Marionette Lines

Target marionette lines and lower face creases with advanced non surgical treatments at L’Atelier, Harley Street, London

What are Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines are the vertical creases that form from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin. They can create a downturned or tired appearance and develop due to several factors:

Loss of volume and structural support in the lower face:
As bone and fat diminish with age, the skin begins to fold more deeply around the mouth and chin.

Skin laxity caused by reduced collagen and elastin:
We naturally lose firmness over time, making the area more prone to sagging.

A naturally downturned mouth shape or genetic predisposition:
Some people are more likely to develop these lines due to facial structure.

Repetitive movement of the mouth muscles:
Everyday expressions can gradually deepen creases in this area.

Lifestyle and external factors such as sun exposure, dehydration and stress
These can accelerate collagen loss and make lines appear more pronounced.

Often, several of these factors work together, which is why each case of marionette lines is unique.

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What Causes Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines develop when the structural support of the lower face begins to weaken. As collagen, elastin and facial volume decline, the skin folds more easily around the mouth and chin, creating visible creases and a downturned appearance. Several factors can contribute to this change:

  • Loss of volume and structural support in the lower face

    As bone and fat diminish with age, the skin begins to fold more deeply around the mouth and chin.

  • Skin laxity caused by reduced collagen and elastin

    We naturally lose firmness over time, making the area more prone to sagging.

  • A naturally downturned mouth shape or genetic predisposition

    Some people are more likely to develop these lines due to facial structure.

  • Repetitive movement of the mouth muscles

    Everyday expressions can gradually deepen creases in this area.

  • Lifestyle and external factors such as sun exposure, smoking, dehydration and stress

    These can accelerate collagen loss and make lines appear more pronounced.

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Our Treatment Options

Every case of marionette lines is unique. After your consultation, we’ll recommend the best treatment or combination for your needs.

Juläine Bio-Stimulator

Juläine is a biostimulating injectable that stimulates collagen production in treated areas. At L’Atelier it’s listed under the dermal filler section.

  • Builds long-term support for the skin’s structure
  • Ideal where skin quality or volume loss contributes to marionette folds
  • Package courses give enhanced results

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are regenerative injections that improve skin texture and resilience. They support the skin in the area around the mouth and chin, especially when the marionette lines are early or combined with fine lines.

  • Boosts collagen and elastin
  • Improves skin firmness and quality
  • Supports deeper treatment results when used alongside fillers

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are one of the most effective ways to soften marionette lines.
By gently restoring lost volume around the mouth and chin, fillers lift the downward fold, reducing shadow and helping the lower face look straighter and more refreshed.

  • Instantly smooths deep creases
  • Restores structure and support
  • Results visible immediately
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Skin Boosters

Skin boosters are injectable hydrators that infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid and nutrients. Around the marionette area, they help plump the superficial skin layer and smooth fine lines.

  • Deep hydration and improved tone
  • Enhances skin glow and smoothness
  • Perfect for early lines or as a maintenance fix

Sofwave and Morpheus8

For clients whose marionette lines are caused in part by skin laxity or sagging, skin-tightening treatments such as Morpheus8 and Sofwave (both offered at L’Atelier) are effective.

  • Tightens skin structure, reducing the fold’s depth
  • Enhances lift without surgery
  • Ideal for lower face sagging contributing to the marionette line

Ask us a question
What are marionette lines?

Marionette lines are vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin. They develop as the lower face loses collagen, elasticity and structural support.

What causes marionette lines?

A combination of factors can contribute, including natural ageing, volume loss, skin laxity, repetitive facial expressions, genetics and lifestyle influences such as sun exposure, stress, smoking and alcohol.

What is the best treatment for marionette lines?

Dermal fillers remain the most effective option for deeper folds.
Polynucleotides, Juläine and skin boosters can improve skin quality, while anti-wrinkle injections help when muscle pull contributes to a downturned mouth.
Skin-tightening treatments like Morpheus8 or Sofwave may be recommended if laxity is significant.

How long do results last?

Results vary depending on the treatment used.

  • Dermal fillers: typically 9–18 months, depending on product and individual anatomy

  • Juläine bio-stimulator: stimulates collagen for 12–24 months with gradual, long-lasting improvement

  • Polynucleotides: best results with a course; improvements generally maintained for 6–12 months

  • Skin boosters: usually last 6 months, with many clients repeating 2–3 times per year

  • Morpheus8: collagen remodelling continues for up to 3 months, with results lasting 1–2 years

  • Sofwave: lifting and tightening results develop over 12 weeks and typically last 1–2 years

Will treatment make me look overfilled?

No. Our approach focuses on subtle, natural enhancement. Treatments are designed to restore balance and softness to the lower face without altering your natural expression.

 

Is there downtime?

