Skin Conditions
Smile Lines in Northampton
The folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth bring people from Thrapston, Market Harborough and Northampton to see us once those lines deepen enough to look tired rather than simply expressive.
Clinic photography — treatment room or clinician, not before/after
Trusted in Northampton since 2003 — over 20 years of doctor-led aesthetic medicine.
The Lines That Run From the Nose to the Corners of the Mouth
Smile lines — also known as nasolabial folds — are the lines that run from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They are a natural part of facial anatomy and are present to some degree in most adults. What prompts patients to seek treatment is when they deepen significantly, become prominent at rest, or contribute to an overall tired or aged appearance that no longer reflects how they feel.
Nasolabial folds deepen through a combination of factors that work simultaneously. Volume loss in the cheeks and mid-face is the primary driver — as the fat pads above the fold diminish and descend, they collect at the fold and deepen it from above. The fold itself is a ligamentous structure anchored to the underlying bone, which means it does not simply disappear with volume restoration — but addressing the volume loss above it significantly reduces its prominence. Skin laxity contributes as the overlying skin loses its firmness and elasticity. Repeated facial movement deepens the crease over time as the skin becomes less resilient.
It is worth noting that very deep nasolabial folds in a patient with otherwise good skin and facial structure are almost always a sign of significant mid-face volume loss — treating the fold directly without addressing the volume deficit above it produces a limited and often unnatural result.
Treatments to Consider
The most effective approach to smile lines addresses both the fold itself and the volume loss driving it. Dermal Fillers placed directly into the nasolabial fold smooth and soften it — but the result is significantly improved when combined with cheek volume restoration that addresses the descent of tissue from above, performed by Dr John Tanqueray and Hannah Moor.
The 8-Point Facelift addresses nasolabial folds as part of a comprehensive approach to mid and lower face rejuvenation. Collagen stimulating treatments rebuild structural collagen progressively over time. Skin Boosters improve skin quality and hydration in the perioral area. Anti-Wrinkle Injections can play a supporting role in some patients — relaxing the muscles that pull on the fold and contribute to its deepening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filling the line directly be enough?
Often not on its own — the most natural results usually come from addressing the cheek volume loss driving the fold as well, which is assessed at consultation.
Can smile lines be fully removed?
The fold itself is a natural ligamentous structure present in most adults, so the goal is softening its prominence rather than erasing it entirely.
How long does filler here last?
Typically nine to twelve months, varying by product and individual factors.
Is the 8-Point Facelift the same as a surgical facelift?
No — it's a non-surgical approach using injectable treatments across multiple points of the face to restore volume and lift, quite different from surgery.
What People Tell Us
“An honest consultation that didn't try to sell me something I didn't need.”
— Brandon H.
“Luxury, friendly and welcoming, every time.”
— Nicki B.
More From the Mulberry House Journal
Browse further articles and advice from the clinic in the Mulberry House Journal.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a consultation with our clinical team, or explore our full range of treatments — no pressure, no hard sell, just a clear sense of what will genuinely suit you.