Marionette Lines and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

As we age, our face goes through a variety of transformations and our skin changes condition due to the loss of collagen and elastin. Combine this with repeat facial expressions such as smiling and frowning and this can result in wrinkles in different places including under the eyes, around the eyes, and at the corners of your mouth.

Vertical wrinkles that run from the corner of your mouth towards your chin are called marionette lines and we discuss what causes them, and how to get rid of them below. This includes lifestyle changes, non-invasive treatments like dermal fillers, and surgical marionette lines treatment like a full facelift. 

Anti-Ageing Injectables

Anti-ageing injectables, such as Botox and Dysport, can relax the muscles around the mouth and chin, reducing the depth of marionette lines and preventing them from becoming more pronounced over time. Typically, this non-invasive procedure is completed within a 30-minute consultation, and you can return to work or your daily routine immediately afterwards with no downtime.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, can add volume to the skin, smoothing out marionette lines and restoring youthful contours to the face. Like anti-ageing injectables, dermal fillers for marionette lines are an especially quick treatment and have next to no downtime. As a temporary treatment, marionette lines filler usually last between 6 and 18 months.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and stimulating cell turnover, which can improve the appearance of marionette lines and enhance overall skin radiance. The solution used is slightly acidic with the most common options being Glycolic and Phenol peels.

Non-Surgical Facelift

A non-surgical facelift is a combination of non-invasive treatments tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. A consultation determines the best solution and typically treatments that may be included are dermal fillers, fat transfer to face, Ultherapy, and radiofrequency. The result is a combined effort to get rid of marionette lines.

Morpheus 8

Morpheus 8 is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling device that targets both the superficial and deep layers of the skin, improving texture, tone, and firmness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, including marionette lines. Results are usually apparent within days and the treatment can reduce the effect of marionette lines between 12 months and potentially up to three years.

Microneedling

Microneedling involves using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production and improving overall skin texture and tone, which can help diminish the appearance of marionette lines. A device such as the Derman FNS pen is used and depending on the individual, between 3-6 sessions are required to get the best results.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency treatments deliver heat energy deep into the skin at the dermis layer, stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity, which can help reduce the visibility of marionette lines. This procedure usually takes approximately 60 minutes and depending on the development of your marionette lines, you may need multiple sessions. 

Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure that involves lifting and tightening the underlying facial muscles and tissues, repositioning fat deposits, and removing excess skin to restore a more youthful appearance to the face and neck.

At the Cadogan Clinic we offer three different types of Facelift to get rid of marionette lines:

• Traditional Facelift 
• Micro Facelift 
• Mini Facelift

The traditional facelift or full facelift uses the method described above whereas micro and mini procedures are less extensive and invasive. The micro facelift usually involves just one incision and suture, while a mini facelift concentrates on the lower portion of your face including around the mouth.

Both of these smaller procedures can be effective at providing a targeted surgical approach to removing marionette lines whilst a full facelift is typically reserved for cases where a wider facial rejuvenation is desired.

Fat Transfer to Face

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or autologous fat transplantation, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body, processing it, and injecting it into the face to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and improve overall facial contour. When injected into the area around the mouth, fat transfer to face can effectively eliminate marionette lines.

Fat Transfer surgery typically takes between 30-45 minutes, and you may need to take a few days off work. Full recovery can be expected within a week which makes it another relatively hassle-free surgical option. 
 

Get Rid of Marionette Lines Around the Mouth With Non-Invasive or Surgical Treatments

Marionette lines are a common feature for many individuals as they age, but there are numerous treatment options available to address them effectively.

From non-invasive procedures like injectables and marionette lines filler to surgical interventions like facelifts and fat transfer, you have a variety of choices to suit your preferences and desired outcomes. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can complement professional treatments and help maintain long-lasting results.

Remember that non-invasive marionette line treatments are not permanent and you may need repeat sessions over time. However, procedures like dermal fillers for marionette lines are time-effective, hassle-free, and a great option if you aren’t quite sure about surgery.

For long-lasting and highly impactful results, surgery is typically the best option and procedures like facelifts (whether full, micro, or mini), and fat transfer to face are among the key options to consider to get rid of marionette lines once and for all.