Marionette lines can be a frustrating concern for many individuals as they tend to create an appearance of sagging or drooping in the lower face. These lines, which extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin, often deepen over time, contributing to an uneven skin texture and altering the face’s natural contours.
Fortunately, there are effective cosmetic treatments designed specifically to target marionette lines. By addressing the underlying causes such as volume loss and reduced skin elasticity, these treatments can soften marionette lines and restore smoother, more balanced facial contours.
What are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are vertical wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin. They form due to ageing, repetitive facial movements and volume loss in the lower face. These lines can contribute to a sagging appearance and are often accompanied by other facial lines, such as nasolabial folds or chin wrinkles.
What Causes Marionette Lines?
The development of marionette lines can result from several contributing factors:
- Facial expressions: Repeated movements, such as smiling or speaking, can cause vertical lines to form around the corners of the mouth.
- Natural ageing process: As the skin ages, collagen production decreases, leading to thinning skin, reduced skin elasticity. Descent of the fat compartments in the face and bone resorption of the mandible further contributes to its appearance.
- Volume loss: A decrease in subcutaneous fat and supportive tissues in the lower lip contributes to the appearance of deeper marionette lines.
- Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays accelerates skin ageing and breaks down collagen and elastin fibres.
- Mature skin: With time, skin becomes more prone to facial wrinkles, including marionette lines, due to its reduced ability to repair itself.
Tips to Prevent Marionette Lines
While it may not be possible to entirely prevent marionette lines, maintaining good skin health can help slow their progression:
- Daily skin care routine: Use products that support skin elasticity and hydrate skin cells to maintain a smoother appearance.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen: Protect the skin from UV rays to minimise sun-related collagen breakdown.
- Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular hydration and avoiding smoking can promote long-term skin health.
Struggling with Marionette Lines? Book a Consultation with Dr Queenie Today?
Marionette Lines Treatment Options
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments
Anti-wrinkle treatments target the muscle activity responsible for dynamic marionette lines, helping to soften their appearance over time. This approach focuses on minimising the effect of repetitive facial expressions which exert a downward force on the corners of the mouth, resulting in vertical lines around the mouth.
Volumising treatments and biostimulator treatment
Judicious use of filler treatments can help rejuvenate the perioral area – providing structural support to the lower lip while reducing the appearance of visible lines.
Threads
Threads, whether they are dissolving or permanent, can lift and shape facial soft tissues and soften the appearance of marionette lines. However, the longevity of the result is often questioned.
Alma Hybrid Laser Treatment
The Alma Hybrid Laser combines ablative and non-ablative technologies to address marionette lines by improving skin texture and stimulating collagen production. This innovative treatment promotes smoother, firmer skin while reducing the depth of facial lines.
FaceTite Treatment
FaceTite uses advanced radiofrequency energy to target sagging skin and eliminate excess jowl fat in the lower face. By tightening the skin and enhancing its firmness, this minimally invasive treatment effectively reduces the appearance of marionette lines and improves overall facial contours.
Morpheus8 Treatment
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to penetrate deeper skin layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This treatment is ideal for softening marionette lines, addressing sagging skin, and improving skin texture for a more refined appearance.
Marionette Lines Treatments at Our Clinic
Pip Pitson (RN) is our aesthetic Practice Nurse.
Pip is here to look after your aesthetic concerns. Whether it is anti-wrinkle treatments or radiofrequency skin rejuvenation you are after, Pip will be able to guide you through the myriad of options and provide you with a comprehensive skin care program that works for you. Pip also has a background in burns, plastics and reconstructive surgery nursing and enjoys anything wound-related.
Consultation
Every marionette lines treatment begins with a detailed consultation to assess your skin concerns. We will evaluate your skin elasticity, the depth of your vertical lines and the presence of other facial lines, such as nasolabial folds and smile lines. This thorough evaluation ensures the treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs.
Procedure
The procedure chosen for treating marionette lines depends on the severity of the deep lines and your individual skin health. Advanced techniques are used to reduce marionette lines, improve skin texture and support collagen production for longer-lasting results.
Results
Marionette line treatments offer a noticeable improvement in skin texture and the reduction of vertical lines over time. The gradual stimulation of collagen production supports a smoother, firmer appearance in the lower face.
Recovery
Recovery is minimal, allowing clients to resume daily activities quickly. Temporary side effects may include mild redness, swelling, or irritation at the treatment site. These effects usually subside within a few hours to days.
Possible Risks or Side Effects
While marionette lines treatments are generally safe, some clients may experience temporary side effects, such as:
- Redness or swelling
- Bruising or irritation
- Discomfort during or after treatment
- Rarely, lumps or nodules beneath the skin
Proper aftercare and guidance from our team will help minimise risks and ensure optimal results.
Why Choose Us for Marionette Lines Treatment?
At Dr Queenie Chan’s clinic, we focus on tailored solutions to treat marionette lines effectively. Our experienced team assesses your unique skin needs to create a personalised treatment plan that targets the underlying causes, such as volume loss and reduced skin elasticity.
Using advanced techniques, we aim to deliver natural-looking results while enhancing skin texture and balance. With a commitment to safety and care, we provide treatments that prioritise your comfort and long-term skin health.
How to schedule a consultation
To book an appointment please call us on 02 6059 0612, email us at admin@eclipsehs.com or book online via our website. Alternatively, contact Pip our nurse injector directly on practicenursepip@gmail.com with any questions you may have about specific treatments.
FAQs
Can marionette line treatments improve skin texture?
Yes, treatments like RF microneedling and laser resurfacing not only target marionette lines but also improve overall skin texture. These procedures help address concerns like unevenness and skin blemishes, leaving the skin smoother over time.
Are marionette lines the same as nasolabial folds?
No, marionette lines are vertical wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin, while nasolabial folds are the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Both are common signs of ageing but occur in different areas of the face.
How long do marionette line treatments take?
Most treatments for marionette lines are quick, with sessions typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes. The exact duration will depend on the specific procedure chosen and the extent of the treatment area.
- *This article is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a clinical assessment. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.