Advanced Laser Technology

SmoothLase™

At Smiles of Niles, a Family Dentistry Niles practice built on staying current with proven, patient-friendly technology, we offer SmoothLase™, a non-surgical laser treatment that gently tightens and smooths the delicate skin around the mouth, lips, and lower face. Using the same advanced Fotona laser platform we rely on for precise soft-tissue procedures in the mouth, SmoothLase™ applies controlled thermal energy beneath the surface of the skin to stimulate your body's own collagen production, without incisions, needles, or downtime.

Advanced Laser Technology

What Is SmoothLase™ Laser Rejuvenation?

Many of our patients first come to us for routine checkups, fillings, or gum care, and are surprised to learn we also offer this in-office rejuvenation option as part of our broader general dentistry services. It makes sense when you think about it: perioral skin, lip lines, and lower facial tone are directly connected to the same structures we already examine and treat every day. SmoothLase™ lets us extend our expertise beyond the teeth and gums to help you look as refreshed as your smile feels.

Signs You May Benefit From SmoothLase™ Treatment

Fine lines around the lips, thinner-looking lip borders, and looser skin along the jawline and chin often develop gradually, and many patients only notice them once they start looking a little different in photos or the mirror. Because these changes happen slowly, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when they became noticeable, or what to do about them short of more invasive cosmetic procedures. SmoothLase™ was designed to address these early to moderate signs of aging without surgery, fillers, or extended recovery.

Vertical lip lines: Fine "smoker's lines" or lipstick lines above the upper lip that develop from years of muscle movement and sun exposure often soften noticeably after treatment.
Thinning lip volume: As collagen production naturally slows with age, lips can lose definition and border clarity; SmoothLase™ encourages the skin to rebuild support from within.
Loose skin along the jawline: Mild to moderate laxity around the chin and jaw responds well to the heating and contraction effect of the laser on collagen fibers.
Uneven skin texture: Patients often notice smoother, more even-toned skin in the treated area as new collagen fibers form over the following weeks.
Hesitation about surgical options: If facelifts, injectables, or long recovery times sound unappealing, this treatment offers a lower-commitment way to see gradual, natural-looking improvement.
Desire for a subtle refresh: Many patients simply want to look a little more rested and toned without anyone being able to pinpoint exactly what changed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SmoothLase™?

SmoothLase™ works best on patients dealing with mild to moderate skin laxity and lines, rather than significant sagging that would typically require surgical intervention. Because our dental team already has an intimate understanding of your facial anatomy, oral tissue health, and overall medical history from your general dentistry visits, we are well positioned to evaluate whether this laser treatment is a sensible fit for your goals.

Every candidacy conversation starts with a short consultation where we look at your skin, discuss your expectations, and review your health history. This isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure, and being upfront about what the laser can and cannot do is part of how we build trust with our patients.

Adults with early to moderate aging signs: Patients in their late 30s through 60s with fine lines and mild laxity tend to see the most satisfying results.
Good general oral and skin health: Active gum disease, skin infections, or open lesions near the treatment area should be addressed first.
Realistic expectations: Candidates understand this is a gradual, collagen-building process rather than an instant, dramatic transformation.
No recent cosmetic filler in the area: We ask about recent injectables so we can time treatment appropriately for the best outcome.
Not currently pregnant: As with many elective cosmetic and dental procedures, we recommend waiting until after pregnancy.
Comfortable with a series approach: Best results usually come from a short series of sessions rather than a single visit, and candidates are willing to commit to the full plan.

The Technology and Technique Behind SmoothLase™

SmoothLase™ is delivered using an Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser in a specialized non-ablative mode, meaning the laser heats the deeper layers of skin without removing or damaging the surface. This intraoral and perioral approach is part of a broader treatment protocol sometimes referred to as a "laser facial," and it can be combined with related applications depending on your goals and our clinical recommendation.

Because our team already uses laser technology for soft-tissue procedures within general dentistry, incorporating SmoothLase™ into your visit is a natural extension of equipment and expertise we already have in-house. We tailor the settings, number of passes, and treatment intervals to your skin type and goals rather than applying a generic protocol to every patient.

Non-ablative thermal heating: The laser warms collagen fibers beneath the skin's surface to trigger a natural tightening and remodeling response over time.
Targeted perioral application: Treatment focuses on the lips, lip lines, and lower face, areas that are difficult to address with over-the-counter products.
Customized session series: Most treatment plans involve a short series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart to build cumulative collagen response.
Can be paired with other services: Depending on your consultation, SmoothLase™ can complement other cosmetic and general dentistry treatments already on your care plan.
In-office, chairside delivery: Sessions are performed right in our office, typically fitting within a standard appointment window.

Key Benefits of Choosing SmoothLase™

Patients appreciate SmoothLase™ because it fits into a busy schedule and delivers gradual, believable results rather than an overdone or artificial look. Since the treatment stimulates your body's own collagen rather than adding foreign material, results tend to look natural and continue improving in the weeks following each session.

