Marionette Lines Beside the Chin: Options in Seoul
The short answer
Marionette lines run from the corners of the mouth toward the chin and deepen as the lower face loses support and the jowls begin to descend. At Shinebom Clinic in Jamsil, Seoul, a doctor may suggest filler, lifting devices, mouth-area Botox or a thread lift, chosen by how much of the problem is volume, muscle pull or laxity.
Key facts
- Where: from the mouth corners down toward the jawline
- Common contributors: lost chin and cheek support, downturned mouth muscles, laxity
- Options: filler, Botox, lifting devices, thread lift
- Touch-up: filler and Botox within 1 month; thread lift at 2 to 4 weeks
- Pricing: quoted after consultation
What makes marionette lines appear?
Several things work together. Fat pads in the cheek and jaw area shift, the chin recedes slightly with age, the skin loses elasticity, and the muscle that pulls the mouth corner down becomes more active. The result is a line or fold that can give a sad or tired expression even when your mood is fine.
How is it assessed?
The doctor at Shinebom Clinic examines the whole lower face, not just the line. They look at jowl heaviness, chin projection, lip position and how the mouth corners rest. This decides whether the plan should focus on support, relaxation or lifting. Because every patient is consulted personally by the doctor, the plan is based on your face shape and skin type.
Which treatments may help?
- Chin and jawline filler can restore structure so the line has less to fall into.
- Botox around the mouth may help when downturned mouth corners contribute.
- Lifting devices such as Ulthera or Thermage FLX aim at the laxity behind the fold.
- Thread lift with dissolvable threads is another option for deeper folds.
What can you realistically expect?
Marionette lines tend to soften rather than vanish, and the best results often come from combining approaches. Over-filling this area can look heavy, so the clinic keeps volume minimal. Swelling and bruising generally settle in 1 to 2 weeks, and thread lift swelling can take 2 to 4 weeks.
When to see a doctor
If you notice new asymmetry, a firm lump or persistent redness near the mouth, ask for an assessment. Pregnancy and active skin infection are reasons to postpone injectables.
Frequently asked questions
Are marionette lines the same as nasolabial folds?
No. Nasolabial folds run from the nose to the mouth, while marionette lines run from the mouth corners down toward the chin.
Can facial exercises remove them?
There is little reliable evidence that exercises remove them, and repeated expression may deepen lines. A doctor can advise on medical options.
Is eating affected after treatment?
After a thread lift, avoid opening the mouth wide for 4 weeks. Other treatments have lighter restrictions, which the clinic explains.
Related pages
General information from Shinebom Clinic, not personal medical advice. Results and recovery vary between individuals, and all procedures carry possible risks and side effects. A doctor will confirm what suits you at consultation.
Bloom yourself, in your own way
Tell us your skin concerns and dates in English. Shinebom Clinic is a 3-minute walk from Jamsil Station, exits 8 and 9.