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NASOLABIAL & MARIONETTE FILLER
Nose-to-mouth lines (nasolabial folds) and mouth corner lines (marionettes) develop as a natural part of the aging process. This is mainly because we have lots of little 'fat pads' under the skin on the face and over time gravity pulls these slowly downwards, creating the nasolabial and marionette folds when they have settled down as far as our other facial anatomy will allow. As we age, we also get thinning of the soft tissue centrally on the face, which further contributes to the appearance of a 'step' in these two key areas.
Thankfully, if these bother us, we've got a safe and modern technology, based upon the natural substance already present throughout our face and body - hyaluronic acid - to improve the appearance of these lines and folds. Nasolabials and marionettes are often treated together, as needed by the individual client. Think of these not as 'enhancement' (such as with the lips and cheeks) but as a 'replacement'; restoring a more youthful contour to the face.
Dr. Michael Aicken has been using hyaluronic acid gel (dermal filler) to subtly restore both nasolabial and marionette lines to their former glory, for over 16 years, teaching his own techniques to thousands of trainees from around the world. All treatments are tailor-made to suit your needs including the evening out of asymmetries and can be given in conjunction with any of our other skin booster, anti-wrinkle or dermal filler treatments.
Are nasolabial and marionette fillers right for me?
Nose-to-mouth (nasolabial) filler is best not done to extreme. These lines tend to start in our 20s and gradually deepen over time. It wouldn't look right to have the nasolabial folds of a 20 year old when you are 70, but tastefully done, a few tweaks carried out safely and in a balanced way, can easily knock off a decade or two!
Marionette lines (mouth corners) on the other hand don't usually start until our late 30s or into our
40s, so Dr Mike usually advocates a slightly less subtle approach to improving their appearance. All of our treatments are individually tailored and discussed on a case by case basis
How long does it last?
Results are instant and in these areas typically last 9-12 months. Remember that filler can be topped
up or dissolved if needed at any time.
Will it hurt?
A strong anaesthetic numbing cream will be applied to the area ahead of injecting to minimise
discomfort. The filler itself also contains lidocaine which will optimise comfort levels throughout.
Additionally, as Dr Mike has vast experience in injecting dermal filler, his advanced injection technique
will limit discomfort.
What volume to go for?
This is between you and Dr Mike to decide during your consultation. Every patient is different, and the
results can be as subtle or as pronounced as you like. Most clients will benefit from just 1ml of filler but
often 2-3 are needed if more radical changes are desired. We usually administer 1ml and view the results immediately before the decision is made to stop there or continue with more.
What will it cost?
Our dermal filler at Astral Skin Clinic is £230 for 1ml in one area, then £100 per extral ml in the same area
after that.
What is the downtime?
As with all injections, it is possible that some slight swelling or bruising will occur for 2-3 days. We ask
that you try to refrain from touching your face or applying cream or lipstick directly after the procedure.
That being said, as treatments go, there is very little downtime, and after 12 hours makeup can be
applied.
