Options for Smoker’s Lines

Vertical lines that can appear above your upper lip, often referred to as smoker's lines or perioral lines, are a regular complaint in clinic, even from patients who have never smoked. Yes, smoking is a significant contributor, due to the repetitive puckering of the lips and the damaging effects of smoking on skin elasticity, but these lines can also develop in non-smokers. Factors such as natural ageing, sun exposure, genetics, and repeated facial expressions all have something to do with their formation.



We have several treatments available at both our Leeds and Cheshire clinics for patients looking to reduce the appearance of these lines. Read on to get an understanding of the treatments on offer at Aesthetica Medical…

One or more approaches can be taken to help soften and reduce the appearance of these lines. The one(s) we offer will always be the most suitable treatment for your particular case.  It will depend on things like the depth of the lines, whether they are dynamic or static, your skin type, and your personal goals.

1. Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botulinum Toxin)

Anti-wrinkle injections can be an effective way to address dynamic smoker's lines,- those that are more apparent when you move your mouth.

• How it works - Botulinum toxin is carefully injected into the muscles around the upper lip. This temporarily relaxes these muscles, reducing the repetitive pursing action that contributes to line formation. With the softening of these muscle movements, the overlying skin appears smoother, and existing lines can become less prominent. The treatment involves using a very fine needle, and patients report only a mild sting.
• Results and Duration - The effects typically become visible within 3-10 days and, on average, last for 3-4 months. Repeat treatments are usually advised every 3-4 months to maintain the results for facial areas.
• Considerations - This procedure has minimal side effects, such as mild redness at the injection points, which usually settles within an hour. There is generally no recovery time.

2. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are specifically designed to address lines that are present even when your face is at rest (static lines) by restoring lost volume.

• How it works - These treatments use hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your skin, to fill in the vertical lines above the lip. The filler can replace lost volume in this area and smoothen the skin's surface, leading to a rejuvenated appearance. The procedure involves injecting the filler into the lines themselves. A numbing cream is often applied beforehand, and the fillers themselves sometimes contain an anaesthetic to reduce discomfort.
• Results and Duration - Results are often instant. For upper lip lines, the effects typically last between 9-12 months, though this can vary from patient to patient.
• Considerations - Dermal fillers can effectively reduce the appearance of smoker's lines. A skilled practitioner will aim for a natural look, avoiding overfilling.

3. ResurFX Laser Skin Resurfacing

ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment that can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, including those around the mouth.

• How it works - The ResurFX laser delivers precisely controlled beams of light into the deeper layers of your skin. This creates microscopic columns of treated tissue, which triggers your body’s natural healing process. This process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibres, leading to smoother, firmer, and younger-looking skin over a series of treatments. The device employs CoolScan™ technology to ensure precise energy delivery and reduce heat accumulation, which adds to patient comfort.
• Treatment Experience - Numbing cream is applied beforehand to reduce discomfort. Patients may experience a tingling feeling while the treatment is carried out. A single pass is typically required.
• Results and Downtime - Some redness or swelling may occur, subsiding within a few hours to a few days. Improvements are often seen over a series of treatments. Minimal downtime is usually expected.

4. Bright Face & Eyes Protocol (incorporating Microneedling and Polynucleotides)

While often focused on broader facial rejuvenation, components of our Bright Face & Eyes protocol can also benefit the skin around the mouth and address fine lines.

• How it works - This protocol combines several treatments:
• Microneedling - This procedure uses a device like the SkinPen to create tiny, controlled punctures in your skin. This stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce signs of ageing and improve skin texture, including fine lines.
• Polynucleotides - These are substances derived from DNA that stimulate your skin's natural repair mechanisms, restore hydration, and improve elasticity. They work well with microneedling to support collagen stimulation.
• NuEra Tight (Radiofrequency) - This uses Focal RF technology to deliver heat energy, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which can lead to skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.

• Results and Considerations - This combination aims to improve overall skin health, elasticity, and texture. For smoker's lines, the benefit comes from the collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation effects, which can soften their appearance. A course of treatment is typically recommended.