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For Practitioners

What Are Marionette Lines?

So you’ve heard the term, and are now wondering “what are marionette line?” and… “Do I have them?  If so, what should I do about them?”  Not to worry, I am about to explain everything!

Perhaps you’ve noticed deep lines between the corners of your mouth and your chin.  If you have, they probably make you feel older.  What’s more, they probably make you look like you’re angry, a cause of occasional embarrassment and frustration for you.  But what are they, and is there anything you can do about them?

WHAT EXACTLY ARE MARIONETTE LINES?

To begin, they’re called “marionette lines.”  Maybe you first noticed them while in your 40’s, but now you’re in your 50’s and they’re significantly more pronounced than they were a decade or two ago.

Obviously, you want to know what these lines are and what caused them.  Here’s how the Derm Review defines marionette lines:

“As we age, dealing with marionette lines becomes a common frustration for many individuals. If you’re not sure what they are, these lines run from the corners of the mouth to the chin and are usually visible in aging skin. The problem with marionette lines is that they tend to show emotion, even if we are not trying to express anything. Unfortunately, this may lead others to believe that you are sad or angry, leading to misunderstandings and, in some cases, embarrassment. Because marionette lines can be so prominent, they are a common complaint addressed by dermatologists and skin care specialists.”

WHAT CAUSES THE APPEARANCE OF MARIONETTE LINES?

Of course, getting older doesn’t necessarily mean that marionette lines are going to occur, but if you have them, they can be a particularly frustrating problem—and you’re probably wondering why do some people get marionette lines while others don’t?

The problem begins in the ligaments near the chin and mouth.  As some people age, those ligaments begin to loosen and fat deposits in the face begin to diminish.  That creates a hollowness under the skin in those facial areas.  Over time, the problem accelerates.  That’s when people who get marionette lines start to notice their tell-tale signs—sagging skin, deep lines and an angry appearance.

ARE MARIONETTE LINES PREVENTABLE?

Although marionette lines are not completely preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce their appearance.  For example, a regular schedule of preventative, antiaging skincare combined with a healthy lifestyle will in many cases mitigate their impact.  That said, the appearance of these lines is largely a product of genetic predisposition.  In other words, if your parents had marionette lines, you’re more likely to see them as well.

ARE MARIONETTE LINES THE SAME AS WRINKLES?

In one sense, marionette lines and wrinkles are the same in that similar bodily processes—namely, the loss of skin elasticity due to genetics, aging and things like excessive sun exposure and smoking—cause them to appear.  The key difference is that, while most wrinkles make people look older, marionette lines also make them look angry or sad.

For those who experience marionette lines, this is typically a primary complaint and a principal reason to seek out effective treatments.  They become frustrated because friends and family begin asking them “what’s wrong?” or “are you upset about something?”  That can leave them both unhappy and embarrassed—and eager to find an effective solution.

ARE THERE EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MARIONETTE LINES?

Of course, every person’s situation is different, each has unique problems and challenges, and each will respond differently to various treatments for the problems they face.  That said, there are several recognized treatment options for marionette lines, including the following 3:

1.  TREATMENT THROUGH A FACELIFT

For some people, a facelift is an ideal solution.  For others, it represents unnecessary risk and a high cost.  It is, however, a treatment option that should at least be considered.

A facelift will eliminate lines in the face, especially deep ones.  It’s usually an option for people who want more than treatment for marionette lines—they often also seek solutions that tighten loosening skin on the neck and jawline.

The facelift has evolved over time and now can be performed by making much smaller incisions than in the past, and with a recovery period of shorter duration.  It does, however, still carry some element of risk (and at a high price) and therefore isn’t for everyone.

2.  THE USE OF TOPICAL CREAMS

For people who don’t want to expose themselves to the surgical risks implicit in obtaining a facelift, topical creams can be an attractive alternative.  Treatment with topical creams, it’s important to note, won’t eliminate marionette lines, but it can substantially reduce their unpleasant appearance.

Among the more popular topical creams that can be used for marionette lines are retinol and collagen (these increase the elasticity of the skin and reduce sagging).  Another effective topical cream is alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps bring increased moisture to the surface of the skin to enhance facial plumpness.

3.  CHEMICAL PEELS AND DERMABRASION 

Another effective treatment is the use of exfoliating procedures.  These will generally mitigate the appearance of marionette lines by eliminating dead skin cells.

Among the more popular exfoliating procedures are chemical peels and dermabrasion.  Both procedures effectively remove dead skin, and neither carries substantial risk or side effects (other than mild skin peeling and irritation).   It’s important to note, however, that while dermabrasion is generally performed in a surgeon’s office under local anesthesia, more extensive work could require hospital admission and the use of a general anesthetic.  This could add to the cost—and the risk.

4. INJECTABLES – Usually the best option.

Every person’s face is unique and may require something different.  However more often than not our top recommendation is injectable treatments.  Smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines using neurotoxin injectable fillers is one of the safest and most common skin rejuvenation treatments in the United States. At Youthtopia Med Spa, we offer BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® injectable treatments to create smoother, more youthful skin.

 

Brunette woman with a green boarder with white text that says what are marionettlines

CONCLUSION

As noted above, every person’s situation is slightly different, and every person will want to seek out the solutions and treatments which best meet their individual needs.  That said, there are some treatments, like those listed above, which have helped countless people reduce the appearance of marionette lines.

Fortunately, there are experienced medical practitioners who can help.  Our staff has extensive experience and knowledge. Not only in the effective treatment of marionette lines, but also in procedures such as CoolSculpting, Botox/fillers, skin tightening and laser hair removal.  We’ve helped many others achieve the look they want and improve the quality of their lives.

To learn more about the ways we can help you reduce the appearance of marionette lines, book your 100% no-obligation consultation with MedSpa today.

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