One of our most frequently asked questions among clients, especially those 40 and up, is how to treat the fine vertical lines above the lip known as smoker’s lines and the deeper creases at the corners of the mouth called marionette lines. These concerns show up gradually and can make the lower face look tired, shadowed, droopy or downturned. The good news is that with the right combination of treatments, we can lift, smooth, and rejuvenate these areas in a very natural way.
This guide explains why these lines form, what they say about your skin and structure, and which treatments give the most natural and long lasting results.
What are smoker’s lines?
Smoker’s lines are the vertical wrinkles that form above the lip. They may appear only with certain movements at first, then progress into deeper etched in lines at rest.
You may notice:
• Lines visible when you pucker or drink through a straw
• Lines more pronounced in the morning
• Lines that remain visible even when relaxed
• Crepey texture from aging, sun damage, or glycation
These lines develop from repetitive motion, collagen loss, thinning lip structure, sun exposure, and facial sleeping positions.
What are marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the downward creases that run from the corners of the mouth toward the chin. These lines form due to:
• Volume loss in the midface and lower face
• Skin laxity from collagen decline
• Loss of jawline support
• Deepening of the chin crease
• Overactivity of the DAO muscles pulling the corners down
The important thing to know is that marionette lines are rarely just a skin issue. They are often a structural issue that requires rebuilding support in nearby areas.
Best Treatments for Smoker’s Lines and Marionette Lines
Belotero
Belotero is a soft filler ideal for etched in lines above the lip and around the mouth. It smooths without adding heaviness or creating bulk.
DAO and Chin Neurotoxin
Neurotoxin in the DAO muscles and chin helps lift the corners of the mouth and reduce the downward pull that deepens marionette lines.
Filler or Biostimulators (Radiesse or Sculptra)
Volume loss is one of the biggest contributors to marionette lines. Replacing lost structure in the cheeks, jawline, preauricular area, and chin softens folds and restores a more lifted look. This step often creates the most dramatic improvement.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Perfect for deep etched in wrinkles, crepey skin, or glycation. CO2 laser resurfacing rebuilds collagen, improves texture, tightens the area, and significantly rejuvenates the skin. Most clients benefit from two to three treatments spaced three months apart.
Read more about our CO2 laser resurfacing here: https://vivaskinlounge.com/index.php/2025/02/27/co2/
SkinPen Microneedling
A great option for earlier lines and texture changes. It boosts collagen, improves fine lines, and supports other treatments.
Why Skin Quality Matters for These Lines
Treatments like filler and neurotoxin address structure and muscle activity, but the quality of your skin determines how smooth, youthful, and healthy the area looks long term. When the skin itself is thin, crepey, or damaged, you will always get the best results from combining injectables with medical grade skincare and collagen boosting procedures.
Some clients only have dynamic lines that appear with movement. Others have lines visible at rest, which almost always requires a combination of treatments to fully correct.
Skincare Products That Help with Lines Around the Mouth
Skincare will not replace injectables or laser treatments, but it is one of the most important steps in supporting and maintaining your results. When clients commit to both treatments and high quality products, the skin becomes smoother, stronger, and more resilient. This makes a dramatic difference in how smoker’s lines and marionette lines look over time.
Because every client’s skin is unique, the best way to choose the right regimen is to schedule a skin analysis appointment with one of our licensed and experienced estheticians. They will assess your skin’s texture, hydration, sensitivity, pigmentation, and barrier function to build a personalized plan.
Some of the most effective products for wrinkles around the mouth include:
ZO Wrinkle and Texture Repair
A powerful, medical grade retinol that improves lines, texture, and overall skin quality. Proper use is essential, so professional guidance helps ensure the best results with minimal irritation.
ZO Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate
A wrinkle-modulating and plumping serum enriched with peptides designed to smooth expression lines, firm the skin, and support collagen. This new formula is ideal for clients seeing early to moderate signs of aging around the mouth who want additional smoothing and hydration between treatments.
Why Skincare Matters for Smoker’s Lines and Marionette Lines
If lines are visible at rest, skincare alone won’t erase them, but it plays a critical role in strengthening the skin, improving texture, and preventing deeper etching. When combined with filler, neurotoxin, biostimulators, and laser resurfacing, medical grade products help maintain smoother and healthier skin long term.
What is glycation and why is it important?
Glycation creates a crinkled, wrinkled texture above the lip that makes smoker’s lines look deeper. It happens when sugar binds to collagen and breaks it down over time. CO2 resurfacing and medical grade retinol are the most effective ways to treat glycation and rebuild healthy, firm skin.
Do I need multiple treatments?
Most clients see the best results with a layered plan that may include:
• Belotero for etched in lines
• Neurotoxin for muscle pull
• Volume restoration for support
• CO2 resurfacing or SkinPen for skin texture
• Medical grade skincare for long term maintenance
This approach keeps the lower face lifted, smooth, and naturally refreshed.
Why SPF is non negotiable
If you are treating sun damage, texture, or collagen loss, SPF is essential. It protects your investment and helps keep your results lasting longer. Daily sunscreen is one of the most important habits for maintaining youthful, healthy skin around the mouth.
If you are ready to address smoker’s lines, marionette lines, or any lower face concerns, our team at Viva Skin Lounge would love to guide you through a personalized treatment plan. You can visit us at our Irwin or Pittsburgh locations, convenient for clients traveling from North Huntingdon, Greensburg, Murrysville, Monroeville, West Mifflin, Bethel Park, Cranberry, and the greater Pittsburgh area. Whether you are just starting to notice these changes or have deeper etched in lines you want to smooth, we are here to help you look refreshed and confident. Book your consultation and let’s create a plan that fits your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Schedule with us here: https://vivaskinlounge.square.site/
You can also call or text our office at 412-919-7707 to get started with a consultation!