What are Marionette Lines?
Ever noticed those little lines that start at the corners of your mouth and head towards your chin? Those are called marionette lines. They can make you look a bit more serious or even older than you feel.
Why Do They Happen?
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and volume, especially in the mid-face. This is due to a loss of collagen, which can lead to sagging and the formation of wrinkles, including marionette lines.
How Can We Treat Them?
While we can’t completely reverse the ageing process, there are a few effective ways to minimise the appearance of marionette lines.
What is the Difference Between Marionette Lines and Nasolabial Folds?
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines are both types of facial lines that become more noticeable with age, but they appear in different parts of the face.
- Nasolabial folds: These lines run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth and are commonly known as “smile lines” or “laugh lines.” They often become more pronounced when smiling or laughing.
- Marionette lines: These lines extend downward from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. Often referred to as “puppet lines,” they can create the impression of a sad expression or an upturned mouth.
Topical Treatments:
- Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen: Daily SPF is a must to protect your skin from sun damage, a major contributor to ageing. However, this is more of a preventative step to avoid unwanted lines deepening or forming in the first place.
- Retinol: This powerful ingredient can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion.
- Chemical Peels: Different Chemical Peels can increase cell turnover, improve the quality of the skin and, therefore, soften the appearance of marionette lines. Chemical peels can treat many concerns, including wrinkles, acne and pigmentation. They combine well with injectables like toxins and fillers. If you want a less invasive approach, this may be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan.
Injectable Treatments:
- Dermal Fillers: Injecting a Dermal Filler into this area can provide structural support and volumise the surrounding tissues, which helps to plump up the skin and reduce the depth of the lines.
- Botulinum Toxin, also known as ‘anti wrinkle injections’: These can relax the muscles around the mouth that pull the skin downwards, softening the appearance of marionette lines and preventing them from worsening.
- Microneedling: This minimally invasive procedure can stimulate your skin’s healing process, to produce more collagen and elastin. These proteins keep your skin firm and smooth and can help the appearance of marionette lines.
- Profhilo: Injectables like Profhilo are intended to address skin laxity and dermal atrophy by stimulating dermal fibroblasts. While Profhilo does not specifically target marionette lines, it may reduce their appearance by promoting collagen production and remodelling the skin.
- Polynucleotides: Polynucleotides can treat marionette lines by providing structural support and adding volume to surrounding tissues. Polynucleotides are injectable agents that enhance collagen production and skin hydration, acting as a scaffold that prompts the body to produce new collagen and elastin, which are vital for skin structure and elasticity. This helps reduce wrinkles and improves overall skin texture and tone. While results may vary, polynucleotide treatments offer a natural approach to rejuvenating the skin and minimising marionette lines.
Remember, the best approach to managing marionette lines is a combination of preventative skincare and targeted treatments. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your marionette lines, or have any questions, reach out to our team or book a consultation today.