No needles or incisions: The entire treatment is performed with a laser handpiece, so there is nothing injected and nothing cut.
Little to no downtime: Most patients return to normal activities the same day, with only mild, temporary warmth or redness in the treated area.
Natural-looking improvement: Because it works with your own collagen, results tend to look like a well-rested version of you rather than a visibly "done" appearance.
Softer lip lines: Fine vertical lines around the mouth often become noticeably less prominent, improving how lipstick and lip products sit on the skin.
Firmer jawline appearance: Mild skin laxity along the chin and jaw can visibly improve as collagen fibers tighten and reorganize.
Convenient, familiar setting: You receive this cosmetic treatment from a dental team you already know and trust, in a practice you already visit for routine care.

Aftercare and What to Expect Following Treatment

One of the biggest advantages of SmoothLase™ is how manageable the recovery experience is compared to surgical procedures. Most patients describe a mild, sunburn-like warmth in the treated area immediately after their session, which typically fades within a few hours. Collagen remodeling is a gradual biological process, so visible improvement continues to build over the following four to six weeks after each session, and full results from a series usually appear a few months after the final treatment.

Our team will walk you through simple, practical aftercare guidance before you leave your appointment, and we're always available if you have questions as your skin continues to respond in the weeks that follow.

Keep the area moisturized: A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer helps support skin comfort in the first day or two after treatment.
Use daily sun protection: Protecting treated skin from UV exposure helps preserve results and supports healthy collagen production going forward.
Avoid harsh exfoliants temporarily: Give the treated area a short break from retinoids or exfoliating products until any mild sensitivity resolves.
Attend your full session series: Sticking to your recommended schedule of sessions is the biggest factor in achieving the results you're hoping for.
Maintain routine dental visits: Because SmoothLase™ is delivered alongside your general dentistry care, staying on top of regular cleanings keeps your whole care plan on track.

How Your SmoothLase™ Treatment Works, Step by Step

We keep the SmoothLase™ process straightforward and unhurried, so you always know what to expect at each stage. Here's how a typical treatment plan unfolds at our Niles office.

Consultation and Skin Assessment

We start with a conversation about your goals, review your dental and medical history, and examine the skin around your lips and lower face to confirm you're a good fit for treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plan

We recommend a specific number of sessions and spacing based on your skin's condition and how quickly you'd like to see change, along with any complementary services worth discussing.

In-Office Laser Application

The laser handpiece is passed gently over the target area, delivering controlled thermal energy. Most sessions take well under an hour and are done comfortably chairside.

Same-Day Return to Routine

You'll notice mild warmth similar to a light sunburn, but you can return to work and normal activities right away with simple aftercare guidance in hand.

Progressive Follow-Up Sessions

We space subsequent sessions several weeks apart, giving your skin time to build new collagen between visits for a cumulative, gradual improvement.

Results Review and Maintenance

Once your series is complete, we check in on your results and discuss occasional maintenance sessions to help preserve your outcome long term.

Why Choose Smiles of Niles for SmoothLase™?

As a trusted Family Dentistry Niles provider, Smiles of Niles has built its reputation on combining genuine clinical skill with a warm, unhurried patient experience. Offering SmoothLase™ alongside our general dentistry services means you don't have to seek out a separate cosmetic office or new provider to explore this treatment; you can discuss it directly with a team that already understands your oral health, your facial anatomy, and your history with us.

Advanced in-house laser technology: The same Fotona-based platform used for precise soft-tissue dental care powers our SmoothLase™ treatments, so you benefit from equipment our team already trusts.
One trusted team for oral and perioral care: We already know your dental history, medications, and any relevant health conditions, giving us a fuller picture than a standalone cosmetic clinic would have.
Honest, low-pressure consultations: We tell you plainly whether SmoothLase™ is likely to meet your expectations, and we won't recommend a treatment plan that doesn't make sense for you.
Convenient scheduling: Sessions can often be arranged around your existing dental appointments, saving you the hassle of coordinating with a separate provider.
A comfortable, welcoming office: Patients consistently tell us our Niles office feels relaxed and personable rather than clinical or rushed.
Comprehensive care under one roof: From routine cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and now SmoothLase™, we're proud to be a full-service, best dentist in Niles IL destination for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions About SmoothLase™

Is SmoothLase™ painful?

Most patients describe the sensation as mild warmth rather than pain. There's no need for anesthesia or numbing, and sessions are generally well tolerated even by patients who are nervous about dental or cosmetic procedures.

How many sessions of SmoothLase™ will I need?

Most patients complete a series of three sessions spaced a few weeks apart, though the exact number depends on your skin's starting condition and your goals. We'll discuss a specific recommendation during your consultation.

When will I see results after treatment?

Because SmoothLase™ works by stimulating new collagen, results build gradually. Many patients notice initial improvement within a few weeks of a session, with fuller results developing over the following two to three months after completing their series.

Is there any downtime after a SmoothLase™ session?

Downtime is minimal. You may notice mild redness or warmth in the treated area for a few hours, but most patients return to work, errands, and normal routines the same day.

Why does a dental office in Niles offer SmoothLase™?

Our practice already uses advanced laser technology for soft-tissue dental procedures, so extending that same technology to perioral skin rejuvenation is a natural fit. It allows patients to receive this treatment from a provider they already know and trust.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for SmoothLase™?

The best way to find out is a short consultation with our team. We'll assess your skin, ask about your goals and health history, and give you an honest recommendation on whether SmoothLase™ is likely to deliver the results you're hoping for.