Laugh Lines: Causes, Treatment and Costs

Laugh lines — also known as nasolabial folds — are the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. They are a natural facial feature and deepen with age through volume loss, skin laxity and repeated facial expressions. Modern aesthetic medicine offers several effective treatments to soften laugh lines.

Causes of Laugh Lines

Volume loss: Fat compartments in the midface deflate with age
Skin laxity: Decreased collagen and elastin production
Sun damage: UV exposure accelerates skin aging
Repeated expression: Smiling creates dynamic fold reinforcement over time
Genetic factors: Face shape and fat distribution predispose to fold depth

Treatment Options

Hyaluronic Acid Filler (Most Common)

Dermal filler is the most effective treatment for laugh lines. Medium to high viscosity products (e.g. Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft) are injected along the fold to restore volume and lift. Results are immediate. Duration: 9–18 months. Cost: €350–€700 per syringe.

Cheek Volume Restoration

Addressing cheek volume loss (the root cause) with fillers or Sculptra is often more effective than direct nasolabial filler. Lifting the midface indirectly reduces fold depth.

Thread Lift

PDO threads can temporarily lift the midface and soften nasolabial folds. Duration: 12–18 months.

Botulinum Toxin

Small doses can relax the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward (DAO muscle), but Botox does not directly fill the fold.

Costs

Treatment	Costs
Nasolabial filler (1 ml)	€350–€600
Cheek filler (2 ml)	€700–€1,200
Thread lift	€800–€2,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should laugh lines be treated with filler directly or via cheek volume?

It depends on the individual anatomy. If cheek volume loss is the primary cause, treating the cheeks often produces a more natural, longer-lasting result. Direct nasolabial filler works well for isolated deep folds. An experienced injector will assess the face holistically to recommend the best approach.