Vertical lip lines or wrinkles located above the top lip, and below the bottom lip are often referred to as ‘smokers lines’ (as they often appear at an earlier age and more prominently in smokers) or ‘pucker lines’ (as they can be caused by and become more pronounced when we pucker the lips).

They are a common sign of aging, and a very sought after cosmetic procedure. Women commonly lament about their lipstick ‘bleeding’ into the lines around their lips, and generally dislike the aging appearance that lip wrinkles provide.

Lip wrinkles are caused by two mechanisms, each of which requires a different method of treatment. Firstly, as the muscles around the mouth (orbicularis oris) contract, the overlying skin contracts, causing it to crease and wrinkle. Talking, smoking, kissing, sucking through straws, playing wind instruments, are all examples of actions that can lead to the formation of lip wrinkles. Using small amounts of wrinkle relaxants into the top lip, can help reduce the development of dynamic wrinkles forming in the upper lip.

Lip wrinkles are also caused due to the loss of collagen and elastin in skin as we age. Smoking, sun exposure, hydration and a host of genetic factors will all accelerate the development of these lines. This breakdown of the structural components of the skin, result in an overall reduction in skin integrity, and thereby the skin develops deep folds and lines even at rest.

Wrinkle relaxants cannot help these ‘static’ lines, so this is where dermal fillers come into play. Dermal fillers are a very effective treatment used to soften, smooth and improve the appearance of lip wrinkles. Injecting small amounts of a biocompatible gel into the skin, will help to replace the lost volume, plump up, and rehydrate the lip wrinkles.

Contact Dr Tandra Paul for more information about Lip Wrinkles treatments using the contact page here.