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How to treat marionette lines

What causes laugh and marionette lines, and how fillers can soften them.

Published January 8, 2019

How to treat marionette lines

Whoever said “laughter is the best medicine” clearly hadn’t seen laugh lines. While it is undoubtedly healthy for us to laugh loud and often, these outbursts of joy leave a mark.

Also known as nasolabial folds, marionette lines or smile lines, laugh lines are a part of aging, especially for those who tend to be very expressive.

A person with marionette lines has deep creases that run from the corners of the mouth to the bottom of the chin. There is a definite line between the sagging cheeks and the chin, which makes them look older and tired.

What are laugh lines?

Laugh lines consist of nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Together, these wrinkles and fine lines are known as laugh lines or smile lines.

Nasolabial folds

Nasolabial folds are the fine lines and wrinkles that run from the corner of your nose down to the outside of the lips.

Marionette lines

Marionette lines are the fine lines that run from the outside of the mouth down to the jawline on both sides of your chin.

What causes laugh lines?

Laugh lines are caused by a combination of factors working together as you age to create unwanted wrinkles around your nose and mouth. The primary causes include:

  • Repeated facial expressions over time
  • A reduction in the amount of elastin and collagen produced as you age
  • A reduction in the amount of fat in your face as you age

Treating marionette lines

If you already have fairly prominent marionette lines, there are several cosmetic treatment options that are both safe and effective.

Dermal fillers

When dermal fillers are used to treat marionette lines, they are skillfully injected directly into the area that needs to be filled out. Our experienced cosmetic professionals know where to inject the filler to get the best results, leaving you with even, smooth results.

In addition to being a medical procedure, it is also an art. That is why we say it is done skillfully.

Laser treatments

Skin tightening lasers effectively reduce lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful appearance. These laser treatments transfer heat and laser light under the surface of the skin. Heating the tissue lifts and tightens the underlying foundation, which strengthens the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure. The needle pokes the skin to create a micro-injury. This not only stimulates collagen but also creates channels that allow serums to be infused deep into the skin.

The serums can be platelet-rich plasma or effective anti-aging solutions that contain growth factors and hyaluronic acid to combat aging even further. Plumper skin, filled-in fine lines and scars, and improved discolouration are all achievable with microneedling.

Dr. Rao will take the time to address your specific needs, answer any questions or concerns you may have about the facial procedures we offer, and recommend the best treatment plan for achieving your desired results.

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