Perioral wrinkles are fine lines and deeper wrinkles that form around the mouth. They are often referred to as smoker’s lines, lipstick lines, or barcode lines due to their vertical appearance above the upper lip.

They can also often be seen at the nasolabial folds where deep creases run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth and/or the marionette areas where the lines extend from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin.

They are caused by several factors, including:

1. Smoking – Repetitive puckering of the lips while smoking and exposure to toxins in cigarettes accelerate collagen breakdown.

2. Aging – Natural loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid reduces skin elasticity and firmness over time.

3. Repeated Lip Movements – Frequent pursing of the lips (e.g., drinking through straws, whistling, or talking) deepens wrinkles.

4. Sun Damage – UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles. Using an SPF daily will prevent any further damage.

5. Genetics – Some people are genetically predisposed to developing fine lines earlier.

6. Dehydration – Lack of moisture can make wrinkles more prominent so it’s important that you drink plenty of water to keep skin plump and hydrated.

7. Poor Skincare & Nutrition – A lack of hydration, antioxidants, and skin-nourishing vitamins weakens the skin barrier. Include collagen-boosting foods like leafy greens, berries, fish, and nuts into your diet.

Reducing and preventing smoker’s lines involves a combination of lifestyle changes, skincare, and professional treatments.

Microneedling and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) are popular treatments for reducing the lines by stimulating collagen production and skin regeneration.

1. Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

Microneedling uses a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response. This promotes collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and reducing fine lines.

Benefits for Perioral Lines:
✔ Stimulates collagen and elastin production
✔ Improves skin texture and elasticity
✔ Reduces the depth of fine lines and wrinkles
✔ Enhances absorption of serums (like hyaluronic acid or peptides)

Downtime: Mild redness for 1–3 days.

Number of Sessions: Typically, 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.

2. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy

PRP involves drawing a small amount of your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then applying or injecting it into the skin. Platelets contain growth factors that accelerate healing and collagen production.

Benefits for Perioral Lines:
✔ Speeds up skin healing and regeneration
✔ Boosts collagen production more effectively than microneedling alone
✔ Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity
✔ Improves skin tone and texture

How PRP is Used:
• Microneedling + PRP PRP is applied topically after microneedling for enhanced absorption.
• PRP Injections: PRP is injected directly into smoker’s lines for deeper collagen stimulation.

Downtime: Similar to microneedling—mild redness for 1–3 days.

Number of Sessions: 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6–12 months.

Microneedling vs. PRP: Which One is Better?
• If you want general collagen stimulation and skin tightening, microneedling alone may be enough.
• If you want faster and more noticeable results, microneedling + PRP is the better option.
• If your perioral lines are deep, PRP injections can help rebuild lost volume.

3. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are also an effective, non-surgical way to soften nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth) and marionette lines (lines from the mouth corners down to the chin). They restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours for a more youthful look.

As always the advice from me is to have your daily Skincare Routine perfected before you embark on any injectable treatments…

1. Use Retinoids – Boosts collagen production and helps smooth fine lines.
2. Apply Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing wrinkle appearance.
3. Vitamin C Serum – Helps with collagen synthesis and protects against free radical damage.
4. Exfoliate Regularly – Gentle exfoliation (AHAs/BHAs) removes dead skin cells and improves skin texture.
5. Moisturize – Keeps skin supple and less prone to wrinkles.

If you have any more questions or would like to discuss the right treatment option for you , please do not hesitate to get it touch – consultations are free!

– Lucy x