Professional Marionette Lines Treatment Edmonton

Marionette lines (also called melomental folds) are the vertical creases that run from the corners of your mouth toward your chin. They are named after string puppets because they can make the face appear downturned or sad, even when you’re not. These lines typically begin to appear in your 30s or 40s as your skin loses collagen and elasticity; however, genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and repeated facial expressions can cause them to develop earlier or appear deeper.

At Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre, our experienced injectors understand how these lines affect overall facial harmony and design individualized plans to restore a smoother, more uplifted lower face.

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Summary or FAQs

Quick Marionette Lines Treatment Summary

Cost & Pricing

Most hyaluronic acid fillers begin around CA $550 per syringe. CaHA and Sculptra start at about CA $800 per session, while Bellafill® (PMMA microspheres) ranges from CA $800–$1,000 per syringe.

Treatment & Procedure

Filler injections, Botox and thread lifts are “lunchtime” procedures lasting 30–60 minutes. Fotona or Ulthera sessions take 45–90 minutes depending on the area treated.

Mechanism of Action

Fillers and threads physically lift and replace lost volume, while energy devices and PLLA stimulate collagen to thicken and tighten skin over time.

Benefits & Results

Fillers and thread lifts provide instant softening of marionette lines, with full settling in 1–2 weeks. Energy‑based treatments offer gradual improvement over several months.

Side Effects & Downtime

Expect temporary swelling, bruising or redness at injection sites. These typically subside within a few days. Serious complications—such as infection or inadvertent injection into a blood vessel

Discomfort & Pain Level

We use numbing cream or lidocaine in the product to minimize pain. Patients usually describe the sensation as a quick pinch or slight pressure.
Infographic summarising dermal filler treatments: a full hyaluronic acid syringe costs about $550; appointments take 30–60 minutes; benefits include restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles and enhancing facial features; results appear within days and can last 6–18 months; possible side effects are temporary redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness at injection sites; discomfort is minimal since a topical numbing cream is applied

Why Do Marionette Lines Form?

  • Natural aging: The loss of collagen, elastin, and facial fat leads to sagging skin around the mouth and jawline.
  • Bone and ligament changes: With age, the facial skeleton subtly recedes and the ligaments that support the lower face weaken, allowing tissues to descend.
  • Muscle activity: The depressor muscles at the corners of the mouth pull downward when you speak, frown, or chew; over time, this creates creases.
  • Lifestyle factors: Smoking, frequent sun exposure without sunscreen, chronic stress, and poor diet accelerate collagen loss and contribute to deeper wrinkles.
  • Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop marionette lines earlier or more prominently than others.
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Request your consultation today and discover how our treatment can refresh your appearance.

Call us at (587) 520‑2835 or use our online booking form to schedule an appointment.

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Your Marionette Lines Treatment Options in Edmonton

No single treatment suits everyone. We offer a range of nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures that can be used alone or combined for optimal results:

  • Dermal fillers: Hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), and poly‑L‑lactic acid (PLLA) fillers replenish lost volume around the mouth and jawline. HA fillers (such as Juvederm or Restylane) provide instant smoothing and hydration, lasting 6–12 months. CaHA (Radiesse) has a firmer texture, adds lift, and stimulates collagen for up to a year. PLLA (Sculptra) works more slowly, triggering your collagen production for results that can last 18–24 months. Fillers are ideal for mild to moderate lines and can gently upturn the mouth corners.
  • Thread lift: Dissolvable PDO or PLLA threads are placed under the skin to lift and support sagging tissues. They provide an immediate lifting effect and stimulate the formation of new collagen as they dissolve. Results last 6–12 months, and recovery is minimal.
  • Energy‑based therapies: Fotona laser and Ulthera (focused ultrasound) deliver controlled heat deep within the dermis to tighten skin and stimulate collagen. These treatments gradually improve skin firmness throughout 3 to 6 months. They are excellent for individuals seeking subtle, natural tightening without the need for injections.
  • Neuromodulators (Botox): Small doses of botulinum toxin can relax the depressor muscles that pull the mouth corners down, softening the motion that deepens marionette lines. Botox is often combined with fillers for a balanced result.
  • Microneedling and chemical peels: These treatments improve skin texture and collagen by creating controlled injury or exfoliation. They can be useful adjuncts, but typically do not lift deep creases on their own.

During your consultation, we can advise you on whether you might benefit from a surgical referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may feel a brief pinch or stinging during injections, but we apply a topical anesthetic, and most fillers contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort. Thread placement also uses local anesthetic. Energy‑based treatments produce a warming sensation but are well tolerated.
Avoid blood‑thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John’s Wort) for 3–7 days before treatment unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Limit alcohol for 24 hours, stop smoking for at least a week, and stay hydrated. Arrive with clean, makeup‑free skin. Please inform us about any medical conditions, allergies, or recent dental procedures.
Mild swelling or bruising may occur. Use cool compresses intermittently for the first day and sleep with your head slightly elevated. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot yoga, and alcohol for 24–48 hours. Refrain from massaging or pressing on the treated area unless instructed to do so. Protect the skin with broad‑spectrum sunscreen and avoid active skincare products (retinoids, exfoliants) for a few days. Follow any specific aftercare instructions we provide for energy‑based treatments or threads.
During your consultation, we will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and desired outcome. For subtle lines and a downturned mouth corner, a neuromodulator combined with a small amount of filler may suffice. For deeper creases with skin laxity, you may benefit from a combination of fillers and threads or collagen‑boosting laser therapy. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Yes. Combining modalities often produces the most natural and long‑lasting results. For example, using a small amount of Botox to relax the mouth depressor muscles can enhance the lifting effect of fillers or threads. Energy‑based treatments can maintain and extend the longevity of fillers. We’ll design a sequence that allows proper healing between treatments.
HA fillers last about 6–12 months, CaHA around 12 months, PLLA up to two years, and Bellafill several years. PDO and PLLA threads last 6–12 months. Laser or ultrasound skin‑tightening results gradually improve over six months and can last a year or more. Regular maintenance appointments and a good skincare routine, including sun protection and healthy lifestyle choices, will help prolong the results.

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