3 Powerful Dermal Filler Solutions for Marionette Lines

How to Treat Marionette Lines

At Rejuvenate Face, our doctor-led aesthetic clinic provides advanced, minimally invasive treatments that help you look and feel your best. One of the common concerns we address is the appearance of marionette lines—also referred to as oral commissure lines—that extend from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin. These lines can make the face appear downturned or aged, but dermal fillers offer an effective solution to restore lost volume and rejuvenate your lower face.

Below, we will explain how dermal fillers can improve marionette lines by injecting directly into the lines themselves or adding support in the mid-face and cheekbone area. We will also discuss the importance of safety, especially given the proximity of vital blood vessels in the lower face, and how our expertise ensures a safe, personalised treatment plan.

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What are Marionette Lines

Marionette lines develop due to various factors, such as the natural ageing process, a decline in skin elasticity, and loss of volume in underlying tissues. As your skin’s collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels diminish, the lower face can begin to sag, emphasising lines around the mouth and chin.

Contributing Factors

1. Ageing: Reduced collagen and elastin cause the skin to thin, leading to more noticeable folds.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Loss: As a naturally occurring substance that maintains moisture and volume, hyaluronic acid diminishes with age.
3. Repetitive Movement: Facial expressions and muscle movement deepen lines over time.
4. Volume Shifts: When fat pads descend from the mid-face to the lower face, creases like marionette lines can form or worsen.

 

At Rejuvenate Face, we will thoroughly assess these contributing factors to recommend a dermal filler approach that addresses both surface lines and underlying volume loss.

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Direct Filling of Marionette Lines

How It Works

Direct filling targets the creases between the mouth corners and chin. Our experienced doctors will inject a specialised dermal filler—often composed of hyaluronic acid—along the marionette line. This immediately provides lift and support to smooth out the area.

1. Precision Placement: We will carefully deposit filler where the line is most pronounced.
2. Immediate Results: You will typically see an instant improvement in the depth and prominence of the line.
3. Localised Approach: This method is ideal for patients whose main concern is marionette lines without significant mid-face volume loss.

 

Considerations

• Balanced Appearance: If the surrounding mid-face is deficient in volume, focusing solely on the marionette line may not create the most harmonious outcome.
• Natural Look: We will avoid overfilling the line to prevent puffiness around the mouth area.

 

By strategically using the direct filling technique, we can achieve smoother lines and a fresher, more confident appearance, especially when there is minimal volume loss elsewhere in the face.

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Indirect Volumisation: Mid-Face and Cheekbone

Restoring Mid-Face Volume

For many patients, marionette lines are exacerbated by general volume loss in the mid-face. When the cheeks and cheekbones lose their youthful fullness, skin and tissue can sag, creating or worsening the downward pull at the mouth’s corners. Our doctor-led team will often recommend replenishing this lost volume first.

1. Subtle Lift: Reintroducing volume to the cheeks can reduce the need for extensive filler in the marionette region.
2. Proportional Enhancement: A lifted mid-face helps restore balance, reducing the appearance of sagging in the lower face.
3. Natural Outcome: Indirect volumisation supports your facial structure, giving you a youthful look without an overfilled appearance near the mouth.

 

Combined Approach

We will frequently combine indirect volumisation with direct filling for comprehensive rejuvenation:

• Foundation First: Addressing mid-face volume loss can create a supportive ‘framework’ for the lower face.
• Refining Details: After restoring the mid-face, we will use direct filler in the marionette lines to refine and perfect the final look.
• Longer-Lasting Results: This twofold strategy can maximise the longevity of your treatment and deliver a smoother, more naturally contoured result.

 

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Potential Risks and Anatomical Considerations

Although dermal fillers are widely accepted as safe when administered correctly, it is crucial to acknowledge that the lower face contains important blood vessels, including branches of the facial artery. Injecting filler too deeply or in the wrong location can compromise these vessels, leading to rare but serious complications such as tissue damage.

At Rejuvenate Face, our doctors have advanced training in facial anatomy and safe injection practices to minimise any risks:

1. Expert Knowledge: We know the vascular structures in detail and will choose the safest approach for each patient.
2. Safe Injection Techniques: We often use a blunt-tipped cannula rather than a sharp needle in areas where vessels are most at risk.
3. Close Monitoring: Our team watches for early signs of vascular compromise—such as pain, blanching, or discolouration—and is prepared to respond immediately.

 

Your safety is our priority. We will always conduct a thorough consultation to review your medical history, assess your suitability for treatment, and select the best strategy to achieve your desired outcome.

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Our Commitment to Safety and Patient Care

At Rejuvenate Face, we believe that a personalised, doctor-led approach is the best way to achieve beautiful and long-lasting results. Our commitment includes:

• Detailed Consultations: We will listen to your goals, evaluate your facial structure, and discuss the specific techniques we recommend.
• High-Quality Fillers: We use well-regarded products for their efficacy and safety profile.
• Follow-Up Support: We will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your results are settling as expected and answer any questions you may have.

 

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Why Choose Rejuvenate Face?

1. Doctor-Led Expertise: Our aesthetic clinic is run by highly trained medical professionals specialising in advanced dermal filler treatments.
2. Individualised Treatment Plans: We tailor every procedure to your unique features, aiming for subtle, natural-looking improvements.
3. State-of-the-Art Techniques: We keep up to date with the latest advances in aesthetic medicine, ensuring our patients benefit from modern and safe treatments.
4. Comprehensive Aftercare: We provide ongoing guidance and support, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.

 

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Take the Next Step

If marionette lines affect your confidence, we invite you to visit Rejuvenate Face for a thorough consultation. Our doctor-led team will work with you to develop a customised plan addressing the visible lines and any underlying volume loss. Whether you opt for direct filler, indirect mid-face volumisation, or a combination of both, we will help you achieve a rejuvenated, balanced appearance.

Ready to revitalise your look? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how our expertise in dermal fillers for marionette lines can make a transformative difference to your face. We look forward to welcoming you and guiding you to a more youthful, confident you.