Smokers’ Lines (Lip Lines)

Condition Overview

What Is The Cause Of Lip Lines?

Smokers’ lines, also known as lip lines, lipstick lines or perioral wrinkles, are fine lines and creases that develop around the mouth, particularly on the upper lip. These lines are associated with the habitual act of smoking but can also occur due to natural ageing and other environmental factors including sun exposure and facial muscle activity. The primary cause of Smokers’ Lines is the repetitive puckering and pursing of the lips through facial expressions and communication, or while inhaling and exhaling cigarette smoke. These repeated expression lines gradually become etched into the skin over time. Treatments such as anti-wrinkle treatments, lip fillers, polynucleotides, and skin boosters can help smooth these lines, restore volume, and enhance the natural definition of the lips while improving overall skin quality in the area.

How Does Ageing Contribute To Lip Lines?

Intrinsic ageing processes play a role in the formation of lip lines. As individuals age, the skin naturally loses collagen and experiences a decrease in skin elasticity, making it more susceptible to the effects of facial expressions and environmental factors. Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide skin with elasticity and structure. As these proteins diminish, the skin around the mouth becomes more prone to developing fine lines and deep wrinkles. This decline in collagen production, combined with constant movement of the mouth and lips (as well as heat and chemicals from cigarette smoke), contributes further to the breakdown of supportive skin structures.

These effects are often seen alongside related concerns such as Marionette line formation, Nasolabial fold deepening, and surrounding facial lines, which together impact the appearance of the lower face.

What Is The Aesthetic Impact Of Lip Lines?

Smokers’ lines (lip lines) affect the appearance by creating visible vertical lines on and around the lips, often giving the impression of premature ageing. These lines can be particularly noticeable due to the repetitive muscle movements associated with smoking and other lip motions becoming ingrained in the skin. In addition to their aesthetic impact, Smokers’ Lines can contribute to a worn or tired appearance, affecting overall facial aesthetics and facial volume, especially in hollow line areas.

They may also disrupt the smooth application of lip liner or lipstick, causing feathering or an uneven lip contour. Left untreated, these perioral lines can become deeper and more permanent, contributing to the appearance of small wrinkles and fine lines around the lips.

How To Get Rid Of Smoker’s Lines

Addressing Smokers’ Lines (lip lines) involves a combination of preventive measures and cosmetic interventions. Quitting smoking is a crucial step in preventing further damage, while topical skin treatments and aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle treatments, hyaluronic acid fillers, and lip lines filler can significantly improve the appearance of fine lines.

At HAVA Aesthetics, Surrey, our experienced practitioners offer a personalised approach to Lip lines treatment using small amounts of carefully placed dermal fillers. These may include hyaluronic acid-based lip augmentation or Lip Enhancement procedures, which are designed to restore volume and soften vertical lines. Lip fillers help rebuild lip structure and encourage further collagen production for long-term rejuvenating results.

Additional options such as polynucleotides and skin boosters support skin regeneration and firmness around the treatment area, while anti-wrinkle treatments can reduce repetitive movement in the lips and surrounding facial muscles. Depending on your facial anatomy, we may also explore complementary solutions such as Cheek enhancement or Marionette lines correction to restore balance in the lower face.

Our goal is to work with patients to understand the causes of their lip lines and explore suitable cosmetic treatments. Whether your concern is perioral lines, frown line softening, or crow’s feet around the eye area, our holistic approach addresses interconnected signs of ageing for smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

With a focus on precision, safe filler placement and natural-looking treatment results, HAVA Aesthetics helps patients achieve smoother contours and revitalised lips through advanced aesthetic treatments tailored to their unique needs.