Dermal Fillers treatment
Marionette Lines
Soften the lines running from the mouth corners toward the jawline.
- Treatment time
- Around 20–30 minutes
- Results
- Visible immediately; settles over 2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically 9–12 months
- Downtime
- Minimal — a day or two of swelling
About Marionette Lines
Marionette lines run downwards from the corners of the mouth towards the chin, and can give the impression of a sad or downturned expression even when you're relaxed. They form as volume is lost around the mouth and the muscle at the corner pulls down.
A soft hyaluronic acid filler placed along and beneath the line cushions the crease and supports the corner of the mouth. It's often paired with a small anti-wrinkle treatment to the muscle that pulls the corners down, so the two approaches work together.
Key Benefits
- 01Softens the lines from mouth corners to chin
- 02Lifts a sad or downturned resting expression
- 03Restores support to the corners of the mouth
- 04Natural, subtle change that's hard to pinpoint
- 05Pairs well with DAO anti-wrinkle treatment
- 06Minimal downtime
Is this treatment right for me?
This suits people who feel their mouth corners turn down or who've noticed shadowing and creasing between mouth and chin. Because muscle pull and volume loss both contribute, John assesses which is doing more and plans accordingly.
You may be suitable if…
- You have visible lines from the mouth corners towards the chin
- Your resting expression looks sadder than you feel
- You'd like the lower face to look more supported
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- The area in proportion to the rest of your face, not in isolation
- Skin quality, volume loss and how the tissues move
- Your medical history, allergies, medication and any previous filler
- How much product is likely to be needed, and a realistic, staged plan if more than one session is sensible
What to expect
Before treatment
Treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll look at the area in the context of your whole face, talk through what you'd like to change and what would look natural for you, and check your medical history. For a week beforehand it helps to avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E where safe to do so, as they increase bruising. Please don't book within two weeks of a dental procedure.
During treatment
The skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied for around 10–15 minutes; many modern fillers also contain a local anaesthetic. John then places the hyaluronic acid gel using a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the area, shaping and checking symmetry as he goes. You'll feel pressure and the occasional sting rather than pain. Most appointments take 30–45 minutes.
After treatment
You'll see the change straight away, although the area will be a little swollen and the final shape settles over the next one to two weeks. John will go through aftercare, and you're welcome to book a review at two weeks if anything needs refining.
Watch
Results & longevity
The corners look supported immediately, with the final result at around two weeks. Filler here typically lasts nine to twelve months, depending on the product, amount and how much the area moves. Combining with DAO treatment can help the result last.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Expect mild swelling and tenderness for a few days and occasionally a small bruise. The lower face may feel slightly firm at first, which settles as the filler integrates.
Side effects
Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are the common, expected effects and settle within days. Small lumps or slight unevenness can be felt in the first couple of weeks as the gel settles and usually resolve; anything persistent can be reviewed. Uncommon risks include infection, an allergic-type reaction, or the filler sitting in an unintended spot. Rarely, filler can affect a blood vessel — John uses techniques that minimise this, checks for warning signs before you leave, and the clinic stocks the enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid so it can be treated immediately.
Aftercare
Avoid touching, pressing or massaging the area for 24–48 hours unless John has asked you to. Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and alcohol for 48 hours, and sleep slightly elevated on the first night to limit swelling. A cool (not frozen) compress helps if the area feels tender. Don't have facials, dental work or other treatments on the area for two weeks, and keep make-up off the injection points for the rest of the day.
Please contact the clinic straight away if you notice unusual or increasing pain, skin that looks blotchy, white or dusky, blistering, spreading redness, or any change to your vision. Ordinary swelling and bruising don't need a call, but you're always welcome to check.
- Downtime
- Minimal — usually a day or two
- Redness
- Mild, settles within hours
- Swelling
- Common for 24–72 hours
- Bruising
- Possible, fades within a week
- Normal activities
- Same day; avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Filler or anti-wrinkle for downturned corners?
Often both. Filler supports and cushions the crease; a small anti-wrinkle treatment relaxes the muscle pulling the corners down. John will advise on order and spacing.
Will I be able to eat and talk normally?
Yes. There may be mild tenderness for a day or two, but function isn't affected.
How much filler is needed?
Usually around 1 ml across both sides for a first treatment; more established lines may benefit from staged treatment.
Does it hurt?
A numbing cream is applied first and most fillers contain a local anaesthetic, so you'll feel pressure and the occasional sting rather than pain. The area may feel tender for a day or two afterwards.
Can it be reversed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed, which is one of the reasons we use it. John keeps it in clinic.
What happens at the consultation?
John assesses the area as part of your whole face, listens to what you'd like to change, checks your medical history and explains what's realistic, how much product is likely to be needed and the cost, before anything is booked.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.