What Facelifts Can And Cannot Do For Smile Lines

Smile lines are a frequent complaint in consultation, yet they are also essential to natural expression. In this episode, Dr. Sturm clarifies what facelifts and neck lifts can realistically achieve for nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Rather than chasing a completely line‑free look, she focuses on softening, lifting, and restoring lost structure with approaches like deep plane facelifts and fat transfer. Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE. Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! Key Takeaways 1. Facelifts alone rarely erase nasolabial folds without creating an overdone look, and the goal is a softer, more youthful contour rather than a line‑free face. 2. Deep plane facelifts can lift the midface and fold area more effectively than some SMAS techniques, improving how folds appear while maintaining natural motion. 3. Volume loss in the cheeks, around the mouth, and even in bony structure contributes significantly to the depth of folds and must be addressed to see real change. 4. Fat transfer helps restore volume and brighten the fold region by improving contour and how light reflects, functioning like a more durable “highlighter” effect. 5. Dr. Sturm relies on full‑face analysis and computer imaging to show patients how lifting, volume, and structural adjustments can work together before they commit to surgery. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Opening discussion on common expectations for smile lines and facelifts00:30 Clarification of natural versus overdone results around the mouth01:10 Explanation of deep plane facelift benefits for the midface and folds01:50 Overview of how volume loss deepens nasolabial folds and marionette lines02:30 Description of fat transfer as structural support and contour “highlighting”03:10 Examples of patients with significant volume loss such as endurance athletes03:50 Exploration of chin and jawline balance to improve lower face appearance04:30 Walkthrough of how imaging is used to plan treatment and set expectationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.