WRINKLE TREATMENT AROUND THE MOUTH

Dernière mise à jour : 17 July 2026

What are barcode lines
?

Wrinkles around the mouth, also called barcode lines, are vertical wrinkles above the lips that develop over time and are promoted by skin ageing, smoking, sun exposure, repeated lip movements and gradual volume loss. They age the smile and give the mouth area a more creased, less defined appearance.
To soften lip wrinkles and prevent their development, adopt an appropriate skincare routine, avoid smoking and sun exposure and potentially practise facial exercises.
The lip contour can be smoothed without surgery.
In Geneva, treatment follows a personalised approach that may combine hyaluronic acid injections, fractional laser and sometimes a peel according to wrinkle depth and skin quality. The aim is not only filling, but also improved skin thickness, hydration and lip contour definition with natural results. Clinical studies show that combined treatments around the mouth, particularly hyaluronic acid and complementary techniques, significantly improve these wrinkles and patient satisfaction.

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Key facts about barcode lines

Area concerned : skin above the upper lip and lip contour
Wrinkle type : vertical and diagonal
Onset : from 45
Treatments : hyaluronic acid, fractional ablative laser, medium-depth peel
Visible result : immediately visible after injections, visible after 3 months with laser treatment.
Result duration : 6 to 12 months for hyaluronic acid and laser, 4-5 years for a medium-depth peel
Session length : 5 to 15 minutes
Satisfaction : 85–95%
Number of syringes : often 1 to 2
Number of sessions : 1 for medium-depth peeling and injections, 4 for laser
Side effects : swelling for 24 hours after injections, redness for 3-4 days after laser, healing skin for 7 to 10 days after a medium-depth peel
Anaesthesia : only for a medium-depth peel
Treatment without surgery
Social downtime : 1 day for injections, 3-4 days for laser, 7-10 days for a medium-depth peel
Pain : 2/10
Return to work : 1 day after injections, 3-4 days after laser, 7-15 days after a medium-depth peel
Exercise : wait a few days after injections, 2 weeks after laser or a medium-depth peel
Improvement : between 50 and 80%
Optimal result : 7 days after injections, 3 months after the laser session and medium-depth peel
Maintenance : annually for laser and injections, every 5-10 years for a medium-depth peel
Price : 600 CHF per syringe of hyaluronic acid, 600 CHF per fractional ablative laser session ( 4 sessions should be planned), 800 CHF for a medium-depth peel.

Evidence from clinical studies on barcode lines

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that hyaluronic acid injections significantly improve perioral wrinkles, with high patient satisfaction in the short and medium term.
A clinical study reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights collagen loss and reduced skin elasticity as major factors in wrinkles around the mouth.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), hyaluronic acid injections are among the most widely used treatments for lower facial wrinkles, particularly smoker's lines.
A study published in the Dermatologic Surgery Journal shows that fractional lasers visibly improve perioral wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.

Contents

Causes of lip wrinkles(barcode lines)
Severity stages of smoker's lines
How can "barcode lines" above the mouth be removed ?
How can smoker's lines be removed with hyaluronic acid injections ?
How can wrinkles around the mouth be removed with fractional laser ?
Before / after results of lip wrinkle filling
What is the price of removing lip wrinkles ?
Lip wrinkle treatment reviews
Frequently asked questions about lip wrinkles or barcode lines

Causes of lip wrinkles
(barcode lines)

Lip wrinkles, also called barcode lines or perioral wrinkles, develop gradually through skin ageing and several external factors.

Natural ageing : reduced collagen, elastin and skin firmness.
Sun exposure : UV rays accelerate skin ageing.

Smoking : tobacco reduces tissue oxygenation and accelerates collagen breakdown. Repeated lip movements during inhalation also promote vertical wrinkles, hence the name « smoker's lines ».

Repeated lip movements : smiling, speaking or drinking through a straw gradually crease the skin.
Volume loss : ageing reduces subcutaneous fat and lip volume.
Genetic factors : family predisposition influences their development.
Dehydration : less hydrated skin shows fine lines more readily.
Diet and lifestyle : nutritional deficiencies and stress can accelerate skin ageing.

