Dermal Fillers
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines
The lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, and from the corners of the mouth downwards, are the most common reason people first book an aesthetics appointment.
They are also the area most often treated badly — because the instinct is to fill the line, and filling the line is usually the wrong answer.
Why we usually treat somewhere else
These folds form because the tissue above them has descended. Packing filler directly into the crease pushes the fold forward without addressing what is causing it, which is why heavily treated faces develop that characteristic flat, wide look around the mouth.
We usually treat the mid-face first, restoring support higher up so the fold softens from above. If a residual line remains after that, we may treat it directly — with a small amount, placed superficially, at a second appointment.
Sometimes the honest answer is that the skin itself has thinned and no filler will fix it. In that case we would suggest a skin treatment instead.
What to expect
Twelve to eighteen months when treated structurally through the mid-face. Direct treatment of the fold itself tends to last less well and is more prone to lumpiness, which is the other reason we prefer not to lead with it.
What it costs
From £160 per ml. Most plans start with the mid-face.
Common questions
What are nasolabial folds and marionette lines?
Nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines run from the corners of the mouth downwards. Together they are the most common reason people first book an aesthetics appointment.
Why not fill the line directly?
Because the fold usually forms when the tissue above it descends. Packing filler into the crease pushes the fold forward without dealing with the cause, which is how heavily treated faces end up looking flat and wide around the mouth.
Will I need cheek filler for my nose-to-mouth lines?
Usually, yes. Most plans start with the mid-face, restoring support higher up so the fold softens from above. If a line remains after that, a small amount may go into it directly, placed superficially, at a second appointment.
How long does filler for nose-to-mouth lines last?
Twelve to eighteen months when the area is treated through the mid-face. Filler placed directly into the fold tends to last less well and is more prone to lumpiness.
What if filler is not the answer for me?
Sometimes the skin itself has thinned, and no filler will fix that. If that is what we see, we will tell you, and suggest a skin treatment such as a skin booster instead.
How much does it cost?
From £160 per ml. Most plans start with the mid-face, and you are given the full cost at your consultation before you commit to anything.