Quick facts
What are marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the lines that appear at the corners of the mouth and extend down to the chin. It is named after a marionette, which is a puppet pulled by strings, where the mouth outline is exaggerated. These lines are common and may create a sad or harsh appearance. The corners of the mouth may turn downward, exacerbating the sad, angry appearance.
What causes marionette lines?
Marionette Lines develop for a variety of reasons. As you age, you lose facial structure and support on all levels. Skin, fat, muscle, and bone all lose collagen and shrink. This loss of support and volume causes marionette lines to develop. The loss of elasticity and strength in the skin results in thin, wrinkled, loose skin. Over time, the Marionette Lines become more etched into the skin, and the skin begins to fold forward, creating the sad, tired look.
Volume loss in the lower face and in the cheek area worsen marionette lines and are often addressed at the same time when formulating a treatment plan for Marionette Lines.
In addition, overactivity of specific muscles in the lower face pull down on the corner of the mouth further deepening the Marionette Lines.
Marionette Lines can be exacerbated by other factors including:
- Hereditary, as it can run in families
- Excessive sun exposure causing further skin damage and wrinkling
- Rapid weight loss or frequent fluctuations in weight
- Smoking
We offer consultations for assessment and treatment planning to lift and soften Marionette Lines. Multiple options to restore volume in the affected areas and smooths out lines are discussed. We discuss methods to replace the volume loss to act as a platform to provide support for and elevate the fold. We discuss options to smooth and blend the wrinkles and ageing skin.
Disclaimer: The details shared here are for general educational purposes only. Everyone’s situation is unique, and results can vary. Please consult a qualified practitioner to discuss whether this treatment is right for you and to understand any possible risks or side effects.