Lines and loose skin in the lower half of the face are some of the natural effects of aging. Collagen loss, gravity, and repeated movements from smiling can create wrinkles around the mouth, which don’t smooth out when your face is in repose.
While these lines may have formed due to frequent smiling, deep creases extending down your mouth may look the opposite of happy. Many people feel that marionette lines give the appearance of constant frowning, in addition to making them look older.
Treatments like dermal fillers can improve the appearance of marionette lines and restore a more youthful look.
What Are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are vertical creases that extend downward from the corners of the mouth. The medical name for them is melomental folds. The term “marionette lines” came about because the lines resemble the ones on a marionette puppet’s lower jaw.1
Marionette lines are sometimes confused with the nasolabial folds. Those are a different set of expression lines extending up from the corners of the mouth toward the nose.
It’s quite common to develop marionette lines, particularly after age 40. You may be more likely to develop significant marionette lines if your parents or grandparents had them. People who smoke or don’t use sun protection are also more likely to develop marionette lines.2
How Fillers are Treating Marionette Lines?
The fillers create volume and smooth out the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Fillers not only smooth out marionette lines but also add volume, reducing the appearance of loose skin around the chin and jawline. The overall effect looks more youthful and less severe.
Which Filler Is Best for Marionette Lines?
There are several brands of dermal fillers that are effective for treating marionette lines. Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice for treating mild to moderate wrinkles. Juvederm Ultra Plus is formulated to treat deep expression lines, and the result can last up to 18 months. Other hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm Vollure, Restylane-L, and Restylane-Lyft are commonly used to treat marionette lines. The results from these fillers can last 6 months to a year.
Sculptra and Radiesse are both FDA-approved filler treatments. Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, which provide volume and structure under the skin and smooth out wrinkles. Radiesse results can last 12 months. Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid, which stimulates natural collagen production to fill out loose skin and wrinkles. The results may last up to 2 years.
The best filler for marionette lines depends on your individual needs. Your dermatologist can help you decide which filler will give you the results you want.
SOURCES:
- Cleveland Clinic: “Marionette Lines.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Marionette Lines.”