Ever noticed little lines running down from the corners of your mouth? They are called marionette lines, and they can make you look sad, tired or cross when you are really not. In this article Miss B, our AI treatment guide, explains why they happen and walks you through how our nurse approaches them, using real footage filmed at our clinic.
Miss B is 65Beauty's AI treatment guide, not a real person or a nurse. The treatment footage is real and filmed with consent.
What are marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the lines that run downwards from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. They get their name from the hinged jaws of marionette puppets. For some people they are faint, for others more noticeable, and they can give the face a downturned look even when you are perfectly happy. That mismatch between how you feel and how you look is often what brings people in to ask about them.
Why they happen
As Miss B explains, when the face loses volume, the corners of the mouth can start to drop. With age, the natural fat pads in the cheeks and mid-face become smaller and can shift lower, and the supporting structures of the face change. Skin also gradually loses some of its elasticity. Together these changes mean the lower face has less support, and the tissue around the mouth can begin to sag, deepening the lines.
Genetics, sun exposure, smoking and significant weight changes can all play a part too. Marionette lines are a normal part of how faces change over time.
Why support matters more than filling the line
It might seem logical to simply fill the line itself, but marionette lines are often a sign of lost support elsewhere. That is why, in the footage, our nurse supports the lower cheek rather than focusing only on the crease. Restoring a little structure in the right place can help lift and soften the area around the mouth in a more natural way.
How the treatment is carried out
In the video, our nurse places small amounts of dermal filler using a fine cannula. A cannula is a thin, flexible tube with a rounded tip, used as an alternative to a needle for some filler treatments. Your practitioner will choose the technique that suits your face and the area being treated, and will explain why during your consultation.
The aim is a soft, natural result, not a dramatically different face. Small amounts are used, and the outcome is assessed carefully as treatment goes on.
What to expect afterwards
Some swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising is common after dermal filler and usually settles within a few days. Your practitioner will give you aftercare advice and explain possible side effects, including rarer ones, so you know what is normal and when to contact us. Results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Will I still look like myself?
That is the goal. Treatment uses small amounts and focuses on support and balance, aiming for a natural look. Your plan is agreed with you at your consultation.
Does a cannula hurt?
Most people find it very tolerable. Your practitioner will talk you through what to expect and how to keep you comfortable.
Can anti-wrinkle treatment help marionette lines?
Sometimes different treatments are considered for the lower face, depending on what is causing the lines. Your practitioner will explain which options may suit you after assessing your face.
Is it suitable for everyone?
No. Dermal filler is not suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain medical conditions. That is why every treatment starts with a consultation.
Book a consultation
If marionette lines have been making you look sadder than you feel, our team at 39 Kings Road, Brentwood, can talk you through whether treatment is right for you. 65Beauty is a nurse-led, CQC-registered clinic, and every treatment starts with a consultation. Book a consultation
Results vary. Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are subject to a consultation.
Results vary from person to person. Every treatment starts with a consultation with a registered clinician.