REMOVE WRINKLES AROUND LIPS OR BARCODES

What are barcode wrinkles?

The barcode wrinkles are vertical, oblique lip wrinkles that start at the hem of the lip and deepen the white lip.
These wrinkles, also known as smoker's wrinkles or pleated sunThey age the mouth and the smile.

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

The wrinkles above the lips are known as lip wrinkles, smoker's wrinkles, barcode wrinkles.

These names refer to the wrinkles that appear over time on the white part of the lip as a result of various factors, including the weather. skin ageing.

For reduce wrinkles from lips and prevent their occurrenceIf you have any questions, we recommend adopting an appropriate skincare routine, avoiding smoking and sun exposure, and possibly doing some exercise. facial gymnastics.

It is possible to smoothing the lip contour without surgery.

  • Le filling of lip wrinkles by injection of hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used technique. The result is an improvement in wrinkles.
  • Fractional ablative laser treatment is another procedure which, although it cannot remove smoker's wrinklessignificantly improves these.
  • The average peel is the most effective treatment for wrinkles around the mouthHowever, the after-effects are significant and complications can arise.

Lip care: treating the causes of lip wrinkles

Lip wrinkles, often called "bar code wrinkles", are caused by a combination of factors that contribute to skin ageing. 

photo wrinkles bar code
  • Natural ageing: with age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. This natural reduction in the skin's essential proteins causes wrinkles and fine lines to appear, including around the lips.
  • Exposure to the sun: UV rays damage the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, accelerating the ageing process. Frequent exposure to the sun without adequate protection can lead to thinner skin and more pronounced wrinkles around the mouth.
  • Smoking: smoking is one of the main causes of lip wrinkles. Smoking reduces the blood supply to the skin, which in turn reduces the production of collagen and elastin. In addition, the repetitive movement of puckering the lips to inhale smoke contributes to the formation of vertical wrinkles.
  • Repetitive lip movements: repeated facial expressions, such as smiling, kissing or drinking through a straw, can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, which is why they also appear in non-smokers. These frequent movements create folds in the skin that become permanent over time.
  • Loss of volume: with age, the lips lose their natural volume due to a reduction in subcutaneous fat. This leads to the appearance of folds and wrinkles around the mouth.
  • Genetics: genetics play a significant role in skin ageing.
  • Dehydration: dehydrated skin is more prone to wrinkles. Not drinking enough water or living in a dry environment can accentuate the formation of wrinkles around the lips.
  • Poor eating habits: an unbalanced diet lacking in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can accelerate skin ageing. Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and omega-3 are essential for maintaining skin health and elasticity.
  • Stress: chronic stress can affect the skin by increasing levels of cortisol, a hormone that can break down collagen. In addition, stress can lead to frequent, involuntary facial expressions, contributing to the formation of wrinkles.

Stages of severity of smoker's wrinkles

Lip wrinkles, also known as "smoker's lines", can be more or less pronounced.
Each stage of severity requires a specific approach. Dr Romano will suggest a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.

Stage 1: Light wrinkles

Features 
Appearance of fine lines around the lips.
Wrinkles are only visible when the lips are in motion, such as when smiling or puckering.
The skin around the lips may begin to lose some of its elasticity.


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

Stage 2: moderate wrinkles

Features 
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 wrinkles

Features 
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 in deep wrinkles and restore lost volume.
Laser treatments to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Stage 4: Very deep wrinkles

Features
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 in-depth skin renewal.
Injection of hyaluronic acid to restore volume and fill very deep wrinkles.
Non-surgical facelift techniques to improve the firmness and overall appearance of the skin.

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

It is possible to treat wrinkles around the lips thanks to techniques from aesthetic medicine.
The proposed protocol will take into account any modifications to the lips also due to ageing.

  • Drying out and discolouration of the red lip.
  • Loss of hemline and lip definition.
  • Reducing the volume of the red lip.
  • Sagging lip corners.
  • Flattening of the philtral ridges and loss of definition of the Cupid's bow.

It is advisable to consult a dermatologistplastic surgeon or a aesthetic doctor for personalised treatment tailored to each individual's needs. skin type.
The treatments proposed to treat these wrinkles can aim to make them disappear or improve them.
In the first case, Dr Romano will suggest a medium peel. This is a fairly heavy procedure and is often not recommended because of the post-treatment skin demarcation between the area around the mouth and the rest of the face.
Improvement is achieved by hyaluronic acid injections and laser sessions.

Photofilling lip wrinkles with hyaluronic acid

How can smokers' wrinkles be removed by injecting hyaluronic acid?

L'hyaluronic acid used in this indication is reticulated and not very volumising because it is a meticulous correction.
Dr Romano chose a hyaluronic acid type Skinbooster.

A botched injection at this level is responsible for the formation of a bead of product visible when the lips are moved and/or at rest.

Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in our bodies, has the ability to attract and retain water, making it possible tomoisturise la skin and fill in wrinkles

Two techniques are used.

  • The topping technique: the injection is carried out with a cannula, the hyaluronic acid is deposited in the deep dermis of the entire white lip to restore the skin thickness lost over time, which helps to stretch wrinkles.
  • Wrinkle injection: this technique, also known as the 'bleaching technique', involves injecting micro-droplets of hyaluronic acid all along the wrinkle.
photo laser lip wrinkle treatment

How do you remove wrinkles around the mouth using a fractional laser?

The principle of fractionated laser is the removal of micro-fragments of skin to stimulate the skin cells to synthesise thicker skin.
The improvement is therefore achieved by superficial 'exfoliation' of the wrinkles and the densification of the skin which stretches them.
If the treatment is carried out in fractionated mode (a certain percentage of the area is treated), the protocol involves 4 sessions. The intense redness, which is constant after treatment, lasts between three days and a week.
If the treatment is carried out on a continuous basis, one session is sufficient. This is a medium peel using a laser. The after-effects last about two weeks.

Results before / after lip wrinkle filling

Lip wrinkles are effectively reduced by aesthetic medicine treatments.

The results are :

  • Smoother, younger-looking lips: vertical wrinkles around the lips are visibly reduced.
  • Improved skin texture and firmness.
  • Moisturises and fills in wrinkles.
  • Lip definition: lips appear more defined and better hemmed. The oral area is rejuvenated and the smile more beautiful.

The results last about a year. An annual maintenance session is therefore required.

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

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

Lip wrinkles opinion

Patient feedback on treatments for lip wrinkles, whether by laser or hyaluronic acid injections, is fairly positive.
These treatments are widely acclaimed for their effectiveness, safety and ability to rejuvenate the lips.

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

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

Nasolabial fold

Crow's feet

Forehead wrinkles

Lion's Ride

Folds of bitterness

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