WRINKLE TREATMENT AROUND THE MOUTH

What are barcode wrinkles ?

Barcode wrinkles are vertical and oblique lines on the lips, starting at the lip border and extending into the upper lip area.
These wrinkles, also known as smoker’s lines or “sun pleats”, age the mouth area and the smile.

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Key Points

Treatment of wrinkles around the mouth and above the lips in Geneva 

Wrinkles above the lips are commonly referred to as lip wrinkles, smoker’s lines, or barcode wrinkles.

These terms refer to wrinkles that appear over time on the upper lip due to various factors, including skin aging.

To reduce lip wrinkles and prevent their appearance, it is recommended to adopt a suitable skincare routine, avoid smoking and sun exposure, and possibly perform facial gymnastics exercises.

It is possible to smooth the lip contour without surgery.

  • The most commonly used technique to fill lip wrinkles is hyaluronic acid injection. The result is an improvement in the wrinkles.
  • Fractional ablative laser is another procedure which, although it cannot completely erase smoker’s lines, significantly improves them.
  • A medium-depth peel is the most effective treatment for wrinkles around the mouth, but recovery is heavier, and complications may occur.

Lip care : treating the causes of lip wrinkles

Lip wrinkles, often called “barcode” wrinkles, are caused by a combination of factors contributing to skin aging. 

photo wrinkles bar code
  • Natural aging : with age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. This natural decline in essential skin proteins causes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, including around the lips.
  • Sun exposure : UV rays damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, accelerating the aging process. Frequent sun exposure without adequate protection can result in thinner skin and more pronounced wrinkles around the mouth.
  • Smoking : smoking is one of the main causes of lip wrinkles. It reduces blood flow to the skin, lowering collagen and elastin production. Additionally, the repetitive motion of pursing the lips to inhale smoke contributes to the formation of vertical wrinkles.
  • Repetitive lip movements : repeated facial expressions — smiling, kissing, drinking through a straw — can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, including in non-smokers. These frequent movements create folds in the skin that eventually become permanent.
  • Volume loss : with age, the lips lose their natural volume due to the decrease in subcutaneous fat. This leads to the formation of folds and wrinkles around the mouth.
  • Genetics : genetics play a significant role in skin aging.
  • Dehydration : dehydrated skin is more prone to wrinkles. Not drinking enough water or living in a dry environment can increase the formation of wrinkles around the lips.
  • Poor dietary habits : an unbalanced diet low in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can speed up skin aging. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 are essential for maintaining skin health and elasticity.
  • Stress : chronic stress can affect the skin by increasing cortisol levels, a hormone that can break down collagen. Stress can also cause frequent and involuntary facial expressions, contributing to wrinkle formation.

Severity stages of smoker’s lines

Lip wrinkles, also known as “smoker’s lines”, can be more or less pronounced.
Each level of severity requires a specific approach. A personalized treatment plan will be proposed during a consultation with doctor Romano.

Stage 1 : mild lines

Characteristics
• Appearance of fine lines around the lips.
• Wrinkles are only visible when the lips move, such as during smiling or frowning.
• The skin around the lips may begin to lose slight elasticity.

Recommended treatments
• Skincare with moisturizing creams and serums containing retinoids or hyaluronic acid.
Mild peels to stimulate cell renewal.
• Hyaluronic acid injections such as Skinbooster to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Stage 2 : moderate wrinkles

Characteristics 
The fine lines become more pronounced and visible even at rest.
Fine lines can begin to merge, forming more visible wrinkles.
Loss of elasticity and firmness around the mouth.

Recommended treatments
Medium peels to exfoliate skin layers and stimulate collagen production.
• Hyaluronic acid injections to smooth wrinkles and restore lost volume.

Stage 3 : deep lines

Characteristics 
Wrinkles are deep, well-defined and permanently visible.
The skin around the lips is considerably less elastic and thinner.
Skin folds may appear due to the significant loss of volume and elasticity.

