Marionette lines (corner of the mouth) are long vertical wrinkles that traverse from the corners of the lips to the chin. They develop on each side of the chin as a result of the ageing process and other lifestyle factors. They get their name from marionette string puppets, which are known for having split jaws so puppeteers can open and close their mouths to make them give the appearance that they are talking. These creases often give the impression of a sad look to the face.
The skin around your mouth is thin, and as a result it is particularly prone to wrinkling. These lines occur with age, smoking and genetics and can progress to form jowls later on in life. The combination of collagen breakdown and loss of elastin leads to the loosening of skin in the cheeks and lower part of the face.
People typically begin developing marionette lines in their late 30s or early 40s. Marionette lines are barely visible early on, but as time goes by these creases can become very deep and noticeable.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Marionette lines can be treated with different non-surgical treatment options.
During the initial consultation, our Doctors at Hampstead Aesthetics will discuss these options with you and devise a bespoke treatment plan to achieve the best outcome.
Treatment options to get rid of marionette lines might include:
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dermal filler injections
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botulinum toxin injections
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skin boosters
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PDO Threads
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY APPOINTMENT?
Your treatment will start with an in-depth Medical Consultation with your Doctor. You will be able to discuss any concerns you may have about the procedure, and they will be able to suggest the most effective treatment strategy plan for your particular concerns.
It may be that Cheek Filler or Nasolabial folds could be treated prior to the marionettes.
The risks and benefits of any treatment will be discussed at length.
If you are concerned about your Marionette Lines/ Nasolabial lines and would like a Consultation with one of our experts, they will be able to guide you and work out a treatment plan that effectively suits you.
The nasolabial fold is the deep crease running from either side of the nose down towards the corners of the mouth. Nasolabial folds are a normal part of human anatomy that everyone has. However, many people begin to notice them more significantly as they age. Over time, they can become deeper and may also sag.
With age, some people also develop fine lines next to the nasolabial folds. Still, others can develop lines that extend down even further to the chin. These are commonly known as marionette lines. Fat is lost from the cheeks, reducing skin volume and making the nasolabial fold appear deeper. Repeated smiling or having a “big smile” may result in permanent, deep creases in this area.
WHAT CAUSES NASOLABIAL FOLDS?
Nasolabial folds become more noticeable due to a variety of factors. The factors include the following.
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Loss of collagen. With age, the collagen in our skin diminishes. This makes the skin around the mouth and eyes look thinner and weaker than we are used to.
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Loss of fat. As we age, we also lose some of the fat which is usually maintained in the cheeks. With this loss, parts of the face may appear saggy.
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Sun exposure. Over time, constant and continuous exposure to the sun can cause skin damage. This may cause wrinkles and changes in the texture of the facial skin.
Due to the factors above, as the skin ages, facial expressions can cause deeper wrinkles. With less collagen and fat in the face, the skin is susceptible to more permanent changes.
Other factors that play a role in skin ageing include the following.
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Rapid weight loss or frequent weight fluctuations in weight
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Smoking
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Exposure to environmental pollutants
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
There are several treatment options for laugh or smile lines. The right treatment will depend on many personal factors, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Often, dermal fillers are recommended as the first step toward diminishing the appearance of nasolabial folds. Deep nasolabial folds can be corrected through injections of dermal filler into the surrounding area, restoring the lost volume and softening the appearance of these creases. The goal of nasolabial fold injections is to even out the skin volume, leaving you with a smoother, refreshed-looking appearance
Our doctors can also inject fillers into the skin around the cheek, which adds volume to the area and lifts the skin. The treatment requires little to no recovery time. Some patients experience slight bruising. However, it is important to note that fillers are a short-term solution. Lasting six months to 2 years, with most lasting 6 to 9 months.
Correcting Nasolabial Fold lines using PDO threads is another non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to provide a more youthful facial appearance without leaving scars and with minimal downtime.
FAQs
Find the answers to your questions about facial line softening and marionette line filler treatments with Hampstead Aesthetics in London.
If you would like to find out more, simply contact us for further information.
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What are Anti-Wrinkle treatments?Botulinum toxin A often referred to as anti-wrinkle or muscle relaxant injections is a prescription only treatment. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to the muscles. The muscle becomes relaxed, in turn reducing the appearance of the lines and wrinkles.
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What do muscle relaxant injections consist of?Muscle relaxants consist of a purified version of a protein and toxin produced by a bacteria found in meat. When injected into targeted muscles, these products work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscle. This controlled weakening reduces muscle movement, causing the wrinkles over the muscles to become smoother.
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When will I see my results?Initial results start at day 4-5 post injection but the full optimum result typically is seen at 2 weeks. At 2 weeks we offer a review appointment.
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How long will my results last?This depends on the area treated, and the individual client. Muscle relaxants usually last 3-4months, but in some cases can last as little as 8 weeks or can last up to 6 months Over time, you will notice the results of the treatment begin to fade, gradually returning your appearance to its pre-treatment state.
