Medical Aesthetics Clinic
Marionette Lines Treatment
Marionette lines run from the corners of the mouth to the jaw line, creating a downturned expression that can make the face look older or sad. Simon Lee Clinic in Bristol treats both the lines themselves and the underlying tissue descent that causes them.
Marionette lines run vertically from the corners of the mouth down to the jaw line, named for the vertical mouth-to-chin lines of a marionette puppet. They are caused by a combination of tissue descent in the lower face and volume loss around the mouth and chin, and they can give the face a downturned, sad or aged expression even when none is intended.
Treating marionette lines effectively requires addressing both the fold itself and the overlying tissues. Simply filling the groove without considering the broader descent often produces a heavy, unnatural result.
Options We Offer
Dermal fillers carefully placed into the marionette folds and chin area can produce significant improvement in some cases. Combined with treatment to the mid-face and lower face, this results in a more lifted, balanced lower face. Collagen stimulators such as Sculptra can address volume loss in this area for a more gradual, structural improvement lasting up to 24 months.
Fat transfer is available as a more permanent option. For patients with significant tissue descent, the facelift addresses the underlying structural cause.
Frequently Asked Questions — Marionette Lines
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What causes marionette lines?
A combination of ligament laxity, fat pad descent, and volume loss around the mouth and chin. They are as structural as a skin concern, which is why addressing them requires understanding the whole face.
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How much filler is needed?
We take a measured approach — the goal is a natural, lifted result, not a dramatic alteration. We will advise on the appropriate amount at your consultation and can always add more at a follow-up.
