Marionette lines (the creases that extend downwards from the corners of the mouth towards the chin) are a common concern that can change the expression of the face, sometimes creating a tired or downturned look. These lines develop gradually as the skin, soft tissue and bone of the lower face change with age.
At British Face Clinic, we provide advanced marionette lines treatment in London, Milton Keynes and Northampton, carefully selected to address both the loss of volume and the descent of tissue that cause these folds. Our approach is designed to soften lines, restore natural facial balance and maintain harmony with your individual features.
What Are Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are the vertical creases that form between the corners of the mouth and the chin. In early stages, they may appear as faint shadows, but over time they can deepen, giving the face a drawn or sagging appearance. Unlike nasolabial folds, which run from the nose to the mouth, marionette lines affect the lower face and are closely linked to changes in skin elasticity, facial fat distribution and muscle activity with loss of jaw bone and dental volume.
Marionette lines treatment in London, Milton Keynes and Northampton restores balance to the lower face with tailored procedures.
What Our Patients Have to Say
What Causes Marionette Lines?
Several interrelated factors contribute to the formation of marionette lines:
- Loss of Volume: As facial fat and jaw bone diminishes and shifts, the corners of the mouth lose structural support.
- Skin Ageing: Reduced collagen and elastin weaken skin resilience, allowing folds to form more prominently.
- Gravity: Over time, gravity accentuates tissue descent, particularly around the jawline and chin.
- Muscle Activity: Repeated facial expressions can reinforce downward creasing at the mouth corners.
- Genetics and Lifestyle: Hereditary factors, sun exposure and lifestyle choices influence how early and how deeply marionette lines develop.
When Should You Consider Treatment?
Marionette lines treatment may be worth considering if these creases alter facial balance, create shadows that change your expression or contribute to a sagging lower face appearance. While mild lines are a normal part of ageing, deeper or more noticeable folds can often be improved with carefully chosen procedures.
If non-invasive methods are no longer effective or if you would prefer a longer-lasting solution, professional treatments tailored to your facial anatomy can restore a smoother, more balanced look.
Precise marionette lines treatment delivers natural-looking results around the mouth and chin.
How We Treat Marionette Lines
At British Face Clinic, our treatments are designed to target the underlying causes of marionette lines. We focus on restoring lost volume, softening folds and enhancing definition in the lower face.
Dermal Fillers and BOTOX
Dermal fillers are one of the most effective options for marionette lines treatment in London. By carefully placing filler beneath the fold, we restore support and lift, reducing the depth of lines while maintaining a natural look. In many cases, this is combined with BOTOX injection to weaken the muscle that acts to downturn the lip corner. This treatment is precise, quick to perform and offers results that last several months.
Fat Injections
Facial fat grafting provides a natural, longer-term solution by using the patient’s own fat to restore volume in the lower face. By reintroducing fat to areas of depletion, we rebuild support around the mouth and chin, softening marionette lines while enhancing facial contour.
Surgical Options
For patients with more advanced lower face ageing, surgical procedures can be considered alongside fillers or fat injections:
- Mini Facelift: Suitable for mild to moderate skin laxity, improving early jowl formation and reducing marionette folds.
- Jowl Lift: Focused on repositioning sagging tissues along the jawline, this procedure can also improve the appearance of deeper marionette lines.
Each option is tailored to the degree of fold depth, skin quality and overall facial structure to ensure balanced and proportionate results.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Every face is unique, and so is every treatment plan. During your consultation, we carefully assess the depth of your marionette lines, skin condition and the distribution of facial volume. From there, we recommend the most suitable treatment, or combination of treatments, to restore balance and reduce folds without altering your natural character.
Meet Mr Mrinal Supriya
FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS
Mr Mrinal Supriya is the Divisional Director of Surgery. He is highly experienced Head and Neck Surgeon, specialising in facial cosmetic surgery. He is the Divisional Director for Surgery at NGH in Northamptonshire and works as an ENT Consultant.
Mr Supriya is also the lead head and neck robotic surgeon at the University Hospital of Northamptonshire (2023). Previously, he held consultant positions at St. George’s University Hospital, London and Ninewells University Hospital, Dundee.
Mr Supriya has extensive experience in top hospitals around the world, including the UK, Australia and the USA. He has trained with Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the top facelift surgeons in the USA. Mr Supriya is among the 30 surgeons certified by the Royal College of Surgeons to provide facial cosmetic surgery in the UK (2022).
Why Choose British Face Clinic for
Marionette Lines Treatment?
At British Face Clinic, your care is led by Mr Mrinal Supriya, a consultant facial surgeon with specialist expertise in advanced procedures of the face and neck.
- Facial Focus Only: Our clinic is dedicated exclusively to facial procedures.
- Consultant-Led Care: You will meet and be treated directly by Mr Supriya.
- Refined, Natural Results: Treatments are carefully performed to enhance rather than change your features.
- Transparent Approach: Clear pricing and honest advice guide every step.
- Trusted Expertise: One of the UK’s most experienced facial surgeons in both private and NHS practice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering marionette lines treatment in London, Milton Keynes or Northampton, the first step is a consultation. Schedule your appointment with British Face Clinic to discuss your goals and explore the most effective options for restoring balance and definition to your lower face.
Patient Stories
It’s embarrassing looking tired at work, and social events aren’t so fun when your confidence and self-esteem are lacking. You’ve neglected yourself and feel inadequate compared to all the beautiful people around you. You deserve some self-love.
Take your first step and step into a more beautiful you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are marionette lines on the face?
Marionette lines are the vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin. They become more noticeable as the skin loses elasticity and facial support over time.
How to get rid of marionette lines without surgery?
Non-surgical options such as cosmetic fillers with BOTOX or facial fat grafting can soften marionette lines effectively. These treatments restore lost volume and improve lower face balance with minimal downtime.
Do fillers work for marionette lines?
Yes, fillers (with BOTOX) are one of the most effective ways to reduce marionette lines. They add support beneath the folds, creating a smoother and more natural appearance.
What is the best treatment for marionette lines in London?
The best treatment depends on the depth of your lines and overall facial structure. Most patients benefit from fillers or fat injections, while surgical lifts are considered for advanced cases.
Can fat grafting reduce marionette lines?
Fat grafting can successfully reduce marionette lines by restoring volume around the mouth and chin. It provides longer-lasting results compared to temporary fillers.
How long do marionette line fillers last?
Results from fillers for marionette lines typically last between 6 and 12 months. Longevity can vary depending on the product used and individual factors such as metabolism.
When should you consider surgery for marionette lines?
Surgery may be appropriate if marionette lines are combined with sagging jowls or significant lower face laxity. Procedures like a mini facelift or jowl lift can reposition tissues for more lasting results.
Are marionette lines permanent?
Marionette lines naturally become more pronounced with age, but they are not permanent in the sense that they can be improved with treatment. Both non-surgical and surgical options can significantly reduce their appearance.
Our Locations
- London City
The Wellington Hospital, 15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
- London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
- Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
- Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
London City
The Wellington Hospital
15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
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