As we age, one of the most noticeable changes in our appearance is often lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Jowls, laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and marionette lines are common concerns that can make us look older than we feel. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to smooth these wrinkles and rejuvenate your facial appearance.
Here, Dr. Kolder explains what causes these lines and creases around the mouth to form and some of the best nonsurgical and surgical treatments for them.
What Causes Lines around the Mouth?
Wrinkles around the mouth develop due to a number of factors, including the natural aging process, genetics and lifestyle choices. Over time, the skin loses collagen and elastin – key proteins responsible for keeping the skin firm and elastic. This leads to sagging skin and the formation of deep folds, particularly in areas with frequent facial movement, like around the mouth.
Laughing, talking and smiling create repetitive muscle movements that contribute to the appearance of lines and creases over time. Other factors like sun exposure and smoking can accelerate the aging process, making mouth wrinkles more prominent.
Top Treatments to Smooth Mouth Wrinkles
The good news is that there are several treatment options available to reduce mouth wrinkles, including both nonsurgical and surgical solutions. Below are some of Dr. Kolder’s recommendations for getting rid of lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Injectables
Injectables like dermal fillers and neuromodulators are some of the most popular treatments for addressing facial wrinkles. Fillers work by adding volume beneath the skin, thus “filling in” lines and wrinkles for a smoother overall complexion. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like JUVÉDERM® can last up to 18 months before a maintenance treatment would be required to keep your same results.
Injectable neuromodulators like BOTOX® and Dysport® can be used to relax the muscles around the mouth, preventing further deepening of dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements.
Laser Treatments
Laser resurfacing can be highly effective at smoothing away wrinkles. These treatments work by penetrating to the deeper layer of skin, where laser energy can stimulate collagen production and your skin’s natural cell renewal process, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Dr. Kolder generally recommends multiple laser treatment sessions in order to achieve the best results. The exact number you may need will depend on the type of laser used and the depth of your wrinkles.
Thread Lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that can lift and tighten sagging skin around the jowls and mouth. During a thread lift, Dr. Kolder uses dissolvable sutures to pull the skin back, creating a lifting effect without the need for surgery. At the same time, thread lifts also stimulate collagen production, yielding longer-term skin-smoothing results as collagen continues to increase.
Surgical Options
For more severe sagging and deeper wrinkles, surgical options like a facelift or neck lift may be more suitable options. A facelift involves tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin, effectively lifting the lower face and reducing jowls and deep folds around the mouth.
A neck lift addresses sagging skin in the neck area and along the jawline, providing a more youthful, contoured appearance. While these procedures require a more extensive recovery time than nonsurgical treatments, they can deliver dramatic results that can last for years.
Are you bothered by the appearance of lines and wrinkles around your mouth? Give us a call today at 805-484-2855 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kolder to discuss your goals and create the best treatment plan for your needs.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.