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What is the difference between Muscle relaxant injections and Dermal Filler?Muscle relaxants are used to treat wrinkles and lines caused by repeated muscle movement, such as smile lines and forehead creases. They work by temporarily weakening the underlying muscles. Dermal fillers are used to plump up the skin by adding volume. They may be used to fill in wrinkles caused by sagging skin, to restore volume lost to the ageing process, or to enhance areas of the face such as the lips and cheeks.
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Which areas can be treated?Muscle relaxants have been used successfully to treat most areas of the face, smoothing wrinkles caused by facial muscles. Common treatment areas include forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and horizontal lines on the forehead.
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What is the ideal time to start?Many clients begin receiving injections of muscle relaxants as soon as they start seeing signs of wrinkles. Others wait until their wrinkles are more substantial before seeking treatment. There is no reason to delay seeking cosmetic injections. Many clients undergo decades of repeated treatments with no ill effects. While most clients begin seeking treatment in their early 30s or 40s, it can be performed safely on clients who are both younger and older. Some patients in their 20’s have injectable treatments to prevent wrinkles and lines from forming.
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Is this Treatment available for men and women?Yes, muscle relaxant treatment works well on both men and women.
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Are there any age restrictions?We do not treat anyone under the age of 18 years.
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Can I have the treatment while pregnant?No, for safety reasons you cannot have this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Does this treatment hurt?The discomfort during this treatment is minimal. We use a very thin needle and the injection process is over in a matter of minutes. For very anxious clients a topical numbing cream can be applied if desired.
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How long will the injecting take?The injection process itself is over in just a few moments. You can expect to spend half an hour or less in the clinic.
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Can I still make facial expressions?One of the worries many clients express is that the injections will make it difficult for them to move their faces. While muscle relaxants do relax the muscle activity causing wrinkles, when used correctly they will not affect your ability to frown, look surprised, and make other facial movements. When overdone, muscle relaxants can have a tendency to cause a frozen appearance. This is why it is important to choose carefully when considering aesthetic treatments.
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Will people know I have had the treatment?We aim to create a natural-looking enhancement to your appearance. Often, people who know you well will remark that you look healthier, well rested, or refreshed.
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Do results vary from person to person?Yes, individual results can vary. The experienced practitioners at the Clinic can provide optimum results for each client through careful evaluation of their individual concerns and aesthetic goals. This enables us to provide a personalised treatment and use the right amount of product to achieve the results you desire. Choosing an established clinic with highly qualified experienced practitioners is key to achieving the best results possible.
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Are the results permanent?No, the result is temporary. The results last between 3-4 months depending the facial area treated, and your body’s ability to absorb the injected toxin. It can wear off after as little as 8 weeks in some clients and it can last up to 6 months in others. Many patients undergo regular touch-up injections in order to maintain their rejuvenated appearance. If you opt not to have further treatment, the treated area will gradually return to its pre-treatment appearance.
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Will it last longer if I have more product injected?With muscle relaxants it is better not to overdo it. In fact, over usage can increase side effects and lead to an unnatural looking appearance. Because most clients are unaware of how much product should be used to achieve their desired aesthetic result, it is the practitioner’s responsibility to recommend an amount of product that will create subtle yet noticeable results. You can trust the experienced practitioner at the Clinic to achieve optimal results by using the right amount of product to achieve your desired result.
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What happens when the results wear off?The results of muscle relaxant injections generally last 3-4months, depending on the area treated. As its effects wear off, the skin will return to its natural, pre-treatment state. If you decide against further injections, your skin will be left in the same condition it was before treatment; it will not be any more wrinkled than it was before treatment.
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How often will I need treatment?Many clients return for further treatment when they see the results of the initial treatment wearing off. For some clients top ups are sometimes necessary, as everyone is different, but are always free with us as we aim to provide sufficient levels in the first place.
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How often can I have the treatment?You need to leave at least 12 weeks between one full treatment to the next. If you are exposed to the toxin too frequently your body can create antibodies to fight against the treatment resulting in anti wrinkle injections resistance where it no longer works.
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Is the treatment reversible?Anti-wrinkle injections will naturally wear off over time, approximately 3-4 months.
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Will the treatment prevent new wrinkles forming?In addition to smoothing existing wrinkles, muscle relaxant injections have some ability to prevent new wrinkles from forming. They can reduce the repetitive muscle movements that lead to wrinkle formation.
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What can I expect afterwards?Immediately afterwards, minor side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising are common. The treated area may also feel tender. These effects usually last 2-3 days and do not prevent clients from returning to work and other normal activities immediately after leaving the clinic. Muscle relaxants take 4 10 days for the effects to show, and often continue to improve for up to 30 days following treatment.
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Can I have a Top up?Our bodies response to muscle relaxants can vary. Some of us may need more than others to achieve the desired effect. Here at the Clinic we offer a free top up service. This is offered between 2-4 weeks following your treatment Should you feel you require it. Unfortunately a top up after 4 weeks would not be appropriate.
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Are muscle relaxants right for me?Muscle relaxants may be right for you if you have facial wrinkles such as smile lines or horizontal forehead creases caused by overactive muscles. This treatment does not work on wrinkles caused by loss of skin elasticity or volume.