How to Reduce Marionette Lines? Here's the Ultimate Wrinkle-Reduction Method (Massage Works Too!)

As we age, skin naturally deteriorates. Many mature adults struggle with marionette lines but don’t know how to address them. These prominent lines at the corners of the mouth age the face and reduce overall attractiveness. Don’t worry—this guide shares facial muscle exercises and one ultimate wrinkle-reduction treatment to help you fight aging effectively!

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What Are Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines run along the sides of the mouth, extending downward, resembling old-fashioned puppet mouths—think “Pinocchio.” Most marionette lines are static wrinkles, meaning they persist even without facial expressions. Scientifically, they form due to aging, collagen depletion, and reduced cheek muscle tension, which causes facial depressions. People with fuller cheeks notice them more prominently. After age 25, collagen gradually diminishes year by year, so even young celebrities can develop marionette lines, losing youthful facial volume—proof that no one is immune to this skin issue.

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Are Marionette Lines Different from Nasolabial Folds?

Yes, there’s a subtle difference. Nasolabial folds focus around the nose and mouth, extending downward, and become more visible when smiling. Marionette lines, however, are corner-of-the-mouth lines that remain even without expression. Nasolabial folds can be present in children or young adults (as dynamic expression lines), while marionette lines usually appear in middle age.

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Severity of Marionette Lines

Marionette lines can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. At an aesthetic clinic, professionals can analyze your skin with specialized tools. Mild lines may be treated with injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin. Severe lines may require advanced laser technology for significant wrinkle reduction.

Self-assessment tip: Look in a mirror and lift the cheeks upward. If marionette lines disappear with the lift, they’re mild. If they remain visible, it indicates severe lines and lost skin elasticity.

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5 Main Causes of Marionette Lines

1. Misaligned Bite: Incorrect upper-lower jaw alignment can contribute to marionette lines. Overactive chin muscles from abnormal swallowing may worsen lines and cause dental issues like protruding teeth, underbite, or open bite.
2. Facial Expression Muscles: While marionette lines are static, overusing or underusing facial muscles affects them. Overly exaggerated expressions accelerate wrinkle formation, while underuse leads to sagging and skin aging.
3. Frequent Exfoliation: Over-cleansing or excessive exfoliation thins the protective layer of skin, making it dry and vulnerable to micro-damage, eventually promoting depressions and wrinkles.
4. Dehydrated Skin: Dry skin accelerates all types of facial lines. Maintaining hydration and collagen is key to preventing marionette lines.
5. Posture and Body Alignment: Poor posture while standing, sitting, or sleeping—like slouching, looking down at devices, or side-sleeping—applies pressure on chin muscles, accelerating sagging and marionette line formation. Proper posture and sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow help prevent these issues.

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5 Habits to Improve Marionette Lines

1. Moisturize to Prevent Wrinkles: Hydration is critical. Choose skincare containing collagen or hyaluronic acid to maintain skin plumpness and prevent lines from forming.
2. Sun Protection: UV damage dries skin and leads to depressions and pigmentation. Use sunscreen with the appropriate SPF (15–50) and choose a formula that suits your needs (water-based or protective cream).
3. Correct Posture: Keep your head up, chest out, and avoid prolonged looking down at devices. Sleeping on your back with a slightly higher pillow reduces chin muscle pressure and prevents neck lines or double chin.
4. Nutritional Support: Eat protein-rich foods and those high in collagen and vitamins A, B, C, and E. Examples: fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and collagen-rich foods like pork skin or cartilage. Dietary habits don’t provide instant results but are effective over time.
5. Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep before 11 PM, avoid alcohol and smoking. Proper sleep ensures toxin elimination, while alcohol and tobacco accelerate skin aging and wrinkle formation.

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Facial Exercises to Reduce Marionette Lines

1. Pre-Massage Preparation: Ensure the skin is well-moisturized with cream or oil before massaging to prevent redness or damage.
2. Massage Sides of the Nose: Push from the sides of the nose along the cheekbones to the temples, without rubbing back and forth. Repeat from the starting point to reduce sagging.
3. Cheek Massage: Lift the apple of the cheeks along the cheekbones toward the temples. Alternate with massaging the jawline from chin to ears, down to the neck and collarbone to improve lymphatic drainage.
4. Zygomatic Muscle Training: Touch the highest point of the cheekbone. Form an “O” with your mouth and press while opening and closing to exercise cheek muscles.
5. Mouth Muscle Training: Fill your cheeks with air, press the tongue against the inner mouth, and move it in circles left and right, 5 repetitions per side, at least 4 sets daily.
6. Smile Muscle Training: Lift corners of the mouth as if smiling, say “E” repeatedly to engage the muscles, improving tone and flexibility.

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Do Aesthetic Treatments Work for Marionette Lines?

1. Injections: Fillers like hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin instantly restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and improve facial fullness.
2. Thread Lifting: A minimally invasive procedure using subcutaneous threads with hooks to lift and tighten skin. Risks are higher than non-invasive treatments.
3. Radiofrequency (RF): Uses heat to stimulate collagen regeneration and improve skin texture. Not suitable for all skin types.
4. Ultrasound: Uses vibrating ultrasound waves to stimulate collagen with minimal heat, offering a gentler alternative to RF.

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Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment: Pain-Free, Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Solution

Want to fight marionette lines and preserve youthful facial contours? For a one-step, effective lifting and wrinkle-reduction treatment, we recommend Perfect Medical Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment.

Thermage FLX uses radiofrequency energy to tighten sagging skin, stimulate collagen and elastin, and restore youthful contours. The treatment is non-invasive, pain-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. Multiple sessions can produce long-lasting results. Book now for: professional skin analysis + Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift, plus a free brightening and hydrating mask when you like our Facebook page. Limited slots available!