Lip Lines Overview

At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our dermatologists are world-renowned experts in the treatment of skin problems and conditions that affect our face as we grow older. Though popular anti-aging products include creams and exfoliants, our doctors know that the best way to achieve youthful looking skin is by using a combination of minimally invasive treatments to help patients overcome an older appearance.

Oftentimes, one of the first signs of facial maturing noticed by our patients is the appearance of unwanted lip lines, which can be easily defeated with the help of our San Diego dermatologists.

What Are Lip Lines?

Lip lines are fine vertical lines that can appear above the upper lip and are among the first small lines to show on the face. Lip lines also refer to the long lines that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth which are sometimes called marionette lines. At first, these will only show after facial expressions, but over time, these pesky lines can become evident even when not engaging in any kind of facial movement.

With age and repeated movement of the obicularis oris muscle (the muscle surrounding the lips), the elasticity of your skin begins to diminish. Some of the common culprits of lip and marionette lines include but are not limited to the following:

  • Smoking
  • Sun Damage
  • Volume Loss
  • Skin Laxity
  • Frowning

Treatment Options

Before and after oblique image of CO2 and erbium laser treatment on a female's lip wrinkles performed by Dr. Groff at our San Diego medical spa

The skincare experts at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology use a variety of methods to treat lip lines. Hyaluronic acid fillers (such as Juvéderm), Botox, and fractional resurfacing are three treatments that can help diminish the appearance of lip or smile lines. Often, our dermatologists will combine various treatments together to replace lost volume, erase skin imperfections, and make it difficult for facial muscles to move.

During your consultation at CLDerm, our skincare experts will help determine which lip line treatment works best for you. You can expect to be treated with one of the following procedures:

Juvéderm

Juvéderm is a type of hyaluronic acid filler that can be injected into lip lines and marionette lines to increase volume. This plumps up skin resulting in a smoother, younger-looking complexion. Often times, Juvéderm injections are made at the lip border as opposed to the actual lip lines.

Botox

Another treatment that can prove effective in the prevention of lip lines is Botox, which temporarily freezes the facial muscles, inhibiting your face from creating deep folds. Because most lip lines are caused by pursing the lips, Botox can prove to be very effective. Though Botox is not a permanent solution, individuals often see excellent results in the appearance of their lip lines for the following several months after an initial treatment. Botox is administered by an expert dermatologist in our office in a quick and easy procedure, making it an ideal upkeep treatment.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing can help to diminish the appearance of lip lines by penetrating deep into the skin’s surface to correct imperfections. After undergoing laser skin resurfacing, patients often note a much tighter and toned facial appearance, in addition to a more youthful and wrinkle-free face. During your initial consultation with our San Diego dermatologists, we’ll be able to determine how many laser treatments will be right for you and develop a completely unique plan of treatment.

Photos

Laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin around the mouth by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Rejuvenate Skin around the Mouth by Dr. Groff
Laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin around the mouth by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Rejuvenate Skin around the Mouth by Dr. Groff
Laser resurfacing to rejuvenate skin around the mouth by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Rejuvenate Skin around the Mouth by Dr. Groff
Take 10 treatment with laser resurfacing using Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Fraxel lasers to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Take 10 Treatment to Address Lines in the Lower Face by Dr. Groff
Take 10 treatment with laser resurfacing using Vbeam, Alexandrite, and Fraxel lasers to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Laser Resurfacing to Treat Perioral Lines and Facial Wrinkles by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin and minimize facial lines by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Wu
Actual unretouched patient before and after laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after laser resurfacing to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Wu
Actual unretouched patient before and after injectable fillers to augment the lips by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after lip fillers to augment the lips by Dr. Wu
Unretouched photos of patient before and after Restylane injections to treat lines around the mouth by Dr. Butterwick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Restylane injections for lines around the mouth by Dr. Butterwick
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Restylane filler to treat perioral lines with Dr. Butterwick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Restylane injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Butterwick
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Restylane filler to treat perioral lines with Dr. Butterwick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Restylane injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Butterwick
Actual un-retouched patient before and after CO2/Erbium laser treatment for fine lines and wrinkles by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed. Before and after CO2 and Erbium laser treatment to rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Radiesse and Belotero injections to treat wrinkles of the lower face by Dr. Butterwick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Radiesse and Belotero injections to treat wrinkles in the lower face by Dr. Butterwick
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Radiesse and Belotero injections to treat wrinkles of the lower face by Dr. Butterwick. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Radiesse and Belotero injections to treat wrinkles of the lower face by Dr. Butterwick
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Belotero injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Belotero injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Belotero injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Belotero injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Wu
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Co2 and Erbium laser treatment to address deep wrinkles by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Co2 and Erbium lasers to treat deep wrinkles by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel Repair laser treatment for lip lines by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Repair laser treatment to reduce lip lines by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel Repair to reduce lip lines by Dr. Fabi. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Repair to reduce lip lines by Dr. Fabi
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel Repair laser to reduce lip lines and rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Repair laser to reduce lip lines and rejuvenate the skin by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Co2 and Erbium laser treatment to reduce lip lines by Dr. Groff. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Co2 and Erbium laser treatment to reduce lip lines by Dr. Groff
Actual un-retouched patient before and after Fraxel Dual laser and filler treatment for sun damage and wrinkles by Dr. Wu. Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed. Before and after Fraxel Dual and filler injections to reduce wrinkles and treat sun damage by Dr. Wu

Videos

Botox and Dermal Filler Lip Injections: Demonstrated by Dr. Douglas Wu (0:45)

FAQs

Q: What treatments should I avoid when treating lip lines?

A: Thicker fillers like Radiesse should not be used when treating lip lines, as this is a delicate area and there would be a risk of lumping. As with all of the treatments on this page, it’s important to receive injections and laser skin resurfacing from a trained and certified professional. When selecting a dermatologist, it’s a great idea to ask to see before and after photos of previous patients, as can help you gain a greater insight as to what types of goals are realistic and what can actually be accomplished.

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The information available on this website is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and/or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions.

*Free in-person consultations are available with Drs. Butterwick, Groff, Wu, Boen, and Leysin Fletcher, PA-C. General Dermatology consultations are subject to a fee. Virtual consultations are subject to a fee that may be applied towards treatment. Promotions are not available with Dr Goldman.