Marionette Lines

Short answer: 

Usually a soft hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, chosen to match your skin thickness and how deep the fold is.

Extended answer:

For most people, an HA filler is the go-to because it looks natural, is adjustable, and can be dissolved if needed. The “best” filler isn’t one brand—it’s the right thickness and flexibility for your anatomy, plus the right technique. In clinic, Dr. Bart Scanlon assesses whether the corner-of-mouth downturn is mainly from volume loss, skin laxity, muscle pull, or chin/jaw support issues, then chooses a product and plan that avoids heaviness and keeps the mouth moving naturally.

Short answer: 

Most people get 6–12 months, sometimes longer.

Extended answer: 

Longevity depends on the filler type, how much is used, your metabolism, and how much movement is in the area (the mouth is very active). Softer fillers often look most natural here but may wear off a bit sooner than firmer products used deeper in the face. Many patients find results last longer after a couple of treatments because support is built gradually rather than “overfilled” in one session.

Short answer: 

It can soften the downturned look, and sometimes gives a subtle lift.

Extended answer: 

Filler can reduce the shadowing and folding that makes corners look pulled down, which often creates a more upbeat resting expression. True corner-lift effect can be limited if the main driver is muscle pull (DAO muscle) or skin laxity. In some cases, Dr. Bart Scanlon may recommend combining a small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment to the DAO muscle with carefully placed filler, or adding structural support nearby (like chin or jawline) for a more noticeable improvement.

Short answer: 

Often 0.5–1 mL total, sometimes more depending on severity and support needs.

Extended answer: 

Some patients need only a small amount placed precisely, while others benefit from a staged approach over two visits. The goal is to restore support without making the lower face look heavy. If the fold is deep or the lower face has lost structure, the best result may come from combining marionette treatment with chin or pre-jowl support, rather than putting lots of product directly into the line.

Short answer: 

It shouldn’t—if it’s done conservatively and placed in the right plane.

Extended answer: 

The lower face is an area where overfilling can look obvious. The best approach is usually small amounts, placed strategically, sometimes focusing on support around the fold rather than filling the crease itself. Dr. Bart Scanlon’s aim is to keep your mouth movement natural and avoid that “pillowy” look by choosing the right product, depth, and volume—and stopping before it becomes too much.

Short answer: 

Most people say it’s mild to moderate, and very manageable.

Extended answer: 

The corners of the mouth can be sensitive, but we use numbing cream and most fillers also contain local anaesthetic. Dr. Bart Scanlon uses techniques designed to minimise discomfort and reduce bruising risk. You’ll feel pressure and brief stings rather than intense pain, and it’s usually over quickly.

Short answer: 

Usually 24–72 hours, sometimes up to 1–2 weeks for full settling.

Extended answer: 

Mild swelling is common, especially around the mouth where tissues are mobile. Some people look “a bit fuller” for a few days, then it settles into a more natural result. If you bruise, the bruise can last 7–10 days. Final refinement—where it feels and looks like “you”—is typically around the 2-week mark.

Short answer: 

Bruising is possible; many people don’t bruise, but it can happen.

Extended answer: 

The mouth region has lots of tiny blood vessels, so bruising risk is real even with great technique. If you’re prone to bruising or have an event coming up, plan treatment at least 2 weeks before. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise for 24 hours, and only stop medications/supplements if your prescribing doctor says it’s safe.

Short answer: 

Immediately, but it improves as swelling settles over 1–2 weeks.

Extended answer: 

You’ll notice a softening right away, but early swelling can make it hard to judge the final shape. Over the next two weeks the filler integrates with your tissue and the area relaxes. That’s why we usually assess “final” results at about 2 weeks, and only then consider any tiny adjustments if needed.

Short answer: 

Usually yes—most people return to normal activities the same day.

Extended answer: 

Downtime is mainly cosmetic (possible swelling or bruising). Many patients schedule it on a quieter day or before a weekend. You’ll be asked to avoid heavy exercise, saunas, and alcohol for 24 hours, and to keep the area clean. If you have a high-profile event, book in with enough buffer time.

Short answer: 

It’s generally safe when performed by an experienced medical injector, but all injectables carry risks.

