As we age, the skin on our face loses its elasticity and firmness, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. One of the most noticeable wrinkles that can form with age is the marionette line, which runs from the corners of the mouth down to the chin.
The anatomy of the face plays a significant role in the development of the marionette line. The muscles in the lower face, such as the depressor anguli oris and the mentalis muscles, control the movement of the mouth and chin. Over time, these muscles can weaken, causing the skin around the mouth and chin to sag and form the marionette line.
Additionally, the loss of subcutaneous fat in the cheeks and chin as we age can contribute to the appearance of the marionette line. This volume loss can cause the skin to sag and become more prone to wrinkles and creases.
The mandibular ligament is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the jawline and attaches to the chin. This ligament is also known as the mentalis ligament, as it is closely associated with the mentalis muscle, which controls the movement of the chin and lower lip.
As we age, the mandibular ligament can become tighter and more prominent, leading to the development of the marionette line. This is because the tightening of the ligament can pull down on the skin around the corners of the mouth, causing it to sag and form wrinkles.
In addition to contributing to the development of the marionette line, the mandibular ligament can also affect the overall appearance of the jawline. For example, a principal or tight mandibular ligament can create the appearance of jowls, which are pockets of sagging skin along the jawline.
Various treatments are available to address the effects of the mandibular ligament on the marionette line and the jawline. For example, dermal fillers can add volume to the area and smooth out wrinkles and sagging skin. Surgical procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift, can also tighten the skin and underlying tissues in the area.
Overall, the mandibular ligament plays a significant role in the development of the marionette line and the appearance of the jawline.
Other factors contributing to the marionette line’s development include sun damage, smoking, and repetitive facial expressions. Sun damage and smoking can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to premature ageing and the development of wrinkles. Repetitive facial expressions, such as frowning or pursing the lips, can also contribute to forming lines and wrinkles.
Overall, the development of the marionette line is a complex process involving changes in the anatomy of the face and environmental and lifestyle factors. While it is a natural part of the ageing process, various treatments available, including dermal fillers, can help reduce the appearance of the marionette line and restore a more youthful appearance to the face.
How can you treat the marionette line in aesthetic medicine?
Several effective treatments are available in aesthetic medicine to address the appearance of marionette lines. The most common treatments include:
- Dermal Fillers: Injecting dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, can help plump the skin and fill in the wrinkles and creases associated with marionette lines. These fillers can also help stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles’ appearance over time. We always use tried and tested Dermal Fillers at Tracey Bell and have 20 plus years of experience in provision
- Botox: Injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the muscles around the mouth can help relax the muscles and smooth out the appearance of marionette lines. Botox can also help prevent the further development of marionette lines by limiting the muscle movements contributing to their formation.
- Thread Lift: A thread lift involves inserting tiny threads beneath the skin to lift and tighten sagging skin around the mouth and chin. This can help reduce the appearance of marionette lines and restore a youthful appearance to the face. Personally, I believe the results are limited but are always discussed and can be used in conjunction with other treatments
- Laser Resurfacing: Laser resurfacing involves using a laser to remove the top layer of skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. This can help reduce the appearance of marionette lines and other wrinkles and fine lines on the face.. Our favourites Are fractionated Co2 lasers, sublative and erbium laser
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the top layer and stimulate collagen production. This can help reduce the appearance of marionette lines and improve overall skin texture and tone. Again used in conjunction with other treatments, these can be effective
Perioral and Smokers Lines – why do we develop perioral or smokers lines as we age – with reference to anatomy, muscles, skin
Perioral lines, also known as smokers’ lines, are wrinkles that appear around the mouth and are a common sign of ageing. These lines are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the skin, muscles, and underlying bone structure.
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, which makes it more prone to wrinkles. The muscles around the mouth also weaken over time, which can contribute to the formation of perioral lines. Additionally, the bone structure around the mouth can change, causing the skin to sag and form creases.
Smoking can also exacerbate the development of perioral lines. In addition, the repetitive motion of smoking, such as pursing the lips, can contribute to the formation of wrinkles around the mouth. Smoking also damages the skin by reducing blood flow, leading to premature ageing.
To prevent or reduce the appearance of perioral lines, taking care of your skin by using sunscreen and moisturizer and avoiding smoking is essential. In addition, facial exercises and cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers or laser resurfacing can also help to minimize the appearance of perioral lines.
There are several treatment options available in aesthetic medicine for perioral lines, depending on the severity of the wrinkles and the desired outcome. Some common treatments include:
- Dermal fillers: Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of perioral lines. The fillers add volume to the area around the mouth, which smooths out the wrinkles. Results can last up to several months, depending on the type of filler used. We use very light fillers to avoid projection of the top lip
- Laser resurfacing: Fractional laser resurfacing is a non-invasive treatment that uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. The laser targets the deeper layers of skin around the mouth, which promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells. This can help reduce the appearance of perioral lines and improve the skin’s overall texture.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layer of the skin to peel away. This process stimulates collagen production and can help reduce the perioral lines’ appearance. Chemical peels can be mild or more aggressive, depending on the severity of the wrinkles and the desired outcome.
- Botox: Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can be used to relax the muscles around the mouth and reduce the appearance of perioral lines. Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract, which can help to smooth out wrinkles. Results typically last several months
- Poynucleotides – the new kids on the block and are regenerative in nature. See our post on Polynucleotides.
Everyone is an individual but many with common problems
For a confidential consultation, call us or send us an email to arrange