Marionette lines tend to appear for people in their 40s, but can begin to show when people are in their 30s and even in their 20s. Characterised by thin lines from the corner of the mouth to the chin area, marionette lines form as part of the natural ageing process. The loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin causes facial folds and wrinkles to appear over time, assisted by the pull of gravity on the face. So, can you get rid of marionette lines?
While marionette lines cannot be removed completely, there are a number of ways to reduce their visibility significantly. Treatments such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, chemical peels, laser treatment, microneedling or a thread lift can reduce the visibility of all wrinkles greatly. There are also a number of preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the onset of marionette lines.
Keep reading to find out more about how wrinkles and fine lines on the face form, and how to get rid of marionette lines.
What Causes Marionette Lines?
As marionette lines form with age, it is very difficult to reverse this process. The skin gradually loses the structural protein collagen that provides skin’s firmness, and the skin starts to sag. Pulled down by gravity, the skin is no longer elastic enough to maintain its original shape. A combination of thinning skin, a lack of moisture, poor skincare and UV exposure all contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles including marionette lines. The first facial wrinkles tend to appear for people around age 25, and will unfortunately stay permanently.
Is there Treatment Available for Marionette Lines?
While marionette lines are permanent, there are a number of treatments that can effectively reduce the visibility of the lines.
Dermal Fillers
Injecting hyaluronic acid under the skin, dermal fillers help to make the skin look firmer and reduce sagging. As this method of treatment is minimally invasive, the side effects are usually very minor, and are often described as mild redness or swelling.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Unlike hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin injections are not a natural substance, and so are more likely to cause an adverse reaction. These injections are highly effective at providing a fresher, more youthful appearance and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemical Peel
By applying an acidic solution to the skin, the top layer can be peeled away to uncover a fresh layer of skin. This treatment can reduce marionette lines as well as other skin blemishes and hyperpigmentation like age spots.
Laser Treatment
Using light energy to penetrate deep layers of the skin, heat can be used to damage skin cells. This stimulates collagen production, and encourages the formation of new cells, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Microneedling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling creates very small holes in the skin to help generate a stronger skin framework. Deeper facial wrinkles can be tackled using this method, as the microneedle stimulates collagen production.
Thread Lift
As the name suggests, a thread lift involves the use of barbed threads and a fine needle to physically lift the skin, reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles. A thread lift also stimulates collagen production, creating a firmer, more supple skin.
What Steps can you Take to Prevent Marionette Lines Appearing Prematurely?
Although marionette lines form as part of the natural ageing process, it is possible to take certain steps that can reduce the likelihood of wrinkles appearing prematurely. These steps include:
- Sun protection – UV radiation accelerates the ageing process of the skin. Using sunscreen daily can help to reduce the severity of UV damage to the skin.
- Healthy lifestyle – Smoking, caffeine, stress, and poor sleep can all affect skin health. By eating nutrient and antioxidant-rich foods and pursuing a healthy lifestyle, the free radicals that contribute to skin ageing can be reduced.
- Weight management – Regular or dramatic changes in weight can lead to sagging skin.
- Skincare routine – Regularly moisturising and keeping the skin hydrated will help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines forming.
Book Treatment for Marionette Lines Today
The best way to treat marionette lines will depend entirely on each individual. This means that a bespoke treatment plan will produce the best results. At Infinity Aesthetics, we are able to tailor our treatments to ensure that your goals and aspirations are met, with a detailed plan made for each patient. Book an appointment today, or contact us for more information.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
