SMOKERS LINES

Small lines that etch the lips and may extend vertically from the lips are commonly referred to as lipstick lines or smoker’s lines. Smokers’ lines are often first noticed when lipstick starts to ‘bleed’ out of the vermilion border (the border between the lip and adjacent skin) into the fine vertical lines around the mouth. They are more prevalent on the upper lips.

Smoker’s lines occur as we grow older, and the lip naturally starts to lose its volume, along with repetitive bunching of the tissue from muscular activity. However, smoking does not necessarily cause smoker’s lines; physiological ageing generally causes lines, folds, and wrinkles in the lower face area, or anything below the eyes, to form. As well as natural ageing, the effects of the sun can also develop and increase the lines around the lips. These lines are more likely to form in smokers due to the repeated pursing of the lips to draw from the cigarette. Smoking also breaks down the production of collagen, which increases the appearance of wrinkles and causes the skin to thin.

We typically treat these lines with advanced dermal fillers, Botox or a combination of both. The depth of the lines and extent of puckering will influence treatment modalities.

Dermal fillers offer the most effective non-surgical method for treating smokers’ lines. It usually only requires a minimal volume of the product injected into precise locations along the lines and lip border.
The non-permanent dermal fillers used by the Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic present a non-invasive and cost-effective means of treatment. Most importantly, they have a proven safety record. The results that can be achieved using dermal fillers for treating smokers’ lines are stunning and natural. For best results, we recommend a combination of dermal fillers and Botox.

Botox will help to relax muscular contracture, thereby relaxing the lines, whilst dermal fillers soften the more permanent etching that may have occurred.

Not only does the combination of dermal fillers and Botox give superior results, but this regime will also help extend the longevity of the overall outcome. In addition, patients can realistically expect to see improvement in the puckered look and softening of the furrowed lines.

Also worth considering is a bit of lip enhancement. Adding some bulk to the lips with dermal fillers will also positively affect the smoker’s lines by further elongating the lip that has contracted over the years.

At Essence Medical Cosmetic Clinic, we offer a thorough consultation which includes a discussion with our patient about the perceived problems and areas to be treated, a facial examination and an explanation of the various treatment options. A consent form is signed, and pre-treatment photos are taken. Following a choice of numbing cream or local anaesthetic (depending on the area to be treated), dermal fillers are injected into each smoker’s lines in small increments using a very fine needle. Results are immediately apparent.

It usually takes around 20-30 minutes. Depending on the severity of the lines, you might need an additional touch-up session. This usually takes place 2-3 weeks after the initial treatment. We will re-inject the same dermal fillers on your second visit to those lines. There may be an additional charge for the second session.

Softening of furrowed lines is immediately noticeable. However, results gradually improved over the following two weeks.

The results typically last 6-12 months. However, the exact length of time will depend on the structure of your skin and other factors such as lifestyle, age and the degree of perfection demanded by the individual. Additional touch-up treatments can be performed at any time after the initial treatment.

This treatment is unique to each individual, depending upon various factors. So, to get an exact costing, please schedule a consultation with Dr Bong for him to design a bespoke treatment approach and address any concerns that you have. The consultation is entirely free of charge.

However, a typical cost for this treatment is around £300. In addition, there is an additional charge should you choose to have some Botox injected into the muscle to enhance the results. However, this will be discussed at your consultation.

We accept cash or the following major credit and debit cards. We do not accept personal cheques.

If you are a new patient, a booking fee will be taken at the point of making your appointment.  Please read our full terms and conditions here.

We respect that your time is valuable, and we appreciate that you understand ours is too. Unfortunately, if appointments are cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, or if you do not attend an appointment, we cannot allocate your appointment slot to someone else; however, we still have overheads and staff salaries to pay. Please read our full terms and conditions here.

Please note for all patients, a £50 fee will be charged if you cancel or reschedule ANY appointment (including appointments which do not require an upfront deposit, such as a ‘check-up’ or review appointment) less than 48 hours before the appointment time. Patients who have pre-purchased a course of treatment will forfeit one of the treatments instead of paying this fee.

Late arrival to your appointment may result in reduced treatment time or the forfeiting of the appointment. We will endeavour to ensure that your appointment runs on time. However, for reasons beyond our control, we may need to cancel or postpone your appointment at short notice. In this unlikely event, we will try to contact you in advance. We do not offer compensation if we cancel or postpone your appointment.

Please read our full terms and conditions here.

To help our patients minimise the chance of losing their deposit or pre-paid treatments, we issue text reminders a minimum of 48 hours ahead of appointments. Patients should be aware that there may be reasons beyond our control, meaning that the text message does not reach them. Patients should diarise themselves when making follow-up appointments and not rely solely on the text message from the clinic as a reminder.