The indentation beside the corners of the mouth is commonly referred to as Marionette Line Correction. In reality, it could be a fixed downward line at the mouth corners, the soft tissue on the outer side of the lips, or a Nasolabial Fold Correction that extends from the nostrils to the mouth corners. Since these conditions are located in different areas, the approach to diagnosis varies depending on where they appear. It’s more helpful to accurately describe the area that concerns you first, rather than simply specifying a particular treatment.
What’s the difference between Marionette Line Correction, sagging around the mouth, and Nasolabial Fold Correction?
| Problem | Prime Location | What does it look like? |
|---|---|---|
| Marionette Line Correction | Extending from the corners of the mouth down to the chin | There’s a downward line beside the corners of the mouth that can make one look tired or serious. |
| cheek fat | From the outer corner of the mouth to the jawline | There’s a buildup or sagging on the outer side of the lips, and the jawline appears blurred. |
| Nasolabial Fold Correction | From both sides of the nostrils to the corners of the mouth | The fold at the junction of the midface and mouthline tends to be more noticeable when smiling |
The same face can exhibit three different conditions at the same time. While a Marionette Line Correction may appear deep, it’s not necessarily just a line that needs to be filled in; the downward movement of the corners of the mouth, the sagging of tissues in the lower face, changes in local support structures, and skin texture can all contribute to making these lines more noticeable. Aging around the mouth involves multiple layers, including the skin, fat, muscles, and bones.Anatomical Review of Perioral Wrinkles
Use a mirror to make 3 observations so you can figure out which one matters most to you.
1. First, check where the lines start when you’re relaxing.
The line that runs from the corners of the mouth down to the chin is more similar to a Marionette Line Correction; whereas the line that goes from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth resembles a Nasolabial Fold Correction. Avoid mixing these two lines in the same sentence like “I have deep Nasolabial Fold Correction.”
2. Check if there’s a bulge on the outside of the corners of the mouth.
If what bothers you is the excess flesh around the corners of your mouth or an uneven jawline, describing it as “excess flesh around the mouth” is more accurate than just referring to Marionette Line Correction.
3. The difference between being relatively quiet and speaking
The presence of fixed grooves even when not speaking, compared to the noticeable downward pull at the corners of the mouth when speaking or pursing them, conveys different information. The former relates more to static contours and lines, while the latter also takes into account the movement of the lower face.
4 Common Reasons Why Marionette Line Correction Becomes More Visible
- The Dynamic Power Behind Drooping Mouth Corners: When speaking or expressing emotions, the downward pull at the corners of the mouth makes the lines more noticeable.
- Sagging of lower facial tissues: More flesh on the outer side of the lips can intensify the shadows and creases around them.
- Local support modification: The proportions around the mouth corners and in front of the chin change, making the defined grooves more visible.
- Changes in skin texture and elasticity: Lines tend to stay on the face better when it’s at rest.
Medical literature views Marionette Line Correction as a manifestation of multi-factorial lower face aging. Treatment planning should be based on actual anatomical structure and dynamic changes, rather than focusing solely on individual lines.Anatomy and Treatment Review of Marionette Line Correction
During the in-person consultation, describe your issue directly like this.
What concerns me are the line from the corner of my mouth to my chin on the _ side, the excess flesh on the outside of my lips, and the Nasolabial Fold Correction from my nostrils to my mouth corners. These lines become more noticeable when I’m relaxed, and even more prominent when I smile or talk. I want to reduce the tired look in my lower face and the sagging sensation at my mouth corners, but I don’t want my lip area to appear overly full.
Describing the location, static state, and expression changes in one sentence helps the in-person consultation pinpoint the key issues more effectively than just showing a front-facing photo of a flawless complexion.
Get a lower face anti-aging assessment at NEWYOUNG Clinic
Located in Cheongdam, Seoul, NEWYOUNG Clinic offers one-on-one consultations led by Director Oh Su-jun. For assessments of Marionette Line Correction, excess flesh around the mouth, and Nasolabial Fold Correction, the specialist will first examine the movement of the mouth corners, the contours of the lower face, as well as any existing fillers and skin condition, before suggesting the most suitable non-surgical anti-aging approaches. Professional translation services in Chinese are available throughout the consultation, and the injections are prepared right in front of you before the treatment.
NEWYOUNG Clinic／NEWYOUNG Dermatology／뉴영의원: Located at 78-9 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, approximately 118 meters from Exit 3 of Apgujeong Rodemo Station. Official website https://www.new-young.com/；LINE @096fpaaj。
Common Questions About Marionette Line Correction
Are Marionette Line Correction and Nasolabial Fold Correction the same thing?
They’re different. The Nasolabial Fold Correction runs from the nostrils down to the corners of the mouth, while the Marionette Line Correction extends from those corners downward to the chin. Both can appear together, but they should be described separately during a in-person consultation.
Is the flesh around the mouth the Marionette Line Correction?
Double chin refers to the accumulation or sagging of tissue from the outer corners of the mouth down to the jawline; Marionette Line Correction, on the other hand, is the downward lines at the corners of the mouth. Double chin can make Marionette Line Correction more noticeable, but they are not the same thing.
Can botulinum toxin for jaw muscles improve the lines around the corners of the mouth?
Botox for chewing muscles is primarily aimed at addressing the chewing muscles and facial contours, and it cannot be used to address all lines around the mouth. Issues near the corners of the mouth need to be carefully identified as being caused by muscle movement, excess flesh, indentations, or Nasolabial Fold Correction.
Can Marionette Line Correction be filled in directly?
Fixed concave lines are just one of the possible expressions. The movement of the mouth corners, the flesh around the lips, and the proportions of the lower face all affect the visual outcome, so it’s best to assess the entire lower face first before deciding on the direction.
Is it considered Marionette Line Correction too if it’s only noticeable when smiling?
It might be related, but it could also mainly be due to facial expressions causing the line pattern. Please provide photos of you looking relaxed as well as while talking and smiling during the in-person consultation.
How can Taiwanese travelers send photos first?
Take photos of the front view, 45-degree angle, in a relaxed pose, and smiling—one photo of each under natural light. When sending them, indicate the areas you’re most concerned about, so the in-person consultation can focus more effectively on those spots.