Marionette Line Treatments
Marionette lines are the vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin. As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen, elastin and support from deeper structures. This can create shadows, sagging and a down-turned, tired appearance around the lower face.
For many patients, Marionette lines can make them look sad or older than they feel.
What Causes Marionette Lines?
Several factors contribute to the formation of marionette lines:
Loss of facial volume in the midface and lower face
Skin laxity caused by reduced collagen and elastin
Genetics, facial structure and natural ageing
Repeated facial expressions
Environmental factors, including sun exposure and smoking
Understanding your individual pattern of ageing is key to selecting the most effective treatment.
Every face is unique, and so is every treatment plan. After an in-depth consultation, we will recommend the most suitable approach-often combining modalities for the most natural and long-lasting results.
Who Is Suitable for Treatment?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Feel you look sad, tired or older around the mouth
- Want a natural improvement without surgery
- Prefer a personalised, holistic approach
- Are looking to refresh the lower face with minimal downtime
Treatment Options Include
- Dermal Fillers for Marionette Lines Dermal fillers are one of the most effective ways to soften Marionette lines. By restoring volume where the face has lost support, fillers help lift the corners of the mouth and smooth vertical folds. Benefits:
- Immediate softening of deep lines
- Restores structure and lift
- Subtle, natural results
- Minimal downtime
- Lower Face Rejuvenation / Full Facial Balancing Marionette lines often form because of volume loss in neighbouring areas-such as the cheeks, chin or jawline. Treating only the line can sometimes yield limited results. A holistic lower-face approach may include:
- Midface (cheek) support
- Chin augmentation for projection
- Jawline contouring
- Oral commissure support
- Skin Boosters & Bioremodellers If your Marionette lines are enhanced by skin laxity rather than deep folds, strengthening your skin quality can make a significant difference. Options include:
- Skin boosters for hydration and improved elasticity
- Polynucleotides for skin healing and regeneration (PlinestTM)
- Collagen-stimulating injectables (Bioremodellers-ProfhiloTM)
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections For some patients, targeted anti-wrinkle injections with BotoxTM can reduce downward pull on the corners of the mouth by relaxing the depressor anguli oris muscle. This can give a subtle lift and complement dermal fillers. Ideal for:
- Mild down-turning of the mouth
- A combined treatment plan
- Patients seeking less volume but more lift
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Consultation
Your appointment begins with a detailed assessment of your lower face, skin quality and facial proportions. We discuss your concerns, your goals and the results you would like to achieve.
Treatment
Depending on your personalised plan, you may receive dermal fillers, skin boosters, anti-wrinkle injections or a combination approach. Most treatments take around 20-40 minutes.
Downtime
Mild swelling or redness is normal
Most patients return to work and normal activities immediately
Bruising is possible but usually minimal
Results may be immediate (fillers) or take several weeks (skin boosters / bioremodellers)
Most patients enjoy results lasting 9-18 months, depending on the treatment chosen.
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 Marionette Line Treatments 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
What is the best treatment for marionette lines?
The best treatment depends on the cause of your marionette lines. For many patients, dermal fillers are highly effective at restoring lost support and softening deep folds. In others, a combination approach using skin boosters, anti-wrinkle injections or facial balancing provides the most natural result. A consultation with Dr Fiona Steedman allows for a personalised plan.
Will treating marionette lines make my face look overfilled?
No. At Dr Fiona Steedman Aesthetics, treatments are carefully planned to maintain your natural facial proportions. The goal is subtle softening and lift, not volume for volume’s sake. Most marionette line treatments involve precise placement rather than large amounts of filler.
Is it better to treat just the marionette lines or the whole lower face?
In many cases, marionette lines are a sign of overall lower face ageing rather than an isolated issue. Treating supporting areas such as the cheeks, chin or jawline often leads to more balanced, longer-lasting results. This will be discussed during your consultation.
How long do marionette line treatments last?
Results typically last between 9 and 18 months, depending on the type of treatment used, your metabolism and lifestyle factors. Skin boosters and collagen-stimulating treatments work more gradually but may offer longer-term skin quality improvements.
Is the treatment painful?
Most treatments are very well tolerated. A topical numbing cream is used where appropriate, and our fillers contain local anaesthetic to improve comfort. You may feel mild pressure or pinching, but discomfort is usually minimal.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
Downtime is usually minimal. You may experience:
- Mild swelling or redness
- Temporary tenderness
- Occasional bruising
Most patients return to work and normal activities the same day.
When will I see results?
- Dermal fillers provide immediate improvement, with final results settling over 1-2 weeks
- Skin boosters and bioremodellers improve the skin gradually over several weeks
- Combination treatments often continue to improve over time
Are marionette line treatments safe?
When performed by a qualified and experienced medical professional, marionette line treatments are very safe. Dr Steedman uses only premium, regulated products and follows strict safety protocols, including detailed facial assessment and anatomy-led techniques.
Can marionette lines be treated without fillers?
Yes, in selected cases. Skin boosters, collagen-stimulating injectables and anti-wrinkle injections can help soften early lines and improve skin firmness. However, deeper folds usually require structural support with dermal filler for optimal results.
How much filler is usually needed for marionette lines?
The amount varies depending on facial anatomy and severity of lines. Many patients require small, carefully placed amounts, sometimes combined with treatment elsewhere. Exact volumes are discussed during your consultation-there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
