Marionette Lines Filler in London
Lift the corners of the mouth and soften the lines to the chin, without surgery.
Marionette lines filler softens the lines that run from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin, the lines that can make the mouth look downturned or sad. At the West Hampstead clinic it uses hyaluronic acid, takes under 30 minutes, gives an immediate result and typically lasts 12 to 18 months. The most natural result usually comes from supporting the corner of the mouth and chin rather than only filling the line. Treatment starts from £350.
Marionette lines are the creases that run downward from the corners of the mouth, named after the hinged mouth of a puppet. As they deepen they can give the face a permanently sad or stern look, even when you feel fine. Filler can soften them, but the trick is to lift and support the area rather than simply pack out the line, which is what keeps the result natural.
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ABOUT MARIONETTE LINES TREATMENT
What are marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the folds that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin. They are a normal part of ageing, caused by loss of facial volume, reduced skin elasticity, the descent of the cheeks and jowls, and the steady pull of gravity. As the mid and lower face lose support, the corners of the mouth turn down and the lines deepen.
Marionette lines filler uses hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers to restore support, lift the corner of the mouth and soften the fold. As with the nasolabial folds, the line is often a symptom of lost volume higher up, so the best result usually comes from supporting the surrounding structure as well as treating the crease. Because it is hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved if needed.
MARIONETTE LINE FILLER
How the treatment works
Treatment starts with assessing the lower face: the corners of the mouth, the chin, and whether jowl descent is driving the lines. A numbing cream is applied for comfort, and the filler contains lidocaine. A firmer filler may be placed to support the corner of the mouth and the chin, lifting the area, with a softer filler used to soften the line itself where needed. A needle or cannula is used depending on the area.
Lifting and supporting, rather than over-filling the crease, is what keeps the mouth looking natural. Packing filler straight into a deep marionette line can look heavy. The appointment takes under 30 minutes, you see a result immediately, and it refines over two weeks as any swelling settles.
“A downturned mouth is rarely fixed by filling the line. I support the corner of the mouth and the chin to lift the whole area, and the line softens with it. Over-filling the crease is what makes a mouth look heavy.”
Dr Chiké Emeagi, MRCS, GMC 4418489
HONEST COMPARISON
How it compares to other options
Depending on how deep the lines are and whether jowls are involved, there are a few routes.
| Treatment | Best For | How long it lasts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marionette Lines Filler |
Softening the lines and lifting the mouth corner |
Around 12-18months |
Immediate, reversible, supports the area |
|
Lifting jowls and a descended lower face |
12 to 18 months |
Lifts tissue; often combined with filler |
|
|
Anti Wrinkle (DAO) |
A muscle pulling the mouth corner down |
3 to 4 months |
Relaxes the depressor muscle; small dose |
Often the best result combines approaches, for example filler to support the corner plus a small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment to relax the muscle that pulls it down. Where there is real jowl descent, a thread lift may be added. Dr Chiké will recommend the right mix honestly.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Results and what to expect
You see the corners of the mouth lifted and the lines softened immediately. Minor swelling settles within a few days and the result refines over about two weeks. The aim is a softer, less downturned mouth and a fresher lower face, not to erase the line completely, which would look unnatural.
Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on the filler, the amount, your metabolism and lifestyle. The mouth is a mobile area, so filler placed directly in the line can break down a little faster, while support placed in the chin and corner tends to last longer. Many people maintain the result with a top-up once it begins to soften.
It is worth being realistic. Filler softens and supports; very deep lines with significant jowl descent may need a combination with a thread lift, and skin quality is better helped by other treatments. Dr Chiké will set honest expectations at consultation.
Marionette Line Filler
Single session. Photographed at 2 weeks post treatment.
Marionette Line Filler
Single session. Photographed immediately after treatment.
Marionette Line Filler
Single session. Photographed immediately after treatment
AFTERCARE
Recovery, downtime and aftercare
There is minimal downtime and most people return to normal activities the same day. Mild swelling, tenderness or the occasional small bruise can occur and settle within a few days.
- For the first 24 hours, avoid intense exercise, saunas, steam and alcohol.
- Stay upright for the first few hours and avoid makeup over the area for around 12 hours.
- Avoid pressing or massaging the area while it settles.
You will leave with written aftercare and a route back to the clinic. The final result is judged at around two weeks once any swelling has resolved.
IS THIS FOR ME?
Am I a suitable candidate?
Marionette lines filler suits most healthy adults with downturned mouth corners or deepening lines from the mouth to the chin who want a softer, fresher lower face. It is most effective when the lines are driven by volume loss and mild descent, which a proper assessment will identify.