Downtime is usually minimal. Depending on treatment, you may experience mild swelling or redness for 24–48 hours, depending on the treatment. Most clients return to normal activities immediately.

Can marionette lines be prevented?

Good skincare, daily SPF, hydration, active lifestyle and maintaining general skin health can help delay their development. However, most marionette lines form naturally over time as structural support decreases.

Are the treatments suitable for all ages?

Yes. Early marionette lines respond well to regenerative treatments like polynucleotides and skin boosters, while more established lines may require dermal fillers or skin-tightening options.

Can I combine treatments?

Absolutely. Combination approaches often deliver the most natural, long-lasting results, for example, dermal fillers with polynucleotides, or anti-wrinkle injections alongside skin-tightening.


Your Harley Street Experience

At L’Atelier, we focus on treating the cause of marionette lines rather than simply smoothing the surface. During a detailed facial assessment, we look at the factors contributing to the folds around the mouth, including volume loss, reduced collagen, skin laxity, muscle activity and natural facial structure. With this understanding, we create a personalised treatment plan that lifts, supports and rejuvenates the lower face for natural and long lasting improvement.


 

Meet your Expert

Dr Duncan Brennand is the Lead Aesthetic Physician at L’Atelier Aesthetics with extensive experience in advanced injectable treatments and facial rejuvenation. He specialises in restoring balance and support to the lower face, making him highly skilled in treating marionette lines and age-related volume changes.

With a precise and natural approach, Dr Brennand uses dermal fillers, bio stimulators and skin improving treatments to lift and soften the area without altering your natural expression. During your consultation, he will assess your facial structure and create a personalised plan designed to achieve subtle, long lasting improvement.

 

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We always value your feedback. You can read all our patient reviews on our Google Profile.

We are delighted to have over 200+ 5 star reviews. Your feedback is always important to us, as it helps us to improve our systems and processes in our continual pursuit of excellence. If you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns please get in touch.

Duncan is great. He really knows his stuff and takes the time to listen so you leave 100% satisfied. Brilliant experience.
Stephen Clarke
Stephen Clarke
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From the moment I walk in, the peaceful and elegant atmosphere at L’ Atelier Aesthetics puts me at ease. The clinic offers a variety of advanced treatments, and the team works with you to create a personalised treatment plan to match your needs. They are professional, attentive and make me feel completely comfortable and cared for. Every time I leave the clinic I feel refreshed and confident. Cannot recommend enough!
Franca Morselli
Franca Morselli
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Everyone very welcoming and Duncan was so gentle and although it is too early to see any results yet it made me feel good. I’ve booked another appointment for 4 weeks time. All very friendly down to earth staff

L’Atelier Aesthetics is based at the heart of Harley Street, London’s renowned medical district.

We serve central London and patients from around the UK and abroad. Find us on 101 Harley street by clicking the ‘Get Directions’ button below.

Opening hours
Monday
9:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
9:00 - 17:00
Thursday
9:00 - 1900
Friday
9:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 15:00
Sunday
Closed
L'Atelier Aesthetics
101 Harley St, London W1G 6AH
Get directions

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Check out this incredible two week difference after just one session using our newly introduced Ameela Exosomes 🫧

Ameela Exosomes combine plant-derived exosomes with highly purified polynucleotides to emphasise multi-level skin renewal for incredible results ✨ 

P.s this treatment can be combined with SkinPen for even more effective results!

#exosomes #polynucleotides #skinrenewaltreatment #cellularegeneration #hydratingtreatment #depigmentation #collagenstimulator #elastinstimulationAs we age, collagen production slows.
Old fibres break down faster than new ones are built.
Microneedling reawakens this process, rebuilding the skin’s internal scaffolding instead of just treating the surface.

Microneedling with SkinPen Precision
Clinical depth & minimal downtime
Long-term structure, not surface change
📍 L’Atelier Aesthetics, Marylebone
£350 per session or 6 skinclub credits 
Courses of 3 (–10%) or 5 (–20%)

#microneedling #SkinPen #collagenstimulation #skintreatment #skinclinic #maryleboneSeptember Round-Up

Here’s what the L’Atelier team have been up to this month…

1. Dr Duncan celebrated his birthday with a well-deserved pamper 🎂
2. Sarah rejoined us from Abu Dhabi 🌴 
3. Bringing with her fresh new coffee & matcha flavour combos 🍌☕️
2. Duncan & Emma jetted off to Australia ✈️🐨
3. Bronte held down the fort (and kept Duke & Mitch extra happy 🐾) while they were away
4. A jet-lagged Emma & Bronte powered through the Richmond Half Marathon 🏃🏼‍♀️💪 raising money for Battersea Cats & Dogs 🐶🐱
5. Kate swapped clinic life for some sunshine in Portugal 🇵🇹
6. We hit a milestone — over 100 HydraFacials completed this month ✨👏

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0 stars based on 236 Reviews

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