Aging doesn’t look the same for everyone, and the areas of the face that show change first can vary widely. Some people notice fine lines across the forehead early on, while others see deeper creases develop around the mouth and chin. If you have started to notice marionette lines, our treatments can restore volume, improve texture, and smooth your skin. At Lazaderm in Chandler, AZ, we work with patients to address marionette lines using approaches designed for lasting improvement.
What Are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are the vertical creases that go from the corners of the mouth to the chin. They develop when the skin loses elasticity and volume, which allows gravity to pull the tissues downward. The name comes from the way these lines can resemble the moving mouth of a puppet, giving the lower face a heavier or more shadowed appearance. While they often appear along with other age-related changes, marionette lines tend to make the face look older because they affect the expression of your face at rest.
What Causes Marionette Lines?
Aging skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep tissue firm and flexible. As levels decline, the skin becomes thinner and less able to resist the pull of gravity, so folds form more easily around the mouth. The muscles around the mouth are also active in expressions and chewing, which means they place repeated stress on the same areas. Sun exposure in Arizona adds to the problem because ultraviolet light breaks down collagen faster and accelerates skin changes. Genetics, smoking, and fluctuations in weight can all increase the likelihood and severity of marionette lines.
Marionette Lines vs. Nasolabial Folds: What Is the Difference?
It can be easy to confuse marionette lines with nasolabial lines, but they are not the same. Nasolabial folds, sometimes called smile lines, go from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines extend downward from the corners of the mouth toward the chin. Both types of folds develop because of volume loss, muscle activity, and environmental damage.
How to Prevent Marionette Lines
Skincare: Consistent skincare makes a real difference in slowing the development of marionette lines. Use products with retinol or peptides to stimulate collagen production, and do not forget daily sunscreen, especially in Arizona. Hydrating the skin regularly also keeps it more resilient and less likely to crease deeply.
Hydrafacial®: Hydrafacial cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with antioxidants and hydration. Regular sessions improve texture and firmness and make the skin more resistant to the formation of lines around the mouth.
MOXI Prejuvenation: MOXI is a gentle fractional laser that stimulates collagen and encourages cell turnover. When used as a prejuvenation treatment, it keeps skin stronger and healthier before lines become deeply set.
How to Treat Marionette Lines
Dermal Fillers
One of the most effective options for softening lines around the mouth is dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume beneath the skin, lifting the corners of the mouth and smoothing the folds that extend toward the chin. With dermal fillers for marionette lines, the results are immediate, and the added structure helps support the skin in an area that naturally tends to sag with age.
Sculptra®
Sculptra is another type of injectable that stimulates collagen production rather than just adding volume. It is made with poly-L-lactic acid, which has been used in absorbable sutures for many years. When injected, it encourages your body to rebuild its own supportive structure under the skin. Sculptra results are gradual, increasing over the course of around three treatments. Sculptra can be a great choice if you want a long-lasting injectable option.
Neuromodulators
Muscle activity contributes to marionette lines, and neuromodulators such as Botox® can help reduce the downward pull on the face. When we place small amounts around the corners of the mouth, it softens downward tugging that can create a frown when resting. Neuromodulators often work best when combined with fillers, since they reduce motion-related creasing while fillers restore structure.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels resurface the outer layers of skin, which improves texture, pigmentation, and the appearance of fine creases. Chemical peels can be a good marionette line treatment for Arizona patients, because they help reverse the sun damage that often accelerates visible aging around the mouth and chin. They encourage new skin cell growth and leave the area smoother and more elastic. Different strengths are available depending on whether you want a mild refresh or a stronger resurfacing.
PDO Thread Lift
PDO threads provide a non-surgical lift by using dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin. These threads mechanically lift sagging tissue while also stimulating collagen production as they dissolve. They offer a subtle but noticeable improvement in the definition of the jawline and the smoothness of the tissues around the mouth. A thread lift can be a good option if you want immediate improvement with the added benefit of ongoing collagen support.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing with erbium technology targets the skin’s surface to reduce wrinkles and stimulate collagen remodeling. The treatment can smooth etched-in lines around the mouth and chin, while also improving overall skin tone and texture. Healing times vary depending on the depth of treatment.
Secret™ RF Microneedling
Secret RF combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to tighten and revitalize the skin. The fine needles create tiny holes on the surface, while the radiofrequency energy penetrates deeper to stimulate collagen and elastin. This approach addresses skin laxity and fine lines and also improves overall skin quality, including texture and firmness.
BBL HERO Treatments
BBL HERO is a type of marionette line treatment that uses light to treat signs of aging. It is beneficial because it addresses sun-related changes that often worsen facial folds in a climate with year-round sun exposure. The light energy stimulates the skin to produce collagen, which supports smoother and more even tissue. Regular sessions can keep the skin healthier and help delay the deepening of lines around the mouth.
What to Expect From Your Marionette Line Treatments
During treatment: Most treatments take less than an hour, and we focus on keeping you comfortable throughout the process. Depending on the option chosen, you may receive numbing cream or a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort.
After treatment: You might notice mild redness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area with some treatments, but these effects usually fade within a few days. Some treatments, like fillers, provide immediate improvement, while others, such as Sculptra, create results more gradually.
Long-term outcomes: Consistency matters when it comes to maintaining smoother skin. Follow-up sessions or maintenance treatments keep your results fresh, and a good skincare routine helps protect your investment by supporting healthier, stronger skin.
About Lazaderm
At Lazaderm, we bring more than 19 years of experience in medical aesthetics, giving us the knowledge to guide you toward the right treatment. Our aestheticians and providers have extensive training and skill, allowing us to offer the most effective options for concerns like marionette lines. You will receive a free consultation, which gives us the opportunity to evaluate your skin and explain what treatments may work best for you.
Treat Your Marionette Lines With Treatments in Chandler, AZ
Treatments for marionette lines can restore lost volume and improve skin texture in the lower face. At Lazaderm, we offer options that address how aging, sun exposure, and muscle activity affect the skin. To learn more or schedule a free consultation in Chandler, AZ, call (480) 573-7546 or contact us online.