Smokers’ Lines
(Barcode Lines)
If fine vertical lines above the upper lip are bothering you-often nicknamed “smokers’ lines” or “barcode lines”-we can help you soften them naturally while keeping your unique lip shape.
What are “smokers’ lines”?
They’re the tiny vertical creases that appear above (and sometimes below) the lips.
Despite the nickname, they’re very common in non-smokers and form due to a mix of natural collagen loss, sun exposure, and repetitive lip movement (talking, sipping, pursing).
Why do they appear?
- Ageing & collagen loss: Skin thins and support fibres reduce over time
- Dynamic movement: Everyday expressions and lip pursing etch lines gradually.
- Lifestyle factors: UV exposure, smoking, and dehydration can accelerate changes.
Treatment journey at a glance
Consultation: We assess muscle activity, line depth, skin quality, and lip shape, then create a precise plan.
In-clinic time: 20–45 minutes depending on treatments. We will apply topical numbing cream before any procedure.
| Downtime | Longevity |
|---|---|
| Anti-wrinkle & Micro-filler / Skin Boosters: Minimal – tiny bumps for 24–48 hours Microneedling: Redness and swelling for 1–3 days | Anti-wrinkle: ~3–4 months Micro-filler / Skin Boosters: ~6–12 months Microneedling: Cumulative collagen benefits; maintenance advised |
Am I a good candidate?
You have fine to moderate vertical lines around the mouth
You want natural-looking improvement, not larger lips
You’re happy to maintain results with sensible skincare and periodic top-ups
Aftercare
No makeup on injection sites for 12 hours; avoid intense heat/exercise for 24 hours
Daily broad-spectrum SPF and a reparative skincare routine (retinoids as advised)
Minimise repetitive pursing (e.g., through straws) where possible
Don’t smoke-your skin (and results) will thank you!
Our treatment approach: subtle, multi-layered, and bespoke
We use a combination approach to address the cause (skin quality and movement) as well as the lines you can see. Depending on your anatomy and goals, your plan may include one or more of the following:
- Anti-wrinkle micro-doses (BotoxTM) Tiny, precise amounts relax overactive perioral muscles to soften line formation without changing how you speak or smile. This is ideal when movement is a major driver of your lines and is often paired with skin treatments for best results.
- Hyaluronic Acid micro-droplet filler Ultra-fine, flexible Teoxane TM filler is peppered into the superficial dermis to blur etched lines without adding “lip volume” you don’t want. In mild cases, treating lip hydration and border definition alone can noticeably improve lines. Results are designed to look imperceptible, not “done”.
- Skin boosters (Hyaluronic Acid skin hydrators) Injectable skin hydrators (TeoxaneTM) improve elasticity, smoothness, and fine creasing around the mouth-perfect for crepey texture that makeup settles into. (Often combined with toxin or micro-filler for a stacked result.)
- Collagen-remodelling energy devices: Microneedling When skin quality is the main issue, we may recommend microneedling around the mouth to stimulate new collagen and thicken the dermis, softening stubborn etched lines over a course of sessions.
- Polynucleotides PlinestTM Polynucleotides can be injected superficially into the dermis to regenerate the skin quality, improve smoothness and boost collagen and elastin.
The entire procedure is typically short : generally 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.
What results can I expect?
- Softer vertical creasing above the lip
- Lipstick migration (“bleeding”) reduced
- Smoother, more hydrated skin with better makeup “sit”
- Results that preserve your natural lip shape-no overfilling
You’ll typically notice improvement within 1-2 weeks for injectables, with ongoing gains from skin-quality treatments as collagen remodels over several weeks to months.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about our treatments.
Book a consultation
If you’re considering treatment for Smokers’ Lines in Jesmond, Newcastle and want expert advice tailored to your needs, we’re here to help. Our focus is on providing honest, transparent guidance and delivering results that leave you looking refreshed, confident, and completely yourself.
Book a consultation today to discover how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my lips look bigger?
Not unless you ask for volume. We use micro-droplet techniques to smooth lines and improve hydration while keeping your natural proportions.
Do I need both toxin and filler?
Not always. Some patients improve with lip hydration and border support alone; others benefit most from dynamic line relaxation. Your plan is personalised.
What if my lines are deep?
We often pair injectables with microneedling for etched lines, then maintain with skin boosters and skincare.
