Marionette Lines
IN NASHVILLE, TN
The vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin line, marionette lines, are a common and frustrating sign of skin aging. Named after the marionette string puppets they resemble, these deep lines can create a sad or tired appearance, even when your mood says otherwise. At Gilpin Facial Plastics in Nashville, Dr. David Gilpin offers advanced cosmetic treatments to treat marionette lines, restore youthful volume, and smooth the lower half of the face with natural-looking results.
What Is Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines are a type of facial wrinkle or fold that appear as the skin around the mouth begins to lose elasticity and volume. These melomental folds are part of the natural aging process, but they can be made worse by sun exposure, facial expressions, volume loss, and weakened facial muscles. Over time, the lines deepen, contributing to sagging skin and an aged appearance.
Causes of Marionette Lines
While marionette lines are a natural part of aging, several other factors accelerate their development:
- Decreased collagen production and elastin as we age
- Repeated facial expressions and movement of the oral commissures
- Sun exposure and damage from UV rays
- Loss of hyaluronic acid, which helps the facial skin stay plump and hydrated
- Genetics, smoking, stress, and poor daily skin care routine
- Unprotected exposure to direct sunlight and environmental toxins
Signs of Marionette Lines
- Deepening lines between the mouth and chin
- Volume loss and skin laxity around the lower face
- Appearance of sagging skin or downward shadows
- Worsening of other facial wrinkles such as nasolabial folds, smile lines and laugh lines
ELEVATE YOUR CONFIDENCE
IN A LUXURY SURGICAL PRACTICE
Investing in your confidence is a big step, and your choice of facial plastic surgeon should reflect it. We offer a premier, luxury environment where you can focus on yourself.
With the help of our professional and knowledgeable team, you can begin your journey toward a more confident you. We’ll take every step to ensure you feel comfortable, pampered, and acknowledged. Begin your refined and cultivated experience here at Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics.
Treatment for Marionette Lines
Dr. Gilpin uses a personalized approach to marionette line treatment, offering both non-surgical treatments and surgical solutions based on your goals and the severity of the lines:
Injectable Fillers & Collagen Stimulators
For patients seeking a non-surgical treatment to reduce marionette lines, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers and collagen stimulators offer fast, natural-looking results with minimal downtime. These injectables restore lost volume in the lower face, smooth the appearance of deeper marionette lines, and improve skin hydration. This approach is ideal for addressing facial wrinkles caused by volume loss and repetitive facial expressions:
- Juvederm®
- Restylane®
- Radiesse®
- RHA® Collection
- Sculptra®
Skin Tightening & Resurfacing
These advanced cosmetic procedures improve skin elasticity, refine skin texture, and target both surface and deep lines through controlled stimulation of skin cells and collagen induction therapy. Using laser treatments, light-based technologies, and microneedling, this category is particularly effective for patients with mild to moderate marionette lines or early signs of skin aging, sun damage, and other wrinkles:
- Sciton Lasers
- Microneedling
- Microneedling
- Thread Lift
Surgical Lifting & Structural Correction
When deepening marionette lines, sagging skin, or facial volume loss are more advanced, surgical options provide the most dramatic and lasting rejuvenation. These invasive procedures address the deep structures of the face and offer comprehensive improvement by lifting and repositioning tissue. Surgical treatments are ideal for patients seeking significant improvement in facial definition and skin firmness:
- Mini Facelift
- Deep Plane Facelift
- SMAS Facelift
- Preservation Facelift
- Facelift Under Local Anesthesia
- Facial Fat Transfer
Benefits of Professional Treatment
Choosing professional care at Gilpin Facial Plastics ensures your marionette line treatment is based on facial harmony and long-term success. Our cosmetic treatments go beyond surface-level improvements, addressing the underlying causes of facial wrinkles, loss of volume, and skin aging. Patients benefit from improved skin elasticity, smoother contours, and a refreshed, more confident appearance.
What to Expect During Treatment
Results in
1-2 weeks
Recovery
1-3 days
Lasts
Several months
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where we assess your facial structure, skin condition, and current health. Depending on the severity of your marionette lines and your goals, Dr. Gilpin will recommend the best treatment or combination of therapies, whether that’s dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, thread lifting, or surgery. You’ll also receive tailored recommendations for skin care products, sun protection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support long-term results.
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David Gilpin, MD
Dr. David Gilpin is a native of Nashville, TN. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Gilpin pursued his M.D. from The University of Tennessee…
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If you’re ready to treat marionette lines and reclaim your youthful glow, contact Gilpin Facial Plastics in Nashville to schedule your consultation. Let us help you smooth away the years and restore your confidence.
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Dr. David Gilpin is Nashville’s most accomplished dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Gilpin Facial Plastics, the city’s largest facial plastic surgery and medspa practice. With advanced fellowship training under one of the world’s leading experts in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Gilpin is renowned for delivering natural, personalized results through both surgical and non-surgical facial procedures. Featured in Nashville Lifestyles, recognized as a RealSelf Top Doctor, and a national speaker, Dr. Gilpin is trusted by A-list clients and peers alike for his unparalleled expertise and compassionate care. His leadership and reputation firmly establish him as the most qualified and sought-after facial plastic surgeon in Nashville, TN