Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-03-19 Origin: Site
No one ages in exactly the same way, but there are certain aesthetic concerns that many people share, including wrinkles in high movement areas, such as around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
A major concern for many people are the deep folds that extend down from the mouth as age begins to take its toll.
These lines are known as “marionette” lines or wrinkles, and they can do more than just make someone look older—they can also make significant changes in the resting facial expressions, making a person look perpetually sad or angry.
If you’re starting to notice the effects of marionette lines, then you’re probably wondering what can be done about them.
Marionette lines (also called puppet lines or mentolabial folds) are among the facial wrinkles that form naturally with age. They run from the corners of the mouth towards the chin line.
Marionette lines or puppet lines owe their name precisely to this shape: they "separate" the chin area from the rest of the face, which is strongly reminiscent of the characteristic facial features of marionettes.
Marionette lines often appear together with nasolabial folds. These extend down from the wings of the nose to the corners of the mouth and, like marionette lines, belong to the smile or expression lines.
In common with other wrinkles, folds and lines, a sad mouth appearance is a natural part of the ageing process.
Central to this is collagen depletion. As we age, the body producers less collagen and elastin and it is this depletion that reduces skin elasticity.
Other factors impact the severity of the lines and how early they appear – these would include genetics, sun exposure, diet and the ongoing skin care regime.
We also lose facial fat as we age and this can also extenuate the appearance of lines and ageing skin.
Fillers are non-surgical, injectable treatments that offer the ability to instantly smooth lines and wrinkles. In the case of marionette lines, a hyaluronic acid-based filler such as Juvederm can be used to restore lost volume for a plump and youthful appearance.
Radiesse (another popular filler) instantly adds volume back into the skin while also utilizing an ingredient that stimulates the production of collagen over time.
Botulinum Toxin is the brand name of the most commonly used neuromodulator in the United States. This injectable wrinkle-reducer is derived from Botulinum toxin and works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles into which it was injected.
Injecting Botulinum Toxin into the depressor muscles relaxes these muscles and reduces the appearance of marionette lines. Importantly, consistent use of Botulinum Toxin while wrinkles are in the early stages of forming helps prevent them from further deepening.
Because Botulinum Toxin is temporary, repeated treatment every 4-6 months is necessary. Side effects are mild and include minor redness, bruising or swelling at the injection site.
Before treatment, marionette lines can make your skin appear dull and tired. Many of our patients also complain that these lines make them look sad or grumpy and since these lines are prominent, some people report that it makes them feel self-conscious and even damages their self-esteem.
After marionette lines treatment, the folds and wrinkles should reduce in appearance with overlying skin appearing smoother, giving you a youthful and rejuvenated complexion. There are many physical and mental benefits that treatment can offer, such as:
Improved self-esteem and confidence
Smooth, firmer skin
Natural-looking results
Little downtime
Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the surrounding areas of the face and neck
How much improvement you see and how quickly you see it will depend on the severity of your marionette lines and which treatment you choose.
While you can’t stop aging, protecting your skin daily and maintaining facial fat can help prevent and minimize marionette lines. Tips include:
Use sunscreen and wear hats to limit sun exposure. UV damage hastens wrinkling.
Don’t smoke. Smoking depletes collagen and elastin.
Stay hydrated. Drinking water plumps skin and prevents dryness.
Use moisturizer and serums with hyaluronic acid. They hydrate skin and reduce wrinkle depth.
Eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants. Berries and leafy greens provide collagen-protecting antioxidants.
Manage stress levels. Chronic stress causes facial tension and etching lines. Try relaxing activities like yoga.
Sleep on your back. Sleeping face-down squishes your face, increasing wrinkle risk.