Side mouth lines, also known as marionette lines, are the two vertical lines of mouth wrinkles. They can appear on either side of your lips and run down to the chin.
The cause is a combination of aging, genetics, sun exposure and facial expressions like frowning or smiling. While these lines may not be as prominent as other signs of aging such as crow’s feet or forehead wrinkles, they can still add years to one’s appearance.
There are several treatments available to reduce the appearance of side mouth lines and restore a more youthful look. Let’s talk about what causes side mouth lines and how you can treat them effectively with both non-invasive surgical procedures, and at home remedies.
What Causes Side Mouth Lines?
Skin Aging:
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in our skin, two proteins that help our skin remain supple and wrinkle-free. This loss of this skin elasticity often causes our skin to sag and, in turn, create lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Smile lines can be particularly noticeable because the skin around our mouth is thinner and more prone to developing wrinkles.
Sun Damage:
The sun’s UV rays can penetrate our skin and cause damage to our collagen and elastin fibers. Over time, this damage can lead to lip wrinkles, including smile lines. To prevent sun damage, always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply often throughout the day, especially if you’ll be spending extended time outside.
Smoking:
Smoking has numerous detrimental effects on your skin, including the formation of wrinkles. When you smoke, it reduces blood flow to your skin, decreasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients your skin can receive. This deprivation of vital nutrients can lead to wrinkles, including smile lines.
Overuse of facial muscles:
You may have heard the phrase “resting bitch face” – a facial expression that looks angry or irritated when the face is relaxed. This expression, along with other facial expressions that create tension around your mouth, can cause the muscles around your mouth to be overused, leading to wrinkles.
Genetics:
Unfortunately, some people may be predisposed to developing smile lines due to their genetics. If your parents or grandparents had deep smile lines, you may be more likely to develop them as well.
Other Names For Side Mouth Lines
As we age, the appearance of lines on our faces is almost inevitable. One area that commonly has deeper lines and shows evidence of the passing of time is the side of our mouths. These lines, sometimes referred to as parenthesis or laugh lines, are a sign of a life well-lived.
However, if you’re looking for a more youthful appearance, there are a few other names for these lines that can be helpful in finding effective treatments. Some people may also call them nasolabial folds, perioral wrinkles, or marionette lines. Finding the right name may help you narrow down your search and find a solution that works best for you.
Treatment Options
The following services provided by Ageless Aesthetics by HB Walsh can effectively improve the appearance of side mouth lines:
Jet Plasma Skin Tightening
This advanced treatment uses plasma energy to target and stimulate collagen production deep within the skin layers. By enhancing collagen levels, Jet Plasma Skin Tightening helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness. As a result, the side mouth lines become less pronounced, and the overall texture of the skin is rejuvenated. The treatment also assists in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, including those around the mouth area.
Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening
Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening is specifically designed to address loose and sagging skin. By utilizing plasma energy to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, this treatment triggers the skin’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen synthesis. As collagen rebuilds, the skin becomes tighter, reducing the depth of side mouth lines and creating a more youthful appearance.
BioRePeel Treatment
The BioRePeel treatment is a unique combination of gentle exfoliation, peeling, and revitalization. It involves applying a special solution to the skin, which contains a blend of acids, vitamins, and other active ingredients. This solution helps to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, stimulating cell turnover and collagen production.
In the context of side mouth lines, the BioRePeel treatment can be beneficial in multiple ways. The exfoliation process helps to smooth the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The infusion of vitamins and nutrients encourages skin rejuvenation, promoting a more youthful appearance. Additionally, the treatment enhances the skin’s overall tone and radiance, making side mouth lines less noticeable.
The BioRePeel treatment is a versatile option for addressing side mouth lines, as it combines exfoliation, peeling, and nourishment to enhance the skin’s health and appearance. By promoting collagen synthesis and encouraging cellular regeneration, the BioRePeel treatment contributes to minimizing the depth of side mouth lines and improving the overall look of the mouth area.
Hyaluron Pen Treatments
The Hyaluron Pen treatment involves delivering hyaluronic acid into the skin using air pressure, plumping up the targeted areas. While it’s often used for lip enhancement, it can also be effective in reducing the appearance of side mouth lines. By introducing hyaluronic acid into the skin, the treatment can help fill in the lines, making them less noticeable and creating a smoother appearance.
Microchanneling
Microchanneling, similar to microneedling, promotes collagen and elastin production through the creation of controlled micro-injuries. This stimulation leads to skin regeneration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including those around the mouth. Microchanneling encourages the skin to become firmer and more supple, effectively minimizing the depth of side mouth lines over a series of treatments.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a exfoliating treatment that involves using a scalpel to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells and fine facial hair (peach fuzz). By exfoliating the skin, dermaplaning promotes cell turnover, revealing smoother, fresher skin underneath. This can help to soften the appearance of side mouth lines and other facial wrinkles, while also improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
Each of these services offered by Ageless Aesthetics by HB Walsh contributes to enhancing the appearance of side mouth lines by targeting different aspects of skin health. Whether through collagen stimulation, skin tightening, filling, or exfoliation, these treatments collectively work towards achieving a more youthful and rejuvenated look for the skin around the mouth area.
Feel and look great at every stage of life, regardless of age or genetic make-up
We offer an array of non-surgical treatments designed to diminish wrinkles and minimize the visibility of ‘lipstick lines’ around the mouth.
Our portfolio of treatments includes everything from hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers and rejuvenating chemical peels to innovative microchanneling and state-of-the-art laser skin resurfacing with Jet Plasma and Plasma Fibroblast. Each of these treatments is designed to help you attain a fresher, more youthful appearance without the need for invasive surgery.
In addition to the treatments we provide in our Bayville, NJ skin care clinic, we also advocate for at-home care routines. Simple measures such as regular sunscreen use and avoiding harmful habits like smoking can significantly delay signs of premature aging, particularly around the mouth area.
Through a combination of professional treatments and diligent self-care, you can maintain a youthful glow and keep those smile lines in check for many years to come.