Down Turning Mouth Corners/ Marionette Lines
These can make an individual appear sad or unhappy and the associated lines which develop in some are known as ‘marionette lines’. During the consultation, a Full Face Analysis is carried out and a treatment plan developed. Treatment is targeted to areas of volume loss with dermal filler to help support and lift the mouth area. This might mean starting in the mid-face where the cheeks are to lift and sculpt before moving down to the lower third of the face and treating the marionette region. This is a very good example of how aesthetic treatments can be used to remove negative emotions on the face and by doing this there is often an improvement in the patients wellbeing making this a very satisfying area to treat.
How is this achieved?
During the consultation, areas of volume loss which have contributed towards the down turning will be identified. Loss of volume in the cheeks and lower face contribute to this. Dermal fillers are then used to replace the lost volume leading to a lifting effect. This is an area where multiple syringes of dermal filler are often required in order to achieve the best result.
The muscle that contributes towards the downturning can also be directly targeted through the use of wrinkle-relaxing injections. Although this does not replace volume loss it is helpful in a certain group of patients who have a strong downward muscle pull in this area.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment time with dermal fillers depends on the amount of dermal filler a patient is having so the time can range from 1 to 2 hours. A patient may also require more than one treatment session and this is all discussed in the initial consultation following a Full Face Analysis and listening to what an individual patient wishes to achieve.
Treatment with wrinkle-relaxing injections is a quick procedure and should not take more than 5-10 minutes.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream is applied for 15 minutes prior to the procedure and the filler itself also contains a local anaesthetic making this a very well tolerated treatment.
Wrinkle-relaxing injections may sting a little but any discomfort is very short-lived as the treatment is quick and well tolerated.
When will I see results?
Results are instant with dermal filler. It is important to note that there can be swelling and in some cases, this can take a week or two to settle completely.
With wrinkle-relaxing injections, most patients start to see results by Day 5 and it takes two weeks for the final results to appear.
How long does the treatment last?
With dermal fillers results usually last 1-2 years. Over time the filler gradually breaks down and the result fades. At this point the treatment can be repeated.
The results with wrinkle-relaxing injections last on average 3-4 months. In some patients it could be sooner and in others longer.
What are the side-effects?
Swelling is the most common which is usually short-lived but in some can take 1-2 weeks to settle. There is also a risk of bruising. Arnica tablets or gel can speed up the healing time. When working with dermal fillers there are also some very rare complications such as vascular occlusion and this is something which is discussed in detail at your consultation.
Wrinkle-relaxing injections carry few side-effects. There is some short-lived redness and also a risk of bruising although this is minimal.
Will I need a check-up?
Aftercare is very important to Dr Sabba so a four-week follow-up is arranged for all patients who have had a dermal filler procedure in order to review the final result.
For wrinkle-relaxation procedures, a follow-up appointment is always organised for patients two to three weeks after the initial treatment. This is especially important for new patients where some adjustment may be needed in order to achieve the best result possible. Some patients however may not feel the need to return or opt for a video-consultation and this is discussed on a case by case basis.
What is the cost?
Treatment with dermal filler starts from £450
Wrinkle-relaxing injections start from £280