Looking to soften smile lines (nasolabial folds) and down-turning shadows beside the chin (marionette lines)? Modern dermal fillers can smooth these creases and lift the mouth corners with natural-looking results. This guide explains what works, how long it lasts, and how to choose an option that balances efficacy, safety, and cost.
What causes these lines?
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines deepen as midface fat pads descend and the skin loses elasticity. Smiling and speaking make them more visible, but the root issue is volume loss and tissue descent. Fillers target the structural deficit by restoring support along the folds and at the corners of the mouth.
Best-supported options: hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are preferred: they integrate smoothly, can be reversed using hyaluronidase, and are available in strengths ranging from soft to sturdy Split-face clinical studies in nasolabial folds show HA fillers improve wrinkle severity with results lasting up to a year in many patients.
For marionette lines, newer HA formulations designed for dynamic lower-face movement have demonstrated good effectiveness and patient satisfaction over 6–12 months.
Where HA shines
- Natural tissue integration for smile line filler and marionette lines filler
- Adjustable firmness for subtle smoothing or deeper support
- Safety profile supported by large studies and reversibility
What about Revolax and other budget options?
Many readers ask whether Revolax for nasolabial folds or Revolax marionette lines filler is a cost-savvy choice. Revolax holds CE certification abroad and is popular in Europe and Korea; however, as of February 2025 it is not listed among FDA-approved dermal fillers in the United States. Clinics in Chicago and across the U.S. typically select FDA-cleared products instead (e.g., JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and 2025’s newly approved Evolysse™ Form and Smooth for nasolabial folds).
Bottom line on affordability: If you seek affordable dermal filler for smile lines with proven safety in the U.S., ask your provider about FDA-approved HA options that fit your budget and goals rather than unapproved brands.
New in 2025: more choices for smile lines
The FDA approved Evolysse™ Form and Evolysse™ Smooth in 2025 for treating nasolabial folds, expanding on mid-face options available to Illinois practices. Your clinician may recommend these alongside established families (JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®) based on your skin thickness, fold depth, and animation pattern.
How we choose the “best” filler for you
There is no single “winner.” The best filler for marionette lines results depends on:
- Fold depth & skin quality: Deeper folds may need a firmer gel; etched, fine lines benefit from softer gels.
- Anatomy & lift strategy: Support often starts in the midface to reduce heaviness at the fold, then precise threads along the crease.
- Longevity vs. flexibility: Some gels hold shape longer; others move more naturally around the mouth.
- Budget: Cost of fillers for nasolabial folds varies by brand and amount (often measured in syringes). Your provider can plan an incremental approach to maximize value.
If you are comparing Revolax vs Juvéderm for folds, remember availability and regulatory status differ by country. In Chicago, your safest, most cost-effective plan usually relies on FDA-approved HA fillers tailored to your needs.
As a concise materials-and-techniques explainer before the Pain/Safety or FAQ sections.
Hyaluronic acid filler for smile lines remains the first choice because it is a natural occurring substance, integrates well, and supports a natural looking result. For folds, many patients compare Revolax vs Juvederm for folds; in Chicago, clinicians typically prioritize FDA approval when selecting the type of filler for safe and effective filler injections. Providers assess treatment areas, the precise injection site, and your aesthetic goals to choose between types of dermal fillers.
HA works well for nasolabial folds, lip augmentation, and facial contouring, while poly-L-lactic acid can be useful for a long-lasting filler for marionette lines by stimulating collagen production.
In the lower face and tear trough region, tailored dermal filler treatments and careful dermal filler injections address visible signs of aging with long lasting results. The injection process includes mapping the area of the face, selecting the right facial filler, and confirming suitability within your overall plan for cosmetic treatments.
Pain, comfort, and recovery
Patients often ask, “Does it hurt?” Most HA fillers include lidocaine. Providers may add topical anesthetic, local nerve blocks, or cooling to minimize discomfort.
Evidence shows anesthetic measures meaningfully reduce pain during HA injections, helping treatment feel more manageable. Expect brief pressure or stinging, then mild swelling or bruising for a few days.
(Related reader questions we hear: what does lip filler feel like; do lip injections hurt; can you feel lip injections? Sensations are similar around the folds brief pressure and a dull ache that fades quickly with proper numbing.)
Safety first
Choose trained medical professionals who understand facial anatomy and follow evidence-based protocols to prevent and treat rare complications. Ask about product choice, injection planes, and after-care. Bring prior filler history to your visit.
Are longer-lasting, collagen-stimulating fillers right for me?
Some non-HA fillers stimulate collagen and can last longer, but they are not reversible and require careful patient selection. Many first-time patients and anyone prioritizing adjustability start with HA.
Cost and value: how to be smart
The most cost-effective filler for marionette lines with natural results is the one that meets your goals in the fewest syringes while preserving a soft, animated look. A thoughtful plan may include midface support plus targeted nasolabial fold filler threads to minimize product use. Maintenance typically occurs every 9–18 months depending on product and lifestyle.
Before-and-after expectations
Results appear immediately, then refine as swelling subsides over 1–2 weeks. Ask your provider for nasolabial fold filler before and after examples of patients with similar anatomy. Subtle correction usually photographs best and looks most natural in motion.
Quick How-To: Preparing for Treatment
- Consultation: Review medical history, prior injections, and desired outcomes.
- Plan: Decide on product family, placement strategy, and budget.
- Day of treatment: Avoid blood thinners if medically appropriate; arrive makeup-free.
- After-care: Ice in short intervals, skip strenuous exercise for 24 hours, and follow all instructions.
FAQs
Is Revolax effective and affordable for deep nasolabial folds?
Abroad, clinicians use Revolax for folds. In the U.S., Revolax is not FDA-approved, so most Chicago clinics recommend FDA-cleared HA fillers that provide similar affordability with established safety data.
What is the most cost-effective filler for marionette lines with natural results?
Usually, a mid-range HA gel placed using a conservative, anatomy-led plan. Your injector may combine midface lift with fine threading at the corners of the mouth to reduce total product.
How long do results last?
Clinical data in smile lines commonly show improvements that endure up to 12 months, sometimes longer, depending on product and placement.
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe brief pressure or stinging. Lidocaine-containing fillers and topical anesthetics improve comfort.
