Marionette lines are deep folds in the skin that run from the corners of the mouth to the bottom of the chin. They make the lower part of the face look like a string puppet’s mouth and contribute to a sad or tired look.
Marionette lines form when we lose collagen and elastin in the skin due to aging. Without these two vital substances to resist the pull of gravity, the skin becomes saggy along the jawline and wrinkled around the mouth and chin.
Dermal fillers are an excellent solution for marionette lines. Read on to learn how marionette line fillers work and what benefits to expect from the procedure.
How Fillers for Marionette Lines Work?
Marionette lines are treated by injecting the filler substance along the creases that run down from the corners of the mouth to the chin. The filler adds volume, tightens the jowls, smooths out folds, and reduces wrinkles.
What Is the Best Filler for Marionette Lines?
There is no one best filler for marionette lines. The treatment is unique to each patient and the medical provider chooses a filler type depending on the patient’s age, health, and skin concern.
The FDA has approved several dermal fillers for marionette lines, including products made from hyaluronic acid (Juvéderm, Restylane, Versa), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra).
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is one of the most popular HA-based filler brands. It has several products with different functions and for different facial areas. Volux, Vollure, and Ultra Plus are indicated to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as marionette lines.
Restylane
Restylane is made from hyaluronic acid and has several different types. Restylane-L, Refyne, Defyne, and Lyft effectively soften and smooth deep wrinkles and folds, restoring a youthful look.
Note: Find out the differences between Restylane-L and Restylane Lyft and learn how to choose the most suitable of these two products for your skin concern.
Versa
Versa is the newest addition to hyaluronic acid fillers indicated for use in the lips, on the nose, nasolabial folds, cheeks, chin, and marionette lines. It has the lowest risk of side effects, such as swelling, bruising, redness, and lumps.
Note: Read our article Versa filler vs. Juvéderm and find out what are their differences.
Radiesse
Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite, which triggers the body’s inflammatory response, helping to increase collagen production. The skin volumizing effects appear gradually and last up to two years.
Note: Check out our comparison article Radiesse vs. Sculptra and find out how to choose between these two fillers.
Sculptra
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, which stimulates collagen synthesis. Like Radiesse, it provides gradual and long-lasting results.
Many filler providers prefer HA-based marionette line fillers because the substance is naturally present in the body, with the least risk of causing irritation and allergies. It can also be dissolved, unlike other filler types. However, Radiesse and Sculptra build collagen and last longer, so they may be more suitable for prominent marionette lines.
Note: Learn about the differences between Sculptra and Juvéderm and find out which one of these two fillers is the most suitable for you.
The Benefits of Marionette Lines Filler
Dermal filler treatment is a popular solution for marionette lines because it provides a range of benefits, including:
- Smoothing of marionette lines
- More volume in the lower face
- Rebuilding the jawline’s natural curve
- Restoring youthful features
- Immediate, natural-looking results
- Minimally invasive procedure
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Marionette Lines Filler?
Dermal fillers are a good solution for people with pronounced marionette lines, helping to reduce them and tighten a sagging jawline.
Patients need to be healthy and preferably within their optimal weight to receive a filler.
The medical provider evaluates the patient’s medical condition before the filler treatment to rule out any potential risks to the procedure. Patients that suffer from severe allergies or have bleeding issues should avoid the treatment.
What Can You Expect During the Marionette Lines Filler Procedure?
The medical provider first cleans the patient’s skin with rubbing alcohol. They mark the injection site with a white marker and inject a dermal filler along the marionette line. After the injection, the medical provider gently massages the treated area to evenly distribute the filler and prevent the formation of lumps. The treatment lasts under 30 minutes.
Most filler injections include lidocaine, a numbing agent, or the medical provider applies a numbing cream on the target area to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Patients may feel slight pricking during the injection process and distraction tools are used to ease pain.
Marionette Lines Filler Results
Dermal fillers reduce marionette lines, restore volume in the lower part of the face, tighten jowls, and rejuvenate the skin in the treated area.
Note: Check out our article and find out more tips on how to rejuvenate the skin.
How Much Filler Is Required to Get Rid of Marionette Lines?
The amount of filler for marionette lines depends on their severity and the patient’s unique anatomy, metabolism, and desired results. Most patients need one or two syringes (1-2 ml) per treatment.
How Long Does It Take for Fillers to Work on Marionette Lines?
HA-based fillers reduce wrinkles by instantly restoring volume in the skin. Other fillers stimulate collagen production in the target area and smooth out the skin gradually, over a period of a few weeks.
How Long Do Marionette Line Fillers Last?
All marionette line fillers dissolve gradually. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last 6-12 months, while Sculptra and Radiesse can last up to two years.
The marionette lines appear again after the fillers degrade unless you maintain the results with regular treatments.
Marionette Lines Filler Side Effects
Dermal fillers for marionette lines are considered safe for healthy adults. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from allergies or bleeding issues, you may not be eligible for the treatment.
Patients usually experience mild side effects after fillers. They include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
Swelling and redness subside within several days while bruising gradually disappears within two weeks.
More severe but very rare side effects include:
- Allergies
- Infection
- Asymmetrical features
- Scarring
To minimize the chance of severe side effects, choose an experienced and certified dermal filler provider.
Marionette Lines Filler Aftercare
Follow these aftercare tips to speed up the recovery process and reduce bruising, swelling, and other common side effects:
- Apply cold compresses to ease swelling and pain.
- Don’t rub or pick the treated area.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid sun and heat exposure.
- Sleep on your back for a few days.
- Refrain from alcohol for 24 hours to minimize bruising.
Note: Read our article Can You Drink After Fillers? to find out how alcohol affects the recovery process and results of a dermal filler treatment.
Marionette Lines Filler Cost
At Vibrant Skin Bar, dermal fillers for marionette lines cost from $649 per syringe of Juvéderm to $900 per vial of Sculptra. The final cost depends on the filler type and amount required for the treatment.
Conclusion
Marionette lines can make you look sad, angry, and older than your age. Treating marionette lines with fillers is minimally invasive, painless, and produces natural-looking effects. Impressive results prompt most first-time patients to continue enjoying them.
If you are considering making a positive change to your appearance with dermal fillers, make sure you find an experienced provider.