Recommended treatments
• Deep peels to treat deep wrinkles and improve skin texture.
• Hyaluronic acid injections to fill deep wrinkles and restore lost volume.
• Laser treatments to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Stage 4 : very deep lines

Characteristics
Very deep, pronounced wrinkles, often accompanied by deep skin folds.
The skin around the lips is very thin, with a significant loss of firmness and volume.
Wrinkles can extend to the cheeks and chin.

Recommended treatments
• Deep chemical peels for deep skin renewal.
• Hyaluronic acid injections to restore volume and fill very deep wrinkles.
• Non-surgical facelift techniques to improve skin firmness and overall appearance.

How do you remove "barcode" wrinkles above the mouth?

Wrinkles around the lips can be treated with aesthetic medicine techniques. The proposed protocol will take into account possible age-related changes in the lips, such as :

  • Dryness and discoloration of the red part of the lips.
  • Loss of definition of the lip border and lips.
  • Reduction in volume of the red lip.
  • Sagging of the mouth corners.
  • Flattening of the philtral ridges and loss of definition of the Cupid’s bow.

It is advisable to consult a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or aesthetic doctor to receive personalized treatment tailored to each skin type. The proposed treatments for these wrinkles may aim either for improvement or complete removal.
In the latter case, doctor Romano will suggest a medium-depth peel. This procedure is quite intense and often discouraged due to the visible skin demarcation post-treatment between the area around the mouth and the rest of the face.
Improvement is achieved through hyaluronic acid injections and laser sessions.

Photofilling lip wrinkles with hyaluronic acid

How to eliminate smokers'lines with hyaluronic acid injections ?

Hyaluronic acid used for this indication is cross-linked and minimally volumizing, as it involves very precise correction.
Doctor Romano chooses Skinbooster.

A poorly performed injection in this area can lead to the formation of a visible lump of product when the lips move and/or at rest.

Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in our bodies, has the ability to attract and retain water, which helps to hydrate the skin and fill in wrinkles.

Two techniques are used.

  • The “nappage” technique : the injection is performed using a cannula. Hyaluronic acid is placed in the deep dermis across the entire upper lip area to restore the skin thickness lost over time, which helps to stretch the wrinkles.
  • Wrinkle injection : also known as the “bleaching technique”, this method consists of injecting micro-droplets of hyaluronic acid along the length of each wrinkle.
photo laser lip wrinkle treatment

How to reduce wrinkles around the mouth with fractional laser  ?

The principle of fractional laser treatment is to ablate micro-fragments of skin in order to stimulate skin cells to produce thicker skin.
Improvement is therefore achieved through both the superficial “polishing” of the wrinkles and the dermal densification that stretches them.
If the treatment is performed in fractional mode (only a percentage of the area is treated), the protocol involves 4 sessions. The intense redness following the procedure lasts from three days to one week.
If the treatment is performed in continuous mode, only one session is needed. This corresponds to a medium-depth laser peel. Downtime lasts approximately two weeks.

Before / after results of lip wrinkle filler treatments

Lip wrinkles are effectively reduced through aesthetic medicine treatments.

The results include :

  • Smooth and rejuvenated appearance of the lips : vertical wrinkles around the lips are visibly reduced.
  • Improved skin texture and firmness.
  • Hydration and wrinkle filling.
  • Lip definition : the lips appear more defined and better contoured. The mouth area is rejuvenated, and the smile enhanced.

Results last around one year. An annual maintenance session is therefore recommended.

How much does it cost to get rid of wrinkles on your lips?

Type of consultation Generally practiced rates
Hyaluronic acid for
600 CHF per syringe
Fractional laser
500 CHF per session
Continuous resurfacing
1,800 CHF per session

Lip wrinkle treatment reviews

Patient reviews of lip wrinkle treatments, whether with laser or hyaluronic acid injections, are generally very positive.
These treatments are widely appreciated for their effectiveness, safety, and their ability to rejuvenate the lips.

