What Smile Lines Are
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are the creases between the cheek and the upper lip. Everyone has them; they're part of a normal face. They become a concern when they deepen into folds that are there even when you're not smiling. That happens for two reasons: the cheek above loses fat and bone support and drifts downward, and the skin along the crease loses collagen.
How Filler Softens Them
Filler is placed along the fold and just beneath it to lift and support the crease from underneath. The line doesn't disappear entirely, and it shouldn't, because a face without any smile line looks unnatural. The goal is to soften the shadow and take the fold from prominent to subtle. In some people, adding a small amount of filler to the cheek does more for the smile line than filling the line itself, because it addresses the cause. Dr. Bashian or Rachel Fey, PA will tell you which approach fits your face.
Why We Use Radiesse Here
Radiesse is a filler made from calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel. It's firmer than hyaluronic acid fillers, which means it holds its shape well against the constant movement of the lower face. It also stimulates your own collagen production, so the improvement continues after the gel itself is absorbed. It's FDA-approved for smile lines. The trade-off is that it can't be dissolved, so it's a product we use with a conservative hand and only after we've agreed on the plan together.
Pricing
| Product | Non-Member | Member |
|---|---|---|
| Radiesse (per syringe) | $650 | $600 |
The amount varies from person to person and is set during your appointment. We'll confirm the plan and your total before we begin. See Membership Pricing
What to Expect at Home
Dr. Bashian or Rachel Fey, PA will look at the folds at rest and while you smile, discuss whether to treat the fold, the cheek, or both, and apply numbing. Radiesse contains lidocaine as well. There may be mild swelling or bruising for a few days. You'll see the lift immediately and the settled result at two weeks. Radiesse typically lasts twelve to eighteen months.
Who It's For
Adults with smile lines that have deepened into folds present at rest. If your lines are fine and only show when you smile, they're likely not a filler concern yet. If the heaviness is mostly in the cheek, cheek filler may serve you better, and we'll say so. We do not treat anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Risks and Side Effects
Swelling, bruising and tenderness for a few days are typical. Small nodules can occasionally form and usually resolve with massage. Because Radiesse cannot be dissolved, precise placement matters, and it's why we keep this treatment in the hands of a surgeon and a PA. Very rarely, filler can enter a blood vessel; both of our providers are trained to recognize and manage this. Individual results vary.
