loss is the primary driver, a few other factors tend to make nasolabial folds more noticeable:
Sun exposure over time, which breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, compounding the effects of volume loss.
Genetics, since facial structure and how fat pads are distributed vary quite a bit from person to person.
Weight fluctuations, particularly significant weight loss, which can leave less cushioning in the cheeks.
Repeated facial expressions, especially frequent smiling, which is exactly why these are sometimes called smile lines in the first place.
Filler Is Not the Only Piece of the Puzzle
For some people, filler alone addresses the concern well. For others, especially where skin texture or laxity is also a factor, combining filler with a skin rejuvenation treatment like microneedling or a chemical peel produces a more complete result. The practice's post on combination therapies for skin rejuvenation goes into more detail on how these approaches work together.
It is also worth understanding how filler differs from a wrinkle relaxer like Botox. Filler restores volume, while a wrinkle relaxer addresses muscle movement. Many people benefit from both, particularly when they are dealing with volume loss in the cheeks alongside expression lines elsewhere on the face, something covered in the full spectrum of wrinkle relaxers guide.
What to Expect From a Filler Consultation
A good consultation starts with a conversation about what is actually bothering you, whether that is the folds themselves, overall cheek flatness, or a combination of concerns. The provider will typically evaluate your bone structure, skin quality, and where volume has been lost, then walk through a plan that may involve the cheeks, the fold itself, or both. Results are visible almost immediately, though some initial swelling can make the area look slightly fuller than the final result for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need filler in my cheeks if my concern is my smile lines? Often, yes. Since volume loss in the cheeks is a major contributor to nasolabial folds, addressing the cheeks first can soften the fold more naturally than treating the line alone.
How long does dermal filler last? This varies by product and by individual metabolism, but many hyaluronic acid fillers last several months to over a year before gradually breaking down.
Will filler make my smile lines disappear completely? Filler softens and reduces the appearance of the fold, but the goal is a natural improvement rather than complete elimination, especially since some fold is a normal part of facial anatomy.
Can filler be combined with Botox? Yes, and it often is. Filler addresses volume, while a wrinkle relaxer addresses muscle movement, so combining both can address a fuller range of concerns.
Ready to Address the Real Cause, Not Just the Crease?
Nasolabial folds are one of those concerns that look like a skin problem but are usually a structure problem. Understanding that distinction is often the difference between a filler treatment that looks natural and one that does not quite hit the mark. If you have been noticing deeper smile lines and want a plan built around your actual facial structure, book a consultation to talk it through.
