Treating mouth wrinkles: understanding the area involved

Movement, skin ageing and UV exposure influence these fine lines. Lipstick can settle into them. Treatment often focuses on skin quality; this does not automatically mean wanting bigger lips.

A conservative filler treatment may be suitable in selected cases. Skin surface treatments have a different aim. The most appropriate option depends on the depth of the lines, skin thickness and existing lip contour.

Treating a loss of volume is different from relaxing a muscle that pulls the corner of the mouth down. Where there is significant excess skin, adding filler may have limited benefit. A blanket promise to treat every mouth wrinkle with injections would therefore be inappropriate.

The nasolabial fold lies above this area. Both types of line can occur together, but they should not be treated using the same approach.

The chin muscle may be involved in what is sometimes called a cobblestone chin. The horizontal crease between the chin and lower lip, and a receding chin, each need their own assessment. The condition of your teeth and your bite can also be important for lip closure.

I assess speech, smiling and lip movement. An aesthetic correction must not overlook the importance of these functions. If you have functional difficulties, an assessment by a dentist or another medical specialist may be helpful.