It’s probably happened to you. You look in the mirror one random day, not expecting to notice anything new, and suddenly you see it: lines that weren’t there before. They appear right at the corners of your mouth and run down to your chin. And you think… when did these little wrinkles show up? Yes, they’re called marionette lines, and while the name sounds a bit theatrical (not very flattering, honestly), they’re quite normal as time goes by.
The good news is, you don’t have to resign yourself to living with them if you don’t want to. There are options—lots of them. From simple home routines to medical treatments that truly work. So if you’re looking to soften them, prevent them from getting worse, or—why not—eliminate them altogether… keep reading. We’ll share what we know (and what we often recommend in the clinic) clearly, directly, and—with your permission—a bit of empathy.
What exactly are marionette lines and why do they appear?
Marionette lines are those vertical creases that run from the corners of your mouth down to your chin. They’re named that way because they resemble the folds on wooden puppets. But don’t worry—you’re no puppet, of course not.
They appear due to a combination of factors: volume loss, sagging skin, and repeated facial expressions over the years. Genetics and skin type also play a role. Thin, dry skin isn’t the same as thicker, more elastic skin. In any case, the important thing is—you’re not alone, and there are tailored solutions for every situation.
Most common causes of facial aging in this area
We could talk for hours about facial aging, but focusing on this specific area, the most common causes are:
- Loss of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for firm skin
- Resorption of the jawbone, which diminishes with age and alters the facial support structure
- Drooping of soft tissue, especially facial fat that shifts—or disappears entirely
- Repeated facial expressions, like pursing the lips, talking, or even smiling
- External factors such as sun exposure, smoking, or stress, which accelerate skin aging
And sometimes, not having taken good care of your skin also plays a role. But hey—it’s never too late to start.
How to reduce marionette lines: effective treatments and tips
Completely removing marionette lines may not be possible in every case (let’s be honest), but they can definitely be softened significantly. Here are the most effective options, combining what you can do at home with what specialists offer.
Cosmetic care and anti-aging routines that help smooth them
The first step, as always, starts at home. A good skincare routine can make a real difference:
- Daily cleansing (yes, even if you get home late from dinner)
- Deep hydration using creams with hyaluronic acid, peptides, or retinol
- Facial massage: stimulates circulation and tones facial muscles—a cheap and effective trick
- Daily sun protection, even on cloudy days (don’t repeat it, but it’s the most important thing!)
You can also add a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinoid product at night. Quick results? No. Improvement in the medium to long term? Absolutely.
Medical and aesthetic treatments recommended by specialists
Here’s where things get interesting. If you want visible results faster, there are very effective solutions:
- Hyaluronic acid to fill in and support the area
- Thread lifts to “reposition” sagging tissues
- Radiofrequency and laser treatments to stimulate collagen
- Focused ultrasound (HIFU) for gradual firming
Of course, in our section on marionette lines, we go into detail on all these treatments, with images and real-life examples. It’s definitely worth a look.
Thread lifts for marionette lines: a definitive solution?
Thread lifts have become one of the most popular treatments for redefining the facial contour. And with good reason—they’re fast, minimally invasive, and offer a lifting effect without surgery.
How do thread lifts work on the lower third of the face?
They’re inserted under the skin using a fine cannula and act like “scaffolding” to lift sagging tissue. They’re made from biocompatible materials (like PDO), which also stimulate natural collagen production.
The procedure takes about 30–40 minutes, usually doesn’t require general anesthesia, and—you go home the same day!
Advantages, risks, and duration of the treatment
Advantages:
- Immediate effect (which improves over the following weeks)
- No surgery required
- Natural-looking results if done properly
Risks:
- Mild swelling or bruising (usually lasts just a few days)
- Asymmetry if not properly placed (which is why a skilled professional is key)
- Not permanent: lasts approximately 12 to 18 months
So if you’re looking for something “in between” cosmetics and surgery, thread lifts may be the ideal option.
Hyaluronic acid for marionette lines: visible results without surgery
Hyaluronic acid is the go-to treatment. Not just because it works, but because it adapts to each person. It fills, hydrates, redefines… What more could you ask for?
Step-by-step application of dermal filler
The process is quite simple. First, your case is evaluated, then the product is applied with a fine needle or cannula right into the lines. In just a few minutes, the lines soften, your face looks more balanced, and you… feel more like yourself.
It usually doesn’t hurt (just mild discomfort), and you can go back to your daily routine almost immediately.
Before and after: what to expect post-treatment
Right after the treatment, you might notice some swelling or redness. Totally normal. Within a day or two, you’ll see the final results: fresher face, fewer folds, more radiance.
The effect lasts between 9 and 15 months, depending on the product used and how your skin responds. And if you’re not happy with the result, it can be reversed. So no fear of ending up with a “weird” face, like people often worry about.
Prevention: daily habits to avoid deep facial folds
Alright—once they’re treated, how do we keep them from coming back so quickly? Here’s our golden list:
- Get good sleep—and if possible, sleep on your back
- Stay hydrated (water, herbal teas, broths… whatever works)
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Eat well: fruits, vegetables, omega-3s
- Do facial exercises
- Always use sunscreen—even in winter
There’s no magic, but there is consistency. And that’s what makes the difference over time.
Which option is best for you? Treatment comparison based on your needs
Here’s a quick guide based on your goals and situation:
- You have mild lines and want to prevent them: skincare + facial massage
- You want something visible but non-invasive: hyaluronic acid
- You want to redefine your contour and lift tissue: thread lifts
- You want long-lasting results without surgery: combination of threads + fillers
- You’re not sure where to start: best to book a personalized assessment with an aesthetic medicine specialist
Marionette lines are not inevitable or irreversible. We can prevent, treat, and soften them with effective solutions tailored to every age and skin type. Whether it’s thread lifts, hyaluronic acid, or a well-maintained skincare routine, what matters most is that you look good and feel even better.
Ready to take the first step? At Dra. Garrigós Clinic, we’re here to help you recover what time has gently changed. Because aging is natural—but aging with confidence? That’s real beauty.
