Marionette lines, which are sometimes called puppet lines, are wrinkles that develop on either side of the mouth and extend downwards towards the chin. 

These lines are named after the ones that appear on a marionette puppet’s face.

As you age, your skin loses elasticity and facial muscles weaken, resulting in marionette lines. Smoking, sun exposure, and repeated facial expressions can make them worse. In certain cases, genetics may also contribute to their appearance.

To reduce the appearance of marionette lines or delay their development, it’s recommended to take certain preventative measures such as protecting your skin from sun damage, quitting smoking, and staying well-hydrated.

Marionette lines can make a person appear older or tired and may cause them to feel self-conscious. There are different treatments to reduce the appearance of marionette lines, such as dermal fillers or facelift surgery.

Marionette Lines Causes

  • As we grow older, the natural ageing process causes a reduction in elasticity and collagen in our skin, leading to the development of wrinkles such as marionette lines.
  • Repeatedly making certain facial expressions, like repeatedly pursing the lips or squinting, can cause the development of marionette lines.
  • Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage and premature ageing, which may include the development of marionette lines.
  • Smoking can lead to premature ageing of the skin and the formation of marionette lines due to the repetitive pursing of the lips.
  • Some individuals may have a higher likelihood of developing marionette lines because of their genetics.
  • Significant or rapid weight loss can lead to sagging skin, which in turn can result in the development of marionette lines.
  • If you don’t take care of your skin, it can age faster, and you may develop marionette lines.

Marionette Lines Treatment

People who have marionette lines often wonder how to remove them. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options that can help achieve a more youthful complexion.

Non-Surgical Options

Using hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers is an effective method to diminish the look of chin lines, including jowls and marionette lines. Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule present in the body that is responsible for retaining moisture, elasticity, and firmness. Therefore, it’s the optimal facial filler for treating marionette lines.

PDO threads for marionette lines are a minimally-invasive alternative to surgery. This type of thread lift involves using a dissolving suture to lift and tighten your skin. The procedure typically takes less than 45 minutes and the results can last up to 6 months.

Surgical Treatments

A facelift is the recommended solution for marionette lines if you are looking for lasting results. This procedure involves making incisions around the hairline and ears, lifting and repositioning the skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and removing any excess skin, all of which aid in the reduction of ageing signs. After the procedure, you can expect to look more youthful and revitalized.

To address marionette lines, you could consider opting for a neck lift procedure. It involves the removal of surplus skin and tissue from your neck area for tighter skin and a better-defined neck and jawline.

Prevention of Marionette Lines

Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the appearance of marionette lines. This can be achieved by maintaining healthy skin and making positive lifestyle choices to prevent or delay their development.

  • To prevent premature ageing of the skin and the formation of marionette lines, it is important to protect your skin from UV rays. You can do this by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
  • To improve your skin health and look younger, it’s best to quit smoking. Smoking can accelerate ageing and cause marionette lines on your face.
  • To keep your skin looking plump and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated.
  • To keep your skin healthy and looking young, it is important to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. It is also best to maintain a consistent weight, as fluctuations can lead to excess skin.
  • You may want to try using skin care products that have retinol as an ingredient. Retinol is known to enhance the overall look of your skin and combat signs of ageing.

Although these preventive measures cannot fully stop the formation of marionette lines, they can certainly delay their onset or minimise their severity.