Severity stages of smoker's lines

Lip wrinkles, also known as "smoker's lines", vary in severity.
Each severity stage requires a specific approach. Dr Romano proposes a personalised treatment plan during consultation.

Stage 1 : mild wrinkles

Characteristics
Fine lines appear around the lips.
Wrinkles are only visible when the lips move, such as when smiling or pursing.
The skin around the lips may begin losing a little elasticity.

Recommended treatments
Skincare with moisturisers and serums containing retinoids or hyaluronic acid.
Light peels to stimulate cell renewal.
Skinbooster-type hyaluronic acid injections to prevent new wrinkles.

Stage 2 : moderate wrinkles

Characteristics
Fine lines become more pronounced and visible even at rest.
They may begin merging into more visible wrinkles.
Loss of elasticity and firmness around the mouth.

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

Stage 3 : deep wrinkles

Characteristics
Wrinkles are deep and well defined, permanently visible.
The skin around the lips is noticeably less elastic and thinner.
Skin folds may develop because of substantial volume and elasticity loss.

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

Stage 4 : very deep wrinkles

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

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

How can "barcode lines" above the mouth be removed ?

Wrinkles around the lips can be treated using aesthetic medicine techniques.
The proposed protocol considers any changes in the lips also caused by ageing, particularly dryness and discolouration of the red lip, loss of border and lip definition, reduced red lip volume, drooping mouth corners, flattening philtral columns and loss of Cupid's bow definition.
Proposed treatments may aim either to remove or soften these wrinkles.
For removal, Dr Romano proposes a medium-depth peel. This is a fairly substantial procedure and often discouraged because of residual skin demarcation between the mouth area and the rest of the face.
Improvement is achieved through hyaluronic acid injections and laser sessions.

How can you remove
smoker's lines with injections
of hyaluronic acid ?

Hyaluronic acid used for this indication is cross-linked and minimally volumising because precise correction is required.
Dr Romano chooses a Skinbooster-type hyaluronic acid.
A poorly performed injection here creates a ridge of product visible when the lips move and/or at rest.
Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in the body, attracts and retains water, hydrating the skin and filling wrinkles.
Two techniques are used.

The layering technique : injection is performed with a cannula, depositing hyaluronic acid in the deep dermis across the skin above the upper lip to restore thickness lost over time, stretching the wrinkles.
Wrinkle injection : this technique, also called the ‘bleaching technique’, injects tiny droplets of hyaluronic acid along the wrinkle.

How can wrinkles around
the mouth be removed with
fractional laser ?

The principle of fractional laser treatment is ablation of microscopic skin fragments to stimulate skin cells to synthesise thicker skin.
Improvement comes from superficial ‘resurfacing’ of wrinkles and increased skin density that stretches them.
For fractional treatment (treating a percentage of the area), the protocol involves 4 sessions. Intense redness, consistently present afterwards, lasts between three days and one week.
For continuous treatment, one session suffices. This is a laser medium-depth peel. Recovery lasts approximately two weeks.

Before / after results of lip wrinkle filling

Aesthetic medicine treatments effectively soften lip wrinkles.
Results are :

Smoother, rejuvenated lips : vertical wrinkles around the lips are visibly reduced.
Improved skin quality and firmness.
Hydration and wrinkle filling.
Lip definition : lips look better defined with a clearer border. The mouth area is rejuvenated and the smile enhanced.

Results last approximately one year. An annual maintenance session should therefore be planned.

What is the price of removing lip wrinkles ?

In Geneva, hyaluronic acid treatment for lip wrinkles costs 600 CHF per syringe, a Skinbooster costs 400 CHF per syringe, fractional ablative laser starts at 400 CHF per session and a medium-depth peel costs 800 CHF for one session.
Treatments at Dr Romano's practice in Geneva are performed exclusively by the doctor using certified products and the latest equipment. Price depends on the chosen method, number of sessions and treatment type.
The area is examined during the initial consultation to establish a personalised treatment plan. Results aim to restore a smooth, naturally rejuvenated lip contour without visible alteration.
Indicative prices for lip wrinkle treatment are :

Hyaluronic acid : 600 CHF per syringe.
Skinbooster : 400 CHF per syringe.
Fractional ablative laser : from 400 CHF per session.
Medium-depth peel : 800 CHF (single-session treatment).