It is usually advised against, or postponed, if you have an active skin infection in the area, certain autoimmune conditions, a history of serious filler reactions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For deep lines with significant jowls, Dr Chiké may recommend combining filler with a thread lift or anti-wrinkle treatment, or a different approach.
TREATMENT PRICE
What marionette lines filler costs
Marionette lines filler at the West Hampstead clinic starts from £350, and typically falls between £350 and £600 per session depending on how much filler is needed and whether the chin and mouth corner are supported as well. Every price includes the consultation and is agreed before treatment. You can see the full price list online.
WHY US
Why choose Hampstead Aesthetics
Treating the mouth area well depends on lifting rather than over-filling, so who treats you matters. Dr Chiké Emeagi is Medical Director of Hampstead Aesthetics, a doctor on the GMC register (number 4418489) and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, with deep knowledge of facial anatomy. That understanding is why he supports the structure rather than packing the line.
Every treatment is carried out by Dr Chiké in person, using premium CE-marked fillers, cannula technique where suitable, and reversal agents kept on site as routine. He treats the lower face in balance rather than over-filling the crease. The clinic is on West End Lane in West Hampstead, NW6, a short walk from West Hampstead station and easy to reach from Swiss Cottage, Camden, St John’s Wood and across London.
PATIENT REVIEWS
What patients say
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TRUSTED BRANDS
Clinically validated products we use
We work exclusively with clinically validated, CE-marked brands across every treatment we offer, from Botox to dermal fillers, biostimulators and skin boosters. Every product is sourced from authorised UK distributors, so you get predictable outcomes, genuine ingredients and full regulatory traceability on everything that touches your skin.
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Medical Governance & Practitioner Verification
Dr Chike Emeagi - GMC Registration No. 4418489
Dr Chike Emeagi — GMC Registration No. 4418489
Marionette line treatment at Hampstead Aesthetics is performed only by Dr Chike Emeagi, whose GMC registration is open to public verification before you book.
MRCS — Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCGP — Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
MSc Aesthetic Medicine — postgraduate master's degree in aesthetic clinical practice
GMC licensed — full licence to practise, verifiable on the public medical register
You are encouraged to verify Dr Chike’s registration yourself on the GMC’s public medical register before booking. Any doctor practising without a valid GMC licence is doing so illegally.
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Why Doctor Led Matters
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are CE-marked Class III medical devices, not medicines. Under current UK law that means no prescription is required, and — remarkably — no medical qualification is required either. It remains legal for a person with no clinical training to inject filler into your face. That gap in the law is the single largest source of avoidable harm in this industry, and it is the reason this clinic operates to GMC standards regardless of the setting.
The marionette region sits close to the facial artery and its labiomental branches, and the lines themselves are usually a downstream symptom rather than the problem. They form because support has been lost at the jawline and the pre-jowl sulcus, so chasing the crease with more product tends to produce heaviness around the mouth rather than a lifted look. Reading which of those is happening in your face is a clinical assessment, not a menu choice.
Emergency Safety Protocols
Filler complications are uncommon but time-critical. A vascular occlusion treated within the hour usually resolves; the same occlusion treated the next day may not. Everything needed to act immediately is kept on site:
- Hyaluronidase on site — the reversal agent for hyaluronic acid filler, available in minutes rather than ordered in
- Anaphylaxis kit and full adrenaline protocol held on site and in date
- ACE Group certified — Dr Chike holds emergency complication management certification
- Direct same-day contact — you leave with a number that reaches the clinic, and you are seen within hours if something changes
- Batch traceability — the brand, batch number and expiry of everything used is recorded in your notes and available to you on request
- Written 999 escalation procedure for emergency transfer to hospital
- Full medical indemnity covering every treatment performed at this clinic
Consent, Privacy & Your Rights
Your consultation covers your medical history, medicines, previous treatment around the mouth and any history of cold sores, which can be reactivated by injection in this area. The risks explained include bruising, swelling, asymmetry, palpable product, cold sore reactivation and the rare risk of vascular occlusion. Treatment does not proceed without your informed, documented consent.
If you have a concern about your treatment, raise it directly with Dr Chike first. Most things are resolved at the clinic within the same week. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may raise a concern about the doctor with the General Medical Council, which regulates every doctor practising in the UK. Adverse incidents involving a medical device, including dermal filler, can also be reported to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.
Your clinical records are held under UK GDPR for the retention period required of medical records, stored on an access-controlled clinical system, and never sold or shared for marketing. You can request a copy at any time. If you are unhappy with how your information has been handled you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Your consultation, your treatment and your review are carried out by the same doctor. There are no hand-offs. Reviewed August 2026. Dr Chike Emeagi — GMC No. 4418489.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does marionette lines filler cost in London?
