What should you know about nasolabial and marionette lines?

Nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose toward the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines continue downward from the mouth corners toward the chin. They can become more visible as facial expressions repeatedly fold the skin, collagen support changes, skin becomes less elastic, or soft-tissue volume and position shift. Sun exposure and smoking can also contribute to visible skin ageing.

The two patterns are related but do not always need the same approach. A clinician examines the skin at rest and during smiling, looks at cheek and lower-face support, and checks whether shadows come from a crease, volume loss, or mild laxity.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, moisturising, avoiding tobacco and using a retinoid when suitable can support the surrounding skin. These measures may improve texture but do not recreate lost support.

A consultation can compare options such as dermal fillers, which add structure in selected areas, with a thread lift, which uses temporary dissolvable threads to provide a lifting effect. Treatment may target the cheek or lower face rather than placing product directly into every line. See [Wrinkles](/symptoms/wrinkles/) for the broader symptom context, [Thread Lift](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/thread-lift/) and [Dermal Fillers](/treatments/injectables/dermal-fillers/) for procedure details.

Arrange a medical assessment if a crease changes suddenly, follows facial weakness, or appears with swelling, pain, redness, numbness, a new lump, or difficulty moving one side of the face. After a procedure, seek prompt advice for worsening pain, spreading redness, marked swelling, skin colour change, vision symptoms, or trouble breathing or swallowing.

Ask which feature is creating the shadow, whether treatment should address cheek or chin support, what temporary effects to expect, how many visits may be needed, and which warning symptoms require urgent contact.