Marionette Lines (Puppet Lines): Causes, Treatments, and the Best Serums
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Marionette lines — nicknamed puppet lines — are the creases that run downward from the corners of the mouth toward the chin, framing the chin much like the hinged mouth of a marionette. They can give the face a slightly downturned or sad look even when you're not, which is why so many people ask about softening them. Here's what causes them and what actually helps.
What are marionette lines (and what they're not)
Marionette lines are vertical lines running from each corner of the mouth down toward the jaw. It's worth clearing up a common mix-up: they are not the same as nasolabial folds (the "smile lines" that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth). Nasolabial folds sit above the mouth corners; marionette lines sit below them. They often appear together, but they're different creases and respond to slightly different treatments.
What causes marionette lines?
- Volume loss. With age, the fat pads and bone support in the lower face shrink, so the skin around the mouth has less to sit on and begins to fall into folds. This is the main driver.
- Collagen and elastin loss. Skin becomes less firm and springy, so creases set in.
- Gravity and repeated expression. Years of talking and frowning, plus gravity, deepen the downward lines.
- Sun and smoking. Both accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
- Genetics. Face shape and how you age are partly inherited.
Why volume loss shows up here specifically
The lower face relies on distinct pockets of fat sitting over the bone to hold its shape, rather than one continuous layer. With age, those pads thin and shift downward under gravity, so tissue that once sat smoothly over the jawline and chin sags and pools at the corners of the mouth instead, dragging the skin there into a crease. It's a structural change in what the skin is sitting on, not a surface texture change — which is exactly why creams and serums can improve how the surface looks without ever closing a marionette line the way a volume-restoring filler can.
This is also the clearest way to tell marionette lines apart from nasolabial folds. Nasolabial folds form largely from repeated movement of the muscles around the nose and mouth and from thinning of the skin above the mouth corners; marionette lines are driven mainly by that structural descent below them. Same broad cause — ageing — but a different mechanism in a different location, which is why practitioners assess and treat them as two separate lines rather than one continuous fold.
Which treatments actually work?
Because marionette lines are largely about lost volume, the most effective options replace or lift that volume:
- Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid). The go-to for marionette lines — they restore volume in the lower face and soften the folds, with results lasting several months to over a year. Usually the single most effective treatment for these specific lines.
- Botox (in a supporting role). Relaxing the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down (the DAO) can lift a downturned mouth slightly; often combined with filler rather than used alone.
- Skin-tightening (laser, radiofrequency, microneedling). Improve skin firmness and texture over a course of sessions.
- Threads or surgery. For more advanced laxity, a practitioner may discuss thread lifts or a facelift.
- Topical serums. Won't replace lost volume, but retinoids, bakuchiol and peptides improve skin quality and the look of firmness, and are the sensible daily-care foundation.
Always see a qualified practitioner for injectables or energy-based treatments.
📋 Please note: SD7 Lipid Serum is a cosmetic serum that supports the appearance of firmer, smoother-looking skin. It is not a medical treatment, does not replace lost facial volume or alter skin structure, and results described are cosmetic and from customer feedback.
Where SD7 Lipid Serum fits
As the daily-care part of the plan, SD7 Lipid Serum is a water-free botanical lipid concentrate that can't rebuild lost volume, but is formulated to support the look of firmer, more elastic-looking skin around the mouth — the piece a daily serum can realistically influence here. It's rated 4.92/5 from 51 reviews with a 90-day money-back guarantee. Apply a few drops to cleansed skin morning and night, then moisturise (and use sunscreen by day).
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes marionette lines?
Mainly age-related volume loss in the lower face, plus declining collagen and elastin, gravity, repeated expression, sun exposure and smoking. The volume loss is why they tend to deepen with age.
Are marionette lines the same as nasolabial folds?
No. Marionette lines run downward from the corners of the mouth to the chin; nasolabial folds run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They're different creases that often appear together.
What is the best treatment for marionette lines?
Dermal fillers are usually the most effective because they restore the lost volume that causes the folds, sometimes combined with Botox. Topical serums and good sun habits support skin quality but won't replace volume.
Can a serum reduce marionette lines?
A serum can't replace lost volume, but a well-formulated one supports the appearance of firmer, smoother skin around the mouth. SD7's bakuchiol-led formula is designed for exactly that look as part of daily care.