How to Minimize the Puppet Lines on the Corners of Your Mouth

After the age of 25, a person's skin stops developing collagen, which contributes to the skin's elasticity. As years pass, a person also loses fat and muscle from her face, resulting in a sagging or wrinkled appearance. Puppet lines, or marionette lines, refer to vertical lines that appear on either side of a person's mouth. Homemade remedies like creams or lotions cannot reduce or eliminate the appearance of puppet lines. However, surgical and non-surgical treatments exist for puppet lines.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon that specializes in cosmetic procedures. While spa operators may offer to perform surgical or non-surgical treatments, clients should seek professionals. Explain your preferences for minimizing or eliminating puppet lines. Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer non-surgical treatment alternatives to cosmetic surgery.

• 2

  Undergo a liquid face-lift, a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting dermal fillers into the face. Surgeons or dermatologists inject the cheeks, mouth and puppet lines with the dermal fillers to reduce the appearance of puppet lines. Patients can receive local anesthetics for the procedure. Including a consultation with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, patients can expect to set aside about one hour for the procedure.

• 3

  Get botulinum toxin to enhance the results of the liquid face-lift. Since botulinum toxin can prevent muscle contractions, it can help reduce the appearance of puppet lines. Patients should ask a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about the risks and side effects of using botulinum toxin.

• 4

  Seek a plastic surgeon or dermatologist regarding a face-lift. Patients may receive a full face lift, in which the entire face and neck get lifted and firmed, or a mid-face or cheek lift, in which only the area around the cheeks, nose and mouth gets lifted and firmed. After a consultation, patients can expect surgery to last a few hours. Bruising, swelling and pain are common side effects that may last more than a week.