Patients are satisfied with the immediate improvement in wrinkles and report increased self-confidence.
The procedures are considered simple and quick, with long-lasting results.

Are there any side effects to aesthetic treatments for lip wrinkles?

As with any medical treatment, there may be side effects. The most common are redness, swelling, bruising and temporary sensitivity. It is important to consult a qualified professional to minimise these effects.

No, although smoker's lines are more common in smokers, other factors such as sun exposure, natural ageing and repeated facial expressions can contribute to their appearance in non-smokers.

Yes, combining several treatments can be useful for optimum results. For example, hyaluronic acid and botox injections can be combined to treat both static and dynamic wrinkles. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan for your needs.

The duration of the effects varies according to the treatment chosen.

Hyaluronic acid injections: results last 12 months.
Botox: results last 6 months.
Laser resurfacing and chemical peels: results can last for years, depending on the type of treatment and the extent of the wrinkles.

A few tips to prevent smoker's wrinkles.

  • Stop smoking: the best way to prevent smoker's wrinkles is to stop smoking.
  • Sun protection: use a sun cream daily to protect the skin from UV damage.
  • Hydration: keep your skin well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturisers.
  • Skin care: adopt a skin care routine that includes antioxidant products, such as vitamin C, and retinol-based creams to stimulate cell renewal.

Yes, nicotine contributes to the appearance of wrinkles. 

  • Reduced blood circulation: nicotine causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the skin. This limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, accelerating its ageing process.
  • Destruction of collagen and elastin: nicotine and other toxins present in cigarette smoke break down collagen and elastin fibres, which are essential for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity.
  • Oxidative stress: nicotine generates free radicals that damage skin cells, encouraging the appearance of wrinkles.

Smoker's wrinkles, also known as perioral wrinkles or "barcode wrinkles", are vertical lines that appear around the mouth. They are particularly common in smokers due to repetitive lip movements and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Most aesthetic treatments for lip wrinkles are well tolerated. An anaesthetic cream may be used for the patient's comfort. It is normal to feel a slight temporary sensitivity after treatment.

To treat wrinkles around the mouth, it's essential to choose a cream specifically formulated to target the signs of ageing in this delicate area. Here are some key ingredients to look for in a effective anti-wrinkle cream :

  • Retinol: this vitamin A-derived ingredient is known to stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell renewal, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Hyaluronic acid: known for its exceptional moisturising properties, hyaluronic acid helps to plump the skin and fill in wrinkles by drawing in water.
  • Peptides: these chains of amino acids help to reinforce the skin's structure by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, thereby improving firmness and elasticity.
  • Antioxidants: vitamins C and E, as well as other antioxidants, protect the skin against free radical damage and promote the repair of skin tissue.
  • Ceramides: these lipids help restore the skin barrier, retaining water and protecting the skin from external aggression.

Yes, quitting smoking considerably improves skin health. 

  • Improved blood circulation: when you stop smoking, blood flow to the skin increases.
  • Reduced oxidative damage: without the constant exposure to free radicals from cigarette smoke, the skin suffers less oxidative stress, which slows down the ageing process.
  • Collagen and elastin synthesis: over time, the skin begins to rebuild its collagen and elastin reserves, improving its firmness and elasticity.
  • Improved hydration: skin becomes less dry, more hydrated, smoother and wrinkles are reduced.

The appearance of wrinkles around the mouth can be reduced by maintaining good hydration, eating a diet rich in antioxidants, and practising facial exercises. Applying natural oils, such as argan oil or sweet almond oil, can also help improve skin elasticity.

Smoking accelerates skin ageing by reducing the production of collagen and elastin. What's more, the repetitive sucking motion during inhalation contributes to the formation of wrinkles around the mouth.

The best treatment depends on the type and depth of the wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid injections are very effective for deep wrinkles. Laser treatments or chemical peels can also improve skin texture and reduce more superficial wrinkles.

Other areas to be treated

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