Suffering from Puppet Mouth Lines? Here's What to Do
You grow more concerned each year about the deepening lines extending from the corners of your mouth to your jawline. These lines frame your chin, making you look like one of those old-timey marionette string puppets.
You’re not happy about it. Fortunately, you can take steps right now to slow the progression of these “puppet mouth lines.” You have several options to temporarily reduce or obscure their visual impact too.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Puppet Mouth Lines?
Also known as marionette lines, puppet mouth lines frame the chin between the corners of the mouth and the jawline. They sometimes appear as extensions of the nasolabial folds, similar-looking lines that extend up from the mouth to the sides of the nose. Like other types of fine lines and facial wrinkles, marionette lines are age-related but not inevitable.
Why Do Puppet Mouth Lines Form?
Puppet mouth lines form as the body’s production of collagen and elastin declines. This reduces the skin’s elasticity and regenerative potential, allowing deeper, more noticeable wrinkles to form in the visible layers of skin. Many people notice marionette lines by age 40 or 45, and they sometimes appear even earlier.
Other factors may contribute to puppet mouth lines:
- Smoking
- Excessive sun exposure without adequate protection
- Stress and stress behaviors (such as pursing the lips or grinding the teeth)
- Genetics (people whose parents had noticeable marionette lines also tend to develop them)
Can You Prevent Marionette Lines From Forming?
It’s difficult to prevent marionette lines and nasolabial folds forever, but doing the following may slow their development:
- Following a daily skin care routine that promotes hydration and skin cell health
- Quitting smoking and tobacco use
- Using SPF sunscreen during longer periods of sun exposure
- Reducing stress and correcting stress-induced mouth movements
Do Marionette Lines Get Worse With Age?
Unfortunately, puppet mouth lines do get worse with age. If you don’t do anything about them, that is.
How to Treat Marionette Lines
People suffering from puppet mouth lines have several treatment options. Talk to your provider about which makes sense for you.
Do Puppet Mouth Lines Require Plastic Surgery?
No, puppet mouth lines don’t require plastic surgery. In fact, plastic surgery (known as a rhytidectomy in this case) usually isn’t indicated for mild to moderate lines. Less invasive treatments are sufficient.
Does Botox® Work for Puppet Mouth Lines?
Yes, Botox® and other botulinum toxin-derived neuromodulators can temporarily reduce puppet mouth lines. Always work with a certified injector who knows which facial muscles to inject. Improper injections can cause a droopy or asymmetric smile that persists for weeks.
Can Dermal Fillers Get Rid of Marionette Lines?
Yes, dermal fillers derived from hyaluronic acid can also temporarily reduce puppet mouth lines. Dermal filler results last a bit longer than Botox (6 to 18 months, versus 3 to 6 months). Work with a provider who has completed a comprehensive dermal filler training program to minimize the risk of complications.
Do Laser Treatments Work for Marionette Lines?
Yes, anti-aging treatments like cosmetic laser therapy (for skin resurfacing) and chemical peels can temporarily reduce mild marionette lines. Once again, choose a provider who has completed a certified cosmetic laser training program.