Extended answer: 

Most side effects are minor and temporary (swelling, tenderness, bruising). Rare but serious complications can occur with any dermal filler, including vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel), which requires urgent treatment. At Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor, Dr. Bart Scanlon performs a full assessment, uses anatomy-based technique and conservative dosing, and provides clear aftercare instructions and what-to-watch-for guidance.

Short answer: 

Swelling, bruising, tenderness; rarely infection, lumps, asymmetry, or vascular complications.

Extended answer: 

Common effects include mild swelling and soreness for a few days. Small lumps can occur and often settle as swelling reduces; sometimes gentle massage is recommended, but only if you’re told to do so. Infection is rare but possible. The most important rare risk is vascular compromise—this is uncommon but serious, which is why choosing an experienced medical practitioner and following aftercare is essential.

Short answer: 

It can, but good product choice and conservative technique reduce the risk.

Extended answer: 

Migration usually relates to using too much product, placing it too superficially, or repeated overfilling. The mouth area moves constantly, so technique matters a lot. Dr. Bart Scanlon typically aims for small volumes in the correct tissue plane and may recommend building results gradually, which tends to look more natural and reduces the chance of heaviness or product shifting.

Short answer: 

It usually softens them significantly; complete removal isn’t always realistic.

Extended answer: 

Deep folds often involve more than just a “line”—they’re influenced by facial support, skin quality, and movement patterns. A natural result usually means improvement without looking overfilled. If the fold is very deep, Dr. Bart Scanlon may recommend a staged plan or combining treatments (like skin collagen treatments or support in adjacent areas) rather than trying to erase it in one go.

Short answer: 

Sometimes, yes—supporting nearby structure can give a better result than chasing the crease.

Extended answer: 

Marionette lines can be a symptom of lower-face support changes. In many faces, a little chin or pre-jowl support reduces the fold and improves the corner-of-mouth downturn more naturally than placing lots of filler directly into the line. Dr. Bart Scanlon will guide you through the options and explain what will look best for your face, not just what treats the line.

Short answer: 

Often a great combo, especially if muscle pull is contributing to a downturned mouth.

Extended answer: 

If the DAO muscle is pulling the corners down, a small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment can reduce that downward force and help the filler work better. Not everyone needs it, and dosing must be conservative to avoid affecting speech or smile dynamics. Dr. Bart Scanlon assesses your mouth movement and resting expression before recommending combination treatment.

Short answer: 

It shouldn’t when done properly and conservatively.

Extended answer: 

The goal is to maintain normal facial animation—talking, smiling, and expressing should feel like you. Problems are more likely if too much product is placed, if it’s too superficial, or if muscle treatment is overdone. Dr. Bart Scanlon’s approach prioritises subtle, supportive correction and facial balance so results look natural in motion, not just in photos.

Short answer: 

People who are pregnant/breastfeeding, have active skin infection, or have certain medical/immune conditions may need to delay or avoid treatment.

Extended answer: 

If you have active cold sores, dermatitis, or infection around the mouth, treatment should wait. People with a history of severe allergies, autoimmune flare-ups, or previous filler complications need a careful medical discussion. Significant skin laxity may not respond well to filler alone, and you might be better served by skin-tightening, collagen stimulation, or surgical options. Dr. Bart Scanlon will be direct about what will and won’t work.

Short answer: 

Avoid heavy exercise, alcohol, and heat exposure for 24 hours, and don’t massage unless instructed.

Extended answer: 

For the first day, keep things calm: no gym, saunas, hot yoga, or long hot showers, and skip alcohol as it can worsen swelling/bruising. Try not to put pressure on the area (face massage, tight helmets) for a couple of days. Keep makeup off for at least several hours (or as advised) and follow your aftercare plan—especially the warning signs that mean you should contact the clinic urgently.

Short answer: 

If an HA filler is used, it can usually be dissolved.

Extended answer: 

One of the advantages of HA fillers is reversibility using an enzyme (hyaluronidase) when clinically appropriate. Most of the time, concerns are about early swelling or asymmetry that settles naturally over 1–2 weeks. If something genuinely needs correction, Dr. Bart Scanlon will assess you and discuss the safest options—whether that’s time, minor adjustment, or dissolving.