Marionette lines treatment with fillers
Marionette lines are the lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin. They can give the face a sad, mournful, or dissatisfied appearance, even though you often do not feel that way yourself. With a combination of fillers and sometimes botulinum toxin, the lines can be made less deep and the corners of the mouth regain support. The result is a fresher and friendlier appearance, without the need for surgery. During a personal consultation, our doctors assess which approach suits your face and wishes.
Table of contents
- What are marionette lines
- How does the treatment work
- When is a marionette line treatment desirable?
- The treatment step by step
- Results and shelf life
- Recovery and aftercare
- Who is the treatment suitable for?
- Costs and considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Facts and sources
- Personal advice at Cosmopolitan Clinic Amsterdam
What are marionette lines
Marionette lines, also known as corner-of-the-mouth creases, are the lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin. Sometimes they appear at a younger age, but usually they are the result of the natural aging process or significant facial weight loss. As the skin loses elasticity and subcutaneous volume decreases, the corners of the mouth begin to droop slightly more and the crease becomes more visible.
These lines can give the face a sad, mournful, or dissatisfied appearance, even when you feel calm and content. Many people therefore come to us because they hear "why do you look sad," even though they are not at all. Treatment focuses on softening the crease and restoring a more neutral mouth position.
How does the treatment work
A marionette lines treatment combines two techniques, depending on what your face needs.
With hyaluronic acid fillers, the crease is filled and the corners of the mouth receive support from below, causing them to sit slightly straighter. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that adds volume and hydrates the skin. By strategically placing the filler under the crease and in the so-called pre-jowl zone, natural support is created for the entire mouth area.
In some people, the muscles that pull the corners of the mouth downward (depressor anguli oris) actively contribute to a sad expression. In those cases, our doctors add small doses of botulinum toxin to relax those muscles, so that the corners of the mouth are no longer continuously pulled down. The combination of fillers and botulinum toxin often yields the most harmonious result.
When is a marionette lines treatment desirable?
Treatment can be beneficial when marionette lines affect your appearance in a way that does not suit you. Common reasons to request a consultation:
The treatment is not a lip treatment, jaw correction, or facelift. It focuses specifically on the area between the corners of the mouth and the chin, and on the surrounding muscle activity.
The treatment step by step
A marionette line treatment is minimally invasive and is performed on an outpatient basis.
The treatment plan is tailored to your facial structure and wishes.
Results and shelf life
The effect of the fillers is immediately visible and becomes more apparent in the days following the treatment as the slight swelling subsides. The durability of hyaluronic acid fillers in this area is twelve to eighteen months on average, depending on the product used and your individual metabolism. The effect of botulinum toxin is fully visible after seven to fourteen days and lasts on average three to four months.
Many people opt for a combination treatment with a periodic maintenance session for the botulinum component, while the fillers require touch-ups less frequently. Results vary from person to person, and the consultation determines the final expectations.
Recovery and aftercare
After a marionette lines treatment, there may be slight swelling, tenderness, or small bruises in the treated area. These side effects are usually temporary and disappear within a few days. You will receive clear aftercare instructions following the treatment. Recovery time is generally minimal, and most people can resume their normal daily activities immediately.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
A marionette lines treatment is suitable for people who:
The treatment is less suitable in cases of certain medical conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or unrealistic expectations. Final suitability is always determined during a consultation with the doctor.
Costs and considerations
A marionette line treatment at Cosmopolitan Clinic Amsterdam starts from €300 per treatment. The final cost depends on the amount of filler required and whether botulinum toxin is also added. Transparency and customization are central to this process. During the consultation, we discuss in advance which treatment plan suits you best and what the corresponding price is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a marionette line treatment painful?
The injections are generally well tolerated. If desired, a numbing cream can be used.
When will I see results?
The effect of the fillers is immediately visible and stabilizes within one to two weeks. The effect of botulinum toxin becomes visible after seven to fourteen days.
How long does the result last?
The fillers last on average twelve to eighteen months, the botulinum toxin three to four months.
Is surgery necessary to remove marionette lines?
Usually not. A combination of fillers and botulinum toxin is a good non-surgical alternative for many people. During the consultation, the doctor will advise you based on your facial structure and wishes.
Do I always need both filler and botulinum toxin?
No. For some people, a filler treatment is sufficient, while for others, the combination yields the best results. The doctor assesses this during the consultation.
Source attribution
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body and biocompatible | Peer-reviewed dermatological studies | Confirmed |
| Botulinum toxin relaxes the depressor anguli oris | Specialized literature on cosmetic medicine | Confirmed |
| Results vary per person | NVCG | Depending on the situation |
Make an appointment
A marionette lines treatment requires expert assessment and a tailored approach. During a no-obligation consultation, the doctor will discuss your wishes, assess suitability, and provide honest and medically sound advice. Our doctors will offer personalized advice for a result that gives you a fresher and friendlier appearance. Would you like to know if a marionette lines treatment is right for you? You are most welcome for a personal consultation at Cosmopolitan Clinic Amsterdam.
