What Are Marionette Lines & How Can You Get Rid of Them?

As we age, facial lines and wrinkles become more prominent, one of the most noticeable types being marionette lines. These vertical lines that run from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin can subtly change your expression, sometimes making you look sad or tired even when you’re not.

At Cosmetic Surgery Partners, we help patients understand their facial ageing concerns and offer tailored treatments to restore confidence. In this blog, we explain what marionette lines are, why they develop, and the best cosmetic options to treat them.

What Are Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines are creases or folds that form from the outer corners of the mouth down to the jawline. They’re named after the mouth lines seen on marionette puppets, hence the name.

Whilst a completely natural part of ageing, marionette lines can become more pronounced over time and may lead to a downturned appearance of the mouth.

What Causes Marionette Lines?

A combination of factors contributes to the development of marionette lines, including:

1. Ageing and Collagen Loss

As you age, your skin loses collagen and elastin—proteins that keep the skin firm and youthful. This natural process leads to sagging and wrinkle formation.

2. Facial Volume Loss

With time, the fat pads in your face shift and shrink. This volume loss can accentuate lines around the mouth and chin.

3. Anatomy of the face

The soft tissues of the face (skin, fat, muscle, nerves, etc) are suspended from the facial skeleton at several key anatomical points. Along with loss of volume within the face, some of these define the fact that the nasal labial folds (the lines/folds that run from the nose to the corner of the mouth) will always ultimately form, subsequently progressing to form marionette lines.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Sun exposure, smoking, poor skincare, and repeated facial expressions can all contribute to premature skin ageing and deeper facial lines.

How Can You Get Rid of Marionette Lines?

While marionette lines are common, there are a variety of non-surgical and surgical options to reduce their appearance and restore a youthful, uplifted look.

1. Dermal Fillers

One of the most popular treatments for marionette lines, dermal fillers are injectable gels made of hyaluronic acid. They help to:

• Restore lost volume
• Smooth out creases
• Lift the corners of the mouth

Results are typically immediate and last between 6–18 months, depending on the filler used.

2. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®)

Botox can be used in combination with fillers to relax the muscles that contribute to downward mouth movement. This technique helps lift and soften the marionette area for a more neutral or happier expression.

3. Thread Lift

A thread lift uses dissolvable threads to physically lift the skin and stimulate collagen. It’s a minimally invasive alternative to surgery with results that can last up to 12–18 months.

4. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments improve skin texture and boost collagen production, which can reduce the depth of marionette lines over time. Best results are seen with a series of treatments.

5. Surgical Facelift

For deeper or more advanced marionette lines, a lower facelift may offer long-lasting improvement. This procedure repositions sagging tissues and removes excess skin, resulting in a smoother, firmer jawline and mouth area.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Choosing the right treatment depends on several factors, including your age, skin type, severity of the lines, and personal goals. At Cosmetic Surgery Partners, we offer comprehensive consultations to assess your needs and recommend the most effective approach, whether that’s a subtle tweak or a more transformative and long-lasting procedure.

Prevention Tips

While you can’t completely prevent marionette lines, healthy habits can slow their progression:

• Wear SPF daily to protect against UV damage
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Maintain a skincare routine with retinoids and antioxidants
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet

Final Thoughts

Marionette lines are a common sign of ageing, but they don’t have to affect your confidence. With the right treatment plan, it’s possible to soften or eliminate these lines and enjoy a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

If you’re considering marionette line treatment, our team at Cosmetic Surgery Partners is here to help. With leading UK surgeons and tailored care, you can trust us to deliver safe, natural-looking results.

Book Your Consultation Today

Visit cosmeticsurgery-partners.co.uk to learn more or schedule your expert consultation.