CONCERN
Marionette lines. Often best addressed by supporting the surroundings.
Marionette lines are the vertical lines that run from the corners of the mouth downward toward the chin. They can appear earlier than expected and often feel more visible than other facial lines. At Plumerian Aesthetics in Bentleigh, AHPRA registered cosmetic nurse Melia takes a considered approach that often does not involve treating the lines directly. The reason. Marionette lines are usually a consequence of changes happening above and around them, not an isolated wrinkle to be filled.
What causes this concern
Marionette lines deepen when the surrounding tissue stops supporting the lower face. As the cheek loses volume, the lower face is less held up. As skin firmness reduces, what skin remains has less elasticity. The lower lip and chin area can lose subtle volume too. The result is that the corners of the mouth turn downward slightly, creating shadows where there used to be smooth transitions. Treating the lines themselves often misses the underlying cause. Restoring support to the cheek, jawline, and chin area often improves how marionette lines appear without directly touching them.
Things you can try at home
Marionette lines usually develop from a combination of expression patterns, natural volume changes, and sun exposure over years. At-home care starts with daily broad-spectrum SPF. A good skincare routine with retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid supports skin quality along the lower face. Being aware of habitual mouth expressions can help, especially any resting downward pull. Staying well hydrated and maintaining stable weight both support the surrounding skin structure.
When it makes sense to consult
It makes sense to consult when marionette lines are visible at rest rather than only during expression, when they are affecting how you feel about photos or your resting face, or when at-home care over months has not changed the appearance. A consultation is a conversation about what specifically is bothering you and what options, if any, might be considered for your situation.
How we can help
At Plumerian Aesthetics, depending on your face, considered options include:
- Facial Volume Restoration: restoring structural support to the cheek, jawline, and chin area, which often improves how marionette lines appear
- Collagen Stimulation: supporting skin firmness gradually over months, which can help with the texture and depth of marionette lines
- Skin Bio-Remodelling: supporting overall skin quality in the lower face area, often complementary to either of the above
- Skin Needling: supporting overall skin texture and quality in the surrounding skin, often combined with other approaches
What to expect
Marionette lines respond best to a thoughtful approach over time rather than a single treatment. Most clients see meaningful improvement over a series of sessions. The aim is gradual, natural looking refinement of the lower face area, not a sudden change that draws attention. We may recommend a combined approach using more than one treatment over time. Your consultation includes a thorough assessment and a written plan to consider in your own time.
Frequently asked questions
Will you fill the marionette lines directly?
Sometimes. More often we recommend addressing the surrounding area first, because direct filling of the line can look unnatural if the underlying support is not there. Honest assessment at consultation determines the right approach for your face.
How long do results last?
Depending on the approach, results typically last 12 to 18 months for direct volumising, with longer term effects from collagen biostimulation. Maintenance is discussed at consultation.
Will this make my lips look bigger?
Not necessarily. The marionette area is around the corners of the mouth and below, not on the lips themselves. We discuss any concerns about the lip area separately at consultation.
When will I see results?
Direct volumising shows visible results almost immediately. Collagen biostimulation is gradual, with meaningful changes typically apparent at the three month mark and continuing to refine.
Are marionette lines connected to jowls?
Often yes. The two concerns frequently appear together because they share underlying causes. Addressing one often improves the other to some degree.
Is there any downtime?
Mild swelling or possible bruising is typical with volumising treatments, settling within a few days. Skin treatments have minimal downtime. We discuss timing carefully if you have an event coming up.
Considered, restrained care
Book a complimentary consultation with Melia RN at Plumerian Aesthetics Bentleigh. Honest assessment. Considered plan. No pressure to commit on the day.
