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Guide · Lip lines

Treating lip lines with a sensitive approach to your contour

Vertical lines above the upper lip are often called smoker’s lines or pleated lines. They can develop even if you do not smoke. If you would like these lines treated in Berlin, I deliberately separate the wish for smoother skin from the question of adding lip volume.

Natural lip area with fine vertical lines above the upper lip
Understanding your wishes and taking time to weigh up the options.

The short answer

What can be changed about lip lines?

For fine perioral lines around the mouth, the focus is on skin quality, small volume deficits and mouth movement. Depending on the findings, a conservative use of hyaluronic acid or a suitable skin treatment may help. Complete removal of all lines or an unchanged lip shape cannot be promised.

  1. Assess the surface

    Dry skin and established lines are not the same thing.

  2. Preserve the shape

    Wanting fewer lines does not automatically mean needing larger lips.

  3. Consider function

    Speaking, drinking and the ability to close the mouth must be considered when planning treatment.

From wishes to understanding

Understanding lip lines in more detail

The following distinctions help you make sense of what you have noticed and bring relevant questions to your consultation.

01Causes

Why lip lines also affect non-smokers

The mouth area is constantly moving when you speak, eat and smile.

Understand the connections

Genetic predisposition and age-related skin changes interact with UV exposure and, where applicable, smoking. Fine lines can develop above and below the lips. The term smoker’s lines is not a diagnosis of your lifestyle.

Moisturising skincare and sun protection support the skin. Lipstick, concealer or a cream can affect its appearance, but they do not permanently remove deeper, established lines. There is no general need for preventive injections.

02Fillers & skin

Hyaluronic acid does not automatically mean lip enhancement

Treating small lines is different from making a significant change to lip volume.

Understand the connections

I assess the thickness and mobility of the skin, as well as any existing filler. Too much material or inappropriate placement can cause unevenness and an unwanted change to the upper lip contour. A needle or cannula is chosen according to the findings; neither instrument guarantees safety.

Skin resurfacing treatments may be an alternative or an additional option in selected cases. However, not all skin lasers are equivalent. The intensity, risk of pigmentation changes and downtime need to be discussed in specific terms.

03Mouth movement

What about Botox or a Lip Flip?

Relaxing the lip muscle has a different aim from treating the skin’s surface.

Understand the connections

A Lip Flip changes the position of the coloured part of the lip through limited muscle relaxation. It is not a general treatment for all upper lip lines. In this area, its use is generally outside the approved aesthetic indications.

Temporary difficulties with drinking, speaking, whistling or closing the mouth tightly are possible. I therefore also explain when I would advise against this treatment.

Compare treatments

Which option suits which findings?

The choice is guided by the examination and your wishes. Benefits, limitations and recovery are discussed for the specific treatment.

Hyaluronic acid

The aim
Address small volume deficits where appropriate.
The limitations
Overcorrection and vascular risks; no guarantee of smooth skin.
Recovery
Swelling or bruising at first.

Skin treatments

The aim
Treat fine surface lines according to the skin assessment.
The limitations
No substitute for volume or surgical correction.
Recovery
Redness, pigmentation changes and downtime, depending on the treatment.

Skincare

The aim
Reduce dryness and support the skin barrier.
The limitations
No permanent removal of deep lip lines.
Recovery
Well-tolerated products and UV protection.
Andrea Caletti during a personal consultation.A decision that suits your life

A closer look

Tailoring treatment to your skin and daily life

Before starting, I ask about cold sores, previous injections, medication and upcoming dental treatment. If there is active inflammation, aesthetic injections are postponed. Depending on your history, preventive treatment for cold sores can be planned with medical guidance.

This sensitive area can be numbed with local anaesthetic. After filler treatment, I assess the contour and symmetry; the final result can only be evaluated once the reactions have subsided. A second small step may make more sense than an immediate, substantial change.

  • Record skin smoothing and lip volume as separate treatment goals.
  • Discuss pain relief and any history of cold sores.
  • Plan a follow-up and any possible further session in advance.

Costs in Berlin

Costs and scope
for your planning

The general treatment prices are not a flat-rate offer for the upper lip. The material needed, area treated, method and any course of treatments determine the price. Additional lip enhancement would be a service agreed separately.

The treatment prices shown are guide prices for the scope described in each case. Before you decide, you will receive a personalised cost plan detailing the services, follow-up appointments and any potential additional costs. Other areas or repeat treatments are not automatically included.

Discuss your individual treatment scope

Deciding together

Preparation, daily life and aftercare

Your individual advice depends on the findings, treatment and progress.

  1. 01

    Preparation

    Do not stop any medication on your own initiative. Report cold sores or any new skin irritation before your appointment.

  2. 02

    The first few days

    Cool the area gently without massaging or pressing it; follow your individual advice on make-up and lip care.

  3. 03

    Ongoing recovery

    Take a break from exercise, saunas and intense sun exposure as appropriate for the treatment. Recovery after skin treatments may take longer than after an injection.

Personal consultation in Berlin-Charlottenburg
Kurfürstendamm 200 · 10719 Berlin
c/o Vita Aesthetica

Contact & directions

An informed decision

Safety and risks
considered carefully

Alongside swelling and unevenness, the reactivation of cold sores and an unwanted change to the lip contour are relevant risks. Muscle relaxation can temporarily affect mouth function.

  • Pain, redness, swelling and bruising are possible after injections.
  • Fillers can cause lumps, infections or, rarely, vascular occlusion with tissue damage and harm to vision.
  • Botulinum toxin can affect neighbouring muscles; skin treatments carry their own risks of irritation and pigmentation changes.

When you need immediate helpSevere pain, unusual skin discolouration or rapidly increasing swelling must be assessed immediately. Seek emergency medical help straight away if you experience problems with vision, breathing or swallowing.

Dottore Andrea Caletti with a warm smile.

The doctor by your side

Andrea Caletti

Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

I want you to recognise yourself in your appearance and feel comfortable with it.

My professional journey

Exploring the wider connections

Marionette lines

Distinguish the lines below the corners of the mouth.

Lines around the mouth

Find the right starting point for the area you wish to address.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions:
Lip lines

A website can offer guidance. We will discuss your personal situation during your medical consultation.

Ask your question
01

Can I treat lip lines without injections?

Skin resurfacing treatments may be an option if your skin is suitable. Skincare supports dry skin. What can be achieved depends on the depth and cause of the lines.

02

Will my lips be larger afterwards?

Increasing lip size does not have to be the aim. However, filler can still affect the contour. This is why the amount, aim and limitations are discussed beforehand.

03

How long does hyaluronic acid last in lip lines?

The effect may last for several months. Movement, the product and the initial condition all affect how long it lasts; the previously mentioned guide of around six months is not a firm promise.

04

Is the treatment painful?

The mouth area is sensitive. Local anaesthetic can reduce discomfort, although you may still feel needle pricks and pressure.

05

When can I return to social activities?

Swelling and bruising may remain visible for several days. Allow time before important events. Recovery times differ after more intensive skin treatments.

Sources & medical background

Further medical information on the treatments described, their limitations and risks.

Dottore Andrea Caletti in a friendly conversationDottore Andrea Caletti

Let’s start with a conversation

Personal consultation
about your wishes

Tell me what matters to you.
I will take time for your questions.

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