Hyaluronic acid filler
Juvéderm or Restylane placed to support the fold and the mouth corner. Learn more on our marionette fillers page.
Wrinkles & Volume Loss
Marionette Line Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul
A softer, less tired mouth area at Nest Clinic — our women doctors combine supportive filler, gentle muscle relaxation and lifting to ease the lines that run down from the corners of the mouth.
30 min
treatment, immediate support
A
How do you get rid of marionette lines?
Marionette lines run from the corners of the mouth towards the chin and are caused by volume loss, sagging of the lower face and a downward-pulling muscle. Treatment usually combines hyaluronic acid filler to support the fold, a small dose of botulinum toxin to relax the depressor muscle, and lifting devices such as Ulthera or Thermage FLX for laxity. Filler effects are immediate and typically last 9–12 months. Results vary.
- Sessions
- Usually 1, with optional top-up
- Interval
- Filler 9–12 months; toxin 3–4 months
- Downtime
- Mild swelling or bruising for 2–5 days
- Treatment time
- About 30 minutes
- Results
- Immediate filler support; lifting over 2–3 months
- Reversibility
- HA filler can be dissolved if needed
Understanding marionette lines
Why the mouth corners turn down
Marionette lines are vertical folds that extend from the mouth corners towards the jaw. With age the chin and jowl fat pads thin and descend, the skin loosens, and the depressor anguli oris muscle pulls the corners of the mouth downward, giving a sad or tired expression even at rest.
Because several layers are involved, marionette lines are often treated together with sagging skin and loss of facial volume. Corners that turn down without a deep line may suit a mouth corner lift.
Signs of marionette lines
- Lines from the mouth corners down towards the chin
- A sad or stern look when your face is relaxed
- Shadowing beside the chin under overhead light
- Early jowling along the jawline
- Lipstick or food collecting at the mouth corners
Our approach
Support, relax and lift
We treat the cause rather than simply filling the line, so the lower face looks refreshed, not heavy.
Xeomin for the DAO muscle
A small dose relaxes the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down, softening a downturned expression.
Ulthera & Thermage FLX
Focused ultrasound and radiofrequency tighten the lower face and jawline to reduce the pull that deepens the fold.
Sculptra
Gradual collagen stimulation restores volume in the lower face over a series of sessions.
Skin quality boosters
Rejuran or Skinvive improve fine creasing and thin skin around the mouth.
What to expect
A softer, lifted mouth area
Drag the handle to compare. Filler support is visible straight away, while lifting and collagen improvements build over the following months.
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Before
After 2 wks
Illustration for explanation only — not a patient photograph. Individual results vary; real case photos are shown during your consultation.
Is it right for you?
Good candidates
- Lines running down from the mouth corners
- A downturned mouth that looks sad at rest
- Mild to moderate jowling
- People who prefer a non-surgical approach
- Visitors who can stay at least 2–3 days after filler
Safety first
Possible side effects
Swelling, tenderness and bruising are common for a few days. Uncommon risks include lumps, asymmetry, infection and, rarely, vascular occlusion. Too much toxin in the mouth area can temporarily affect your smile or speech, so we use small, precise doses.
We reduce risk with careful anatomy-based planning, blunt cannulas where suitable, slow injection and conservative volumes, and keep hyaluronidase available to dissolve hyaluronic acid filler.
We do not inject during pregnancy or breastfeeding, near active cold sores or infection, or in patients with certain autoimmune conditions.
Your visit
How treatment works at Nest Clinic
Assessment
Your doctor examines volume, laxity and muscle pull.
Plan
Filler, toxin and lifting chosen for your face.
Numbing
Topical anaesthetic and lidocaine-containing filler.
Treatment
Precise injections, about 30 minutes.
Review
Check before you fly or by photo at 2 weeks.
Medical reviewer · Chief Medical Doctor
Dr. Kyung-yeon Lee
Dr. Lee trained at Seoul National University College of Medicine (M.S.) and completed residency at Seoul National University Hospital. Before joining Nest Clinic she was director at VS Line Clinic in Apgujeong. Nest Clinic is led entirely by women doctors, with one-to-one consultations rather than high-volume treatment.
Seoul National Univ. College of Medicine
Korean Society for Aesthetic Laser Surgery
Korean Academy of Facial Filler
Key Doctor · Jetema e.p.t.q.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Kyung-yeon Lee in October 2026. It is for general information and does not replace an in-person diagnosis.
FAQ
Marionette Lines questions, answered
How long do marionette line fillers last?
Hyaluronic acid filler in this area usually lasts around 9–12 months, depending on the product, your metabolism and how mobile the area is.
Will filler make my lower face look heavy?
Not when placed conservatively. We support the fold and the mouth corner rather than overfilling the line, and often combine lifting so less filler is needed.
Is there downtime?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Swelling or bruising may last 2–5 days; we suggest avoiding alcohol, saunas and intense exercise for 48 hours.
Can I fly home after treatment?
Flying is generally fine after 24–48 hours. We prefer to review you before you leave, and offer photo follow-up afterwards.
What is the difference between marionette lines and smile lines?
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, run from the nose to the mouth corners. Marionette lines start at the mouth corners and run down towards the chin.
Related treatments
Explore lower-face care
Consultation
Refresh your lower face
Send a photo on WhatsApp for a first opinion in English, then book a consultation with our doctors.
Nest Clinic Gangnam · 4F–5F Seocho Building, 453 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7 · Gangnam Station Exit 10
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun closed
Results differ from person to person. All medical procedures carry potential risks and side effects; a doctor will explain them before treatment. Information on this page is educational and not a substitute for a personal medical consultation.
