Smoker’s Lines Are Not Only for Smokers

By Chrissy Thomas, RN, Anti-Aging Specialists, Mater Cosmetic Injector

The subject of smoker’s lines is one that I seem to talk about daily, typically of clients that have never smoked or smoked briefly.  Everyone wants to know why they have them and how to make them go away.

First, we need to understand why they form.  If a person is a smoker, straw drinker, or purses their lips constantly, the tendency for the muscles around the mouth to crease is greater.  Just like the eyes, the mouth area is composed of a circular muscle that runs around the edge of the lips.  Over time and with consistent motion, the eyes show crow’s feet and the lips show “smoker’s lines.”  This problem is accentuated when the volume of the lips begins to decrease as it does naturally with age.  As lip volume decreases, lips will begin to slip down inside the mouth and the border becomes softer allowing “pleats” in the area.

Of course, other factors may exacerbate this problem. Sun exposure breaks down tissue and, thus, creates more creasing.  Mouth areas treated with electrolysis will tend to have more creasing over the years.  Clients with an extensive history of fever blisters on the upper lip may also notice more creasing above the lip.

While there is no miracle treatment for these pesky lines, there are procedures that will make the area look better and prevent further creasing.  Typically, a multifaceted approach is needed to give a natural and lasting correction.

Restore lip volume- by placing a bit of injectable filler, like Juvederm Ultra XC in the pink part of the lip, the “scaffolding” of the mouth is rebuilt to hold the mouth open and soften creases. The border of the lip is restored to give a better definition between the lip and the skin of the face. This is different from making lips bigger than they are naturally.  Restoration is just that, restoring to original.  Thinner filler material may be placed directly into the creases once the volume is restored to further smooth the area.  

Botox- Botox is an injectable treatment that relaxes muscles in an area that is causing creasing.  Small “sprinkles” of injections placed into the muscles around the lips can help soften the muscular contractions that create obvious creases. 

Microneedling – Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, this treatment will create micro openings in the skin to rebuild collagen and create smaller pores, fewer lines, and tighter skin. 

Chemical Peel – Chemical peels range from mild exfoliation to actual skin peeling.  The chemical application will loosen the glue like substance that holds dead cells on the skin’s surface and make creases more noticeable.  Ridding the skin of dry, dead skin cells can soften the appearance of creases and stimulate the skin cells to turn over more readily.  The result is smoother and clearer skin.

Fractora – This treatment combines the power of Microneedling with the effect of radiofrequency to not only smooth skin but also create an incredible tightening effect.  This is an incredible treatment to lift, smooth, and tighten.

PRP (Vampire) Facial or Facelift – The use of Platelet Rich Plasma is unparalleled in rejuvenating skin.  When PRP, (drawn from the patient), is injected into tissue, skin looks amazing.  This is one of the most popular treatments in our facility.  It is also used to rejuvenate necks, hands and regrow thinning or lost hair.

Thanks to today’s plethora of rejuvenating treatments, there are many options to not only address smoker’s lines, but to turn back the clock on all effects of skin aging.  

Owner Chrissy Thomas, RN, BSN, has worked in the field of skin care since 1996. A graduate of Georgia Baptist College of Nursing in Atlanta, she has held positions as charge nurse of plastic surgery for Egleston Children’s Hospital (now Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) AA & director of adult plastic surgery and director of skin care services for Plastic Surgery Consultants in Atlanta. Chrissy has owned and operated About Face Skin Care since March 2002, and opened About Mind and Body, a fitness boutique located within About Face, in 2012.  Chrissy is well known in the cosmetic community where she is a respected  Master Level Cosmetic Injector & Senior Laser Specialist.