You catch your reflection and your face looks tired or unhappy, even when you feel fine. Lines run from the sides of your nose down to your mouth. The corners of your mouth turn down, or lines drop from them toward your chin. This is common, with names for each part: the nasolabial folds run from nose to mouth, and the marionette lines run from mouth corners to chin. Together, these give your face a downturned look at rest, even when you are not upset.
Why This Happens
Your face relies on collagen, elastin, and fat to hold its shape. As you age, you lose these in a steady, gradual way. Skin loosens. Cheek volume drops. Without support from above, skin and tissue settle downward, and folds and lines form along the lines your face already moves through when you smile or talk. Genetics, sun exposure, and smoking speed this process up. Weight change also plays a part. None of this means something is wrong with you. This is a normal part of how faces age, and treatment gives good results.
Where This Leads
At Kirei Clinic, dermal filler treats both areas, restoring lost volume and softening the folds. The two lines are connected, so we often assess and treat them together for a natural, balanced result. Each has its own dedicated treatment.
Nasolabial Fold Filler softens the lines running from your nose to the corners of your mouth. Read the full details on the Nasolabial Fold Filler page.
Marionette Line Filler softens the lines and drooping running from your mouth corners toward your chin, disguising the downturned look at rest. Read the full details on the Marionette Line Filler page.
Dr Mei and Dr Rosie, both GDC-registered dentists, assess your whole face before recommending treatment. The nose-to-mouth lines and the mouth-corner lines often need to be balanced against each other, not treated in isolation.
FAQs
Why does my resting expression look like a frown when I’m not upset?
This comes down to volume loss around your mouth corners and jawline, which lets the skin and soft tissue settle downward. The result is a resting expression looking lower or sadder than how you feel. This is a physical change, not an emotional one, and filler in this area adds volume to soften the look.
What’s the difference between smile lines and marionette lines?
Smile lines, also called nasolabial folds, run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. Marionette lines run from your mouth corners down toward your chin. They sit in different places and often need different amounts of support, though many people notice both at once.
Do I need filler in both areas, or only one?
This depends on your face. Some people notice more change around the nose and mouth, others around the chin and jaw. Dr Mei or Dr Rosie will look at your whole face during your consultation and tell you which area, or areas, will give you the most natural result.