Each person ages a little bit differently, but there are certain types of wrinkles that are fairly common. We have fun nicknames for them, like “crow’s feet” and “marionette lines,” but the truth is that almost no one likes developing lines and wrinkles. They can change your resting facial expression and make you look much older than you feel.
Marionette lines don’t get as much attention as frown lines and crow’s feet, but they’re very common and can make you look sad, tired, and grumpy. If you’re struggling with this common problem, here’s what you need to know about why we get marionette lines and how you can fix them.
What are Marionette Lines?
Even if the term is pretty new to you, odds are good that you know what marionette lines look like. They’re the deep folds that extend from the corners of your mouth down to your chin. They’re called marionette lines because they resemble the appearance of a puppet’s mouth, which has to open and close when the strings are pulled.
Obviously, most people aren’t crazy about developing marionette lines. They don’t like how these creases change their expression or make them look older. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the appearance of marionette lines with cosmetic treatments to help you look younger.
What Causes Marionette Lines?
So, why do we get marionette lines? Like most wrinkles, marionette lines develop over time as the skin ages.
Youthful skin produces lots of collagen and elastin, keeping it firm, smooth, and elastic. Over time, however, our skin’s production of these key components slows down. Gravity pulls at the skin, which becomes thinner and starts to sag. Eventually, this process leads to deep creases and folds in the skin.
Marionette lines are a type of “static” wrinkle. Unlike dynamic wrinkles, they are not affected by facial muscle contractions. Instead, they form as a response to changes in the skin. Skin in the area around the mouth is thinner than other facial skin, which is one of the reasons marionette lines are so common.
How Marionette Lines Affect Daily Life
Facial wrinkles aren’t harmful to our health in most cases. You won’t suffer any pain or negative health consequences if you decide to live with your marionette lines. With that said, many people find that these wrinkles negatively affect them in their daily lives.
People who have deep marionette wrinkles are often asked about their mood or health. Because these lines change your neutral expression, well-meaning friends and family might ask if you’re feeling well or if you’ve been getting enough sleep. These questions can be annoying and frustrating if you’re well-rested and feeling good.
Marionette lines can also affect first impressions and self-confidence. People might think that you are upset or angry when they first meet you, which can affect how they perceive you. You might also find that you feel self-conscious or less confident due to your wrinkles. These are not insignificant concerns, and if you’re experiencing the negative effects of marionette lines, then you might want to consider a cosmetic treatment.
How to Treat Marionette Lines
The good news is that marionette lines aren’t that difficult to treat. There are several methods for improving the appearance of the lower face, many of which do not require surgery.
Dermal fillers offer a non-invasive quick fix for marionette lines. Most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid and require only a quick injection session to administer. A smooth gel fills in the wrinkles and reduces the appearance of marionette lines for up to a year. While the treatments are temporary, they work instantly and fit well into busy lifestyles.
Another option is a skin-tightening procedure such as Ultherapy. During Ultherapy, ultrasound energy is directed deep into the tissues to stimulate collagen production, which tightens the skin naturally. Ulthera results appear gradually but can be long-lasting.
Any treatment that involves boosting the body’s collagen production can help with marionette lines. Microneedling and some laser treatments can also help to soften and reduce static wrinkles. For very severe marionette lines, however, surgery might be the best option.
Talk to an Anti-Aging Expert
You have options for dealing with marionette lines, but choosing the right treatment can be a challenge. That’s why it’s so important to pick a provider who will be transparent with you and help you choose the treatment that will be best for your aesthetic goals. You need to be able to trust your aesthetician and feel comfortable asking questions.
At Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas, our aestheticians’ only goal is your satisfaction. They are experts in cosmetic medicine and can give you personalized advice that will help you make an informed decision. If you’re tired of looking at your marionette lines in the mirror, call our state-of-the-art office today at (281) 810-9083 to schedule a consultation.