Smile Lines Treatment in Coquitlam, BC

The primary driver of deepening nasolabial folds is the progressive loss of collagen, elastin, and fat volume in the mid-face that occurs with natural aging. As the cheekbones flatten and the fat pads of the mid-face diminish, the overlying skin loses its structural support and folds downward under gravity — creating more pronounced creases from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Sun damage and smoking accelerate collagen breakdown, deepening the process. Significant weight loss can also leave excess loose skin that accentuates the folds, while weight gain can cause volume changes that make them more prominent.

Dermal fillers are the most commonly recommended and immediately effective treatment for nasolabial folds — physically restoring volume to the crease and the mid-face to lift and smooth the skin above it. However, the most effective approach for most patients involves addressing the cause of the fold rather than just the fold itself. Volume replacement higher up in the cheeks and mid-face often produces more natural and longer-lasting improvement in nasolabial fold appearance than treating the fold in isolation. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam will assess your full facial anatomy before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.

Results vary by treatment. Dermal fillers in the nasolabial area typically last six months to one year, with some longer-lasting fillers maintaining results for up to eighteen months. Sculptra builds collagen gradually and results can last up to two years or more. Botox used around the nasolabial region lasts three to six months. Ultherapy results develop over several months and typically last one to two years. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa will discuss realistic timelines for your specific treatment plan during your consultation.

Botox alone is generally not the primary treatment for nasolabial folds, as these folds are driven more by volume loss and gravity than by muscle movement. However, Botox can be used strategically alongside dermal fillers to relax specific muscles that contribute to the downward pull of the fold — enhancing the overall result of a combined treatment plan. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam will advise whether Botox is an appropriate component of your nasolabial fold treatment.

Natural-looking results are a core principle of the approach at Smile Well Medical & Spa in Coquitlam. Over-filling the nasolabial fold directly can create an unnatural appearance — which is why our providers assess the full face and often address volume loss in the cheeks and mid-face first, allowing the fold to improve as a natural consequence of restoring proper facial support. The goal is always for your face to look refreshed and rested, not filled or treated.

While nasolabial folds cannot be permanently prevented, their progression can be meaningfully slowed by wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, avoiding smoking, staying well hydrated, eating a nutrient-rich diet, sleeping on your back where possible, and maintaining a consistent gentle skincare routine with moisturizing and collagen-supporting ingredients. Starting preventative aesthetic treatments at the appropriate stage — such as Sculptra for early collagen support or light filler for mild volume loss — can also delay the point at which folds become more prominent and harder to address conservatively.

Most treatments for nasolabial folds involve minimal downtime. Dermal filler injections may cause mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites for a few days. Botox requires no downtime. Sculptra involves minimal post-injection care. Laser and RF treatments carry slightly more recovery time depending on the intensity used. Your provider at Smile Well Medical & Spa will outline what to expect for your specific treatment plan before you proceed.