At the West Hampstead clinic it starts from £350, and typically falls between £350 and £600 per session depending on how much filler is needed and whether the chin and mouth corner are supported as well. Every price includes the consultation, and your exact cost is agreed before treatment.
What causes marionette lines?
They deepen with age through loss of volume, reduced skin elasticity, descent of the cheeks and jowls, and gravity. As the lower face loses support, the corners of the mouth turn down and the lines deepen. Because the cause is often higher up, supporting the surrounding structure rather than only the line gives the most natural result.
How long does marionette lines filler last?
Results typically last 12 to 18 months. The mouth is a mobile area, so filler placed directly in the line can break down a little faster, while support placed in the chin and corner of the mouth tends to last longer. Longevity also depends on your metabolism and lifestyle, and is reviewed at your follow-up
Will it get rid of my marionette lines completely?
No, and that is intentional. Filler softens the lines and lifts the mouth corner, but completely erasing them would look unnatural, as some line is normal. The aim is a softer, less downturned mouth. As the filler breaks down over time, top-up sessions maintain the effect.
Is it better to fill the line or support the area?
Usually support the area. Packing filler straight into a deep marionette line can look heavy. Supporting the corner of the mouth and the chin lifts the whole area so the line softens with it, which looks far more natural. Dr Chiké assesses the cause and treats accordingly.
Does it hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. A numbing cream is applied first and the filler contains lidocaine, so the area is numbed. A cannula may be used in places, which tends to be gentler than a needle. Most patients describe mild pressure rather than pain, and any tenderness settles within a day or two.
Will the results look natural?
Yes, when the area is lifted and supported rather than over-filled. Softening rather than erasing the line, and treating the lower face in balance, keeps the mouth looking natural rather than heavy. Dr Chiké builds gradually so the result reads as a more rested version of you.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes, and it often is. Marionette line treatment pairs with chin filler for support, with a small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment to relax the muscle that pulls the corner down, with nasolabial fold treatment, or with a thread lift where there is jowl descent. Combinations are only suggested where they genuinely help.
Is the filler reversible?
Yes. Because it is hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you are unhappy or if any adjustment is needed. The clinic keeps reversal agents on site as routine. This reversibility is one of the advantages of hyaluronic acid filler.
What is the downtime?
Minimal. Most people return to normal activities the same day, with mild swelling, tenderness or the occasional bruise settling within a few days. Avoid exercise, heat and alcohol for the first 24 hours. The final result is judged at around two weeks once swelling has resolved.
How much filler will I need?
It depends on the depth of the lines and whether the chin and mouth corner need support. Many people need one to two syringes across the lower face. Building gradually with a review is often the most natural route, and Dr Chiké will recommend an amount at consultation rather than over-filling in one visit
What is the difference between marionette and nasolabial lines?
Nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, while marionette lines run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin. They often appear together and are commonly treated at the same time, supporting the cheek and chin to soften both. Dr Chiké will assess which you have.
Can a downturned mouth be lifted without filler?
Sometimes partly. A small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment can relax the muscle that pulls the mouth corner down, which helps a mild downturn. For volume loss and deeper lines, filler that supports the corner and chin is more effective. The two are often combined, which is decided at consultation.
Who is not suitable for this treatment?
It is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, over an active skin infection, or with a history of serious filler reactions. For very deep lines with significant jowls, a thread lift or combination may be more appropriate. Dr Chiké assesses suitability at consultation and advises honestly.
How soon before an event should I have it?
Allow at least two weeks before an important occasion. Results are immediate, but giving the area a couple of weeks lets any swelling or bruising settle and the filler integrate, so you see the final, softened result on the day.
Arrange your consultation
If a downturned or sad-looking mouth bothers you, a consultation is the place to start. Dr Chiké will assess what is causing your lines, explain whether supporting the area, softening the line, or a combination will give the most natural result, and agree a plan with no pressure. If you have searched for marionette lines filler or a downturned mouth treatment near me, the West Hampstead clinic welcomes patients from across North London. You can arrange a consultation online or call the clinic on 0203 196 7222.
Reviewed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS, GMC No. 4418489. Last reviewed June 2026.
This page is for information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. All treatments carry potential risks, which will be discussed in full before any procedure. Hampstead Aesthetics, 269 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1QS.
VISIT US
Our London Clinic
- Hampstead Aesthetics West Hampstead, London NW6
- Call us 020 3196 7222
- WhatsApp 07869 730 159
- Email: info@hampsteadaesthetics.com
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sunday closed