Quick Summary
Marionette lines make your mouth look downturned, even when you feel perfectly smiling. Botox offers a non-surgical and simple way to reduce marionette lines making your face more relaxed especially when you smile. If you are noticing creases forming on the lower part of your face and looking for ways to address these, Botox might be worth considering.
This article will make you understand how marionette line forms and how Botox is done to achieve a more refreshed look.
What are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are lines that show from the corners of your mouth towards the chin. These lines make your face look sad or tired especially when the lines are deep. Marionette lines usually appear in mid-adult years. They are more visible after the age of 40.
There are natural changes that affect our skin while we age, which include:
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Facial muscles slowly pulling down
- Facial fat reduces with age
- Collagen decreases
- Factors like sun exposure and smoking
The mouth area also moves a lot like talking, smiling, and frowning that uses the same muscles every time it moves.
What is Botox?
Botox, also called Botulinum toxin, is an injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes certain muscles by blocking the signals that make those muscles move.
Botox is known for its effectiveness in reducing forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. But it can also help in minimising marionette lines when injected by experienced medical professionals, and when done correctly, will result in a natural look.
Related read: Botox in London
How Botox works for marionette lines
When Botolinum toxin is injected to a specific muscle called DAO, or depressor anguli oris, it will slightly calm the muscle and will look more neutral and less downturned. Your lower face will look lifted in a soft, natural way.
Botox will not add volume, it will simply reduce the downward motion. This is why people often look happier and more refreshed without any dramatic change on their face.
Botox vs Other Treatments
There are different treatments of marionette lines depending on what is causing your lines:
| Treatment | Works Best When | What It Does | Good For |
| Botox |
|
Relaxes the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth | Softening lines caused by muscle movement |
| Fillers |
|
Adds volume under the skin, but does not relax muscles | Smoothing deeper folds caused by lost volume |
| Combination |
|
Uses Botox to relax muscles and fillers to replace lost volume | Best when lines are caused by both movement and volume changes |
Related read: Dermal Fillers London
Effective & professional doctor-led Marionette Lines Botox at our central London clinic
Verified Before & After
Verified Before & After
Benefits of Botox for Marionette Lines
Quick treatment
This is a simple in-clinic procedure that only takes less than 20 minutes you can return to normal activities straight away.
Natural looking result
The changes are gentle and subtle. There are no dramatic changes after the procedure.
Non-invasive
There is no need for general anaesthesia or no cutting involved. The downtime is minimal.
Help emotional expression
Your face will look less tired or sad after the treatment, and you will look more relaxed.
Related read: Benefits of Botox: Cosmetic and Medical Advantages
What to Expect Before and After
When results start
Botox does not have an instant result. You will notice visible changes in 4 to 7 days and reach its full effect in the second week.
How dramatic will the change be
Results may vary from each person. Some people will notice a subtle lift, while others notice that lines become softer.
Why expectations matter
Remember that Botox is not enough if your main concern is volume loss. But if the muscle is the main cause, Botox works well. This is why a consultation to a dermatologist is helpful before any procedure.
The Treatment Process
Consultation
Your practitioner will check your lower face, muscle strength, medical history, and talk about your goals. They may also recommend other treatments to pair with Botox for overall glow up that fits your face.
Injection preparation
Your skin will be cleaned, and treatment points are marked. After that, your practitioner will inject the Botox using a tiny needle, and most people describe it as a quick pinch.
During the treatment
The product is injected into the DAO muscle on both sides of your mouth. No anaesthesia is needed and it will only take a few minutes.
Aftercare Tips
These are the basic aftercare advice you need to after after Botox:
- Do not rub the area
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Skip hot bath, sauna, and hot yoga for 24 hours
- Keep the skin clean
- Avoid lying flat for minimum of 4 hours
Redness and mild swelling may happen but it is temporary and settles quickly.
How Long Botox Lasts
Botox normally lasts for 3 to 4 months, but it varies from person to person depending on your metabolism and muscle strength.
You can return every 3 to 4 months for maintenance. With regular treatments, the muscles may become less strong over time and sometimes makes the results last slightly longer.
Is Botox Suitable for Everyone?
Botox is not suitable for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with certain medical conditions
- People who have infection near the injection site
Your practitioner will check everything during the consultation and make sure to recommend options if Botox is not the right treatment for you.
Related read: Botox and Pregnancy: Can You Get Botox While Pregnant?
Side Effects
Most Botox side effects are mild and temporary like:
- Redness on the injection site
- Slight tenderness
- Mild bruise
These side effects settle within a few days. Uncommon effects include slight asymmetry or temporary weakness of the lips if Botox migrates outside the intended area.
Related read: 5 Surprising Botox Side Effects You Didn’t Expect
Why People Choose Marionette Line Botox
Many people choose botox for marionette lines because it is not permanent, you can try it without a long-term decision. It also feels like a lighter option compared to fillers or surgery. You get a softer look but your natural face shape stays the same.
Who Sees the Best Results
Botox works well for:
- People with visible lower face lines
- People with naturally downward mouth pull
- Those who want a natural lift
- Those who prefer non-surgical treatments
For deeper lines, combining Botox with filler is often the best option.
Choosing a Practitioner
Look for someone who:
- Specialises in cosmetic injections
- Understands the anatomy of the lower face
- Offers an extensive consultation
- Uses medical-grade products
Before and after photos can also help you decide and understand their specialisation.
Conclusion
Using Botox for marionette lines offer a simple and gentle solution for lower face lines by keeping your face natural. The treatment helps your expression look more relaxed and balanced.
If you are noticing a tired or slightly sad look around the lower face, this treatment may be worth choosing. A consultation with a professional like the Harley Street Skin Clinic is the best to start.
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One of our experts will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
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