Smoker's Lines

Age related lines and wrinkles are generally the result of the loss of collagen, hyaluronic acid, sun damage and repetitive contraction of certain facial muscles. One area for concern for many people are the lines that develop around the lip (perioral) area.

The official name for these lines is perioral rhytids. Whatever you like to call them, most people would like to lose them. They can be particularly annoying when they cause lipstick to bleed into them. There are some things you can do at home to help improve the quality of your skin in the perioral area, for example ensuring you are using a good quality sun protection every day to help prevent sun damage and loss of collagen, avoiding drinking through a straw, and if you do smoke, consider cutting down or quitting completely.

I have never smoked so how come I have smokers lines?

The term 'smokers' lines' is in our opinion an unfair term as most people will develop these lines whether they have ever smoked or not. Repetitive use of the muscle surrounding the lip (orbicularis oris to be official) will encourage lines and wrinkles to deepen over time. Any action that involves pursing of the lips, for example drinking through a straw, whistling, eating and even talking, will all contribute to the development of lip lines and wrinkles.

What treatment can help with smoker's lines?

Now you understand why lip lines have developed, we can explore the options available to improve the lip area. Botox injections into the muscle around the lip is an effective treatment to soften the contraction. This treatment will offer a temporary solution (around 8-12 weeks). It is important to bear in mind however, that relaxing this muscle may impact mouth movement resulting in temporary difficulties in drinking, smiling, and occasionally talking. For this reason, while it can certainly be considered as an option, we prefer a slightly different and longer lasting approach.

At LDR aesthetics, we offer a specialised approach to perioral rejuvenation. Intricate placement of a very soft dermal filler is used to help soften and lift the wrinkles without adding volume. This results in an incredibly natural result that will be undetectable to anyone else. Once treatment is complete, the results generally last up to 9 months.

It there any recovery time after smokers lines treatment?

You can resume your usual activities straight after treatment. As with all injections, there is a chance of bruising which resolves very quickly.

Will smokers' lines treatment be uncomfortable?

There will be no pain as such, but there may be a stinging sensation. All dermal fillers used in clinic contain a local anaesthetic, and we also apply a local anaesthetic before the procedure to ensure maximum comfort throughout. A cooling icepack can also be applied before and after treatment. As with all our treatments, we take it at your pace, so will be happy to stop treatment at any time and apply more local anaesthetic if you are finding it a little stingy.