Lines and creases are some of the most common signs of aging, and one of the biggest cosmetic frustrations, that adults face. We often hear about frown lines, crow’s feet, and worry lines. But some of the most aging of all facial wrinkles are the marionette lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin. Sometimes called laugh lines, these creases are no laughing matter. Fortunately, there are several ways we can address them. Here, we’ll discuss some of the options available at our San Antonio locations.
Home Remedies for Marionette Lines
If you’re just starting to notice changes in the skin around the corners of your mouth, now is the ideal time to start taking action. The first order of business is to protect your skin from unnecessary sun damage. Ultraviolet light degrades collagen and is one of the biggest factors that contribute to aging. Next, look at your skin care. Use products with ingredients like:
- Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which reduce oxidative stress.
- Vitamin B3 or niacinamide, which can boost the skin’s elasticity.
- Retinoids, which help maintain cellular turnover.
- Hyaluronic acid serums, which hydrate the skin and promote healthy collagen.
- Collagen peptides, which support the ongoing regeneration of healthy collagen.
Professional Treatments for Marionette Lines
In addition to quality skincare products, you may want to give more power to your anti-aging game. Some of the treatments that we may recommend for marionette lines include:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers can be used on nearly all lines and creases caused by aging. These products are injected underneath the wrinkles to plump the skin back to a smooth surface. Because marionette lines may be caused in part by deflation in the mid-face, an experienced injector may also treat the cheeks. By amplifying the height and contour of the cheeks, the skin that is pressing down near the mouth may be slightly lifted. It isn’t likely that cheek augmentation alone will eliminate marionette lines, but it can help achieve more profound rejuvenation.
Neuromodulators
In our San Antonio offices, we use the full range of neuromodulators, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. You may recognize these names but wonder why we would use a neuromodulator around the mouth. These products are made to rejuvenate areas of the face that are affected by muscle tension. They are most well-known for eliminating frown lines and crow’s feet. Well, we can add marionette lines to the list, too. Here, the provider may inject the neuromodulator into the depressor muscles near the mouth to stop them from pulling the corners of the mouth downward.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a popular treatment that works by stimulating collagen production in the dermis. We don’t just provide microneedling, though, we go all out and perform microneedling with radiofrequency. This combination is more advanced and thus achieves more significant collagen remodeling than either can on its own. The treatment is comfortable because we perform it after the skin has been treated with a topical numbing cream. While RF microneedling takes time to produce the intended effects, its stimulation of new collagen can last many weeks.
Marionette lines can drag the face down, and your mood right along with it. We have multiple options that can help you eliminate these creases quickly and effectively. To learn more, contact our La Casita or Sonterra office for an appointment.