Lip wrinkle treatment reviews

Patient reviews of laser or hyaluronic acid injection treatments for lip wrinkles are fairly positive.
These treatments are widely praised for their effectiveness, safety and ability to rejuvenate the lips.
Patients are satisfied with immediate wrinkle improvement and describe increased self-confidence.
Procedures are considered straightforward and quick, with lasting results.

Frequently asked questions about lip wrinkles or barcode lines

Are there side effects to aesthetic treatments for lip wrinkles ?

As with any medical treatment, side effects may occur. The most common are redness, swelling, bruising and temporary tenderness. Consulting an experienced doctor helps minimise these effects.

Do only smokers develop lip wrinkles ?

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

Can I combine several treatments for lip wrinkles ?

Yes, combining treatments may help achieve optimal results. For example, hyaluronic acid injections and laser may be combined. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.

How long do lip wrinkle treatment effects last ?

Effect duration varies according to the chosen treatment.
Hyaluronic acid injections : results last 12 months.
Laser resurfacing and chemical peels : results can last years, depending on treatment type and wrinkle severity.

How can smoker's lines be prevented ?

Some tips for preventing smoker's lines.

Stop smoking : the best prevention against smoker's lines is to stop smoking.
Sun protection : use sunscreen daily to protect skin against UV damage.
Hydration : keep skin well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturisers.
Skincare : adopt a routine including antioxidant products such as vitamin C and retinol-based creams to stimulate cell renewal.

Does nicotine cause wrinkles ?

Yes, nicotine contributes to wrinkles through the following mechanisms :

Reduced blood circulation : nicotine causes vasoconstriction, reducing skin blood flow. This limits the oxygen and nutrients skin needs, accelerating ageing.
Collagen and elastin destruction : nicotine and other cigarette smoke toxins break down collagen and elastin fibres essential for skin firmness and elasticity.
Oxidative stress : nicotine generates free radicals that damage skin cells, promoting wrinkles.

What are smoker's lines?

Smoker's lines, also called perioral wrinkles or « barcode lines », are vertical lines around the mouth. They are particularly common in smokers because of repeated lip movements and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Are lip wrinkle treatments painful ?

Most aesthetic treatments for lip wrinkles are well tolerated. Anaesthetic cream may improve comfort. Mild temporary tenderness after treatment is normal.

Which cream for wrinkles around the mouth ?

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

Retinol : this vitamin A derivative stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal, helping reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid : known for exceptional hydrating properties, it helps plump skin and fill wrinkles by attracting water.
Peptides : these amino acid chains strengthen skin structure by stimulating collagen and elastin production, improving firmness and elasticity.
Antioxidants : vitamins C and E and other antioxidants protect skin from free radical damage and promote tissue repair.
Ceramides : these lipids help restore the skin barrier, retaining water and protecting against external stressors.

Does stopping smoking improve the skin ?

Yes, stopping smoking considerably improves skin health.

Improved blood circulation : after stopping smoking, blood flow to the skin increases.
Reduced oxidative damage : without constant exposure to cigarette smoke free radicals, skin experiences less oxidative stress, slowing ageing.
Collagen and elastin synthesis : over time, skin rebuilds collagen and elastin reserves, improving firmness and elasticity.
Improved hydration : skin becomes less dry, more hydrated and smoother, and wrinkles soften.

How can wrinkles around the mouth be reduced naturally ?

Wrinkles around the mouth can be reduced through good hydration, an antioxidant-rich diet and facial exercises. Natural oils such as argan or sweet almond oil may also improve skin elasticity.

Why does smoking cause wrinkles ?

Smoking accelerates skin ageing by reducing collagen and elastin production. Repeated sucking movements during inhalation also contribute to wrinkles around the mouth.

What is the best treatment for wrinkles around the mouth ?

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