Q. Does smiling cause smile lines?

A. Not entirely. "Smile lines are typically the result of collagen and elasticity loss, part of the natural aging process which causes cheeks to drop and folds to form," says Robin McClain A.R.N.P., F.N.P. As we age, our cells decline in the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks for young, fresh, healthy looking skin. The lack of elastin and collagen leads to skin thinning, dryness and facial volume loss. As we use the muscles in our face the delicate skin starts to fold causing fine lines and wrinkles and in time deeper set folds, especially around the nose and mouth. "Repetitive facial movement will exaggerate these lines." The solution? Plump it back up and give your skin the building blocks to help repair itself! “We can inject dermal fillers such as Juvederm or Radiesse to lift the cheeks and into nasolabial folds, stimulating collagen rebuilding, and plumping up the skin in these areas of concern.”