What Happens During a Dermal Filler for Marionette Lines Visit?

If you have started to notice lines running from the corners of your mouth down toward your chin, you are not alone. These are called marionette lines, and they are a common part of aging. A dermal filler for marionette lines can offer a gentle way to soften those lines without surgery. It is a straightforward, doctor-guided treatment that can help your face look more relaxed and less tired.

Since we often slow down a bit during December, especially here in Florida, many people find that it is a good time to schedule small self-care changes. The weather is cooler, the sun is not as strong, and the pace around us starts to ease. That gives space to focus on yourself. If you have been thinking about smoothing those lines along your lower face, you might be wondering what actually happens during a visit for this kind of filler treatment. Here is what you can expect.

What Marionette Lines Are and Why They Show Up

Marionette lines form below the corners of the mouth and can make the lower part of the face look pulled down or a little sad. They tend to show up more as we age, and they deepen over time. This happens for a few reasons. Our skin gets thinner, we lose volume under the surface, and the way we use our face—like talking, smiling, or frowning—adds to the shape of those lines.

Sun exposure and gravity also play a part. For those of us in sunny environments like South Florida, even years of light exposure can influence the skin’s texture.

People often decide to treat these lines because they feel like their face looks more tired or serious than they feel inside. A cooler season like winter makes the timing easier. We are indoors more, and the air tends to be less humid, which helps with skin healing right after treatment.

The First Step: What Happens During Your Consultation

Every filler visit starts with a face-to-face consultation. This is not a rushed step—it matters. A trained provider will take a good look at your skin, your lines, your facial structure, and how everything works together when you are at rest and when you are talking or smiling.

We will ask about your goals, how you want to feel, and how natural you would like the results to look. Since faces age differently, what works for someone else might not be a match for you. That is why this part matters. There is no one-size-fits-all. The plan is based on your own skin, movements, and natural proportions.

Sometimes, people feel nervous about looking like they have had “something done.” That is a real concern, and it is okay to bring it up during this first visit. The good news is that filler for marionette lines is not meant to change your face—it is meant to support the shape you already have, just softening the drag or sag that happens over time.

At Gables Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, your provider may recommend FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers, like JUVÉDERM or Restylane, which are designed for smooth, flexible results in areas like the mouth and lower face.

The Filler Process Itself: Simple, Quick, and Focused

Once the plan is in place, the actual treatment is usually pretty quick. Most appointments take less than an hour. After getting settled in a comfy chair, the area around your lower face will be cleaned to prep the skin. A numbing cream or similar option might be used to keep things comfortable.

The filler is then gently placed under the skin in small amounts, right where the marionette lines have formed. You might feel a little pinch or pressure, but it is more odd than painful. Some people like to take a few deep breaths or chat to relax. The needle used is very fine, and the clinician will keep checking the balance and flow of your natural features during the treatment.

Once everything is in place, you will get a mirror to check it out. Your skin may look a bit puffy right away. That is totally normal and expected.

Aftercare and What to Expect Following Treatment

Right after treatment, the area where you received filler may feel a little swollen, puffy, or tender to the touch. Some people see minor redness or light bruising. These things usually settle down within a couple of days. Cold compresses can help, but we suggest checking before using anything on your skin.

Keeping your face calm really helps the results settle naturally. That means skipping intense workouts for the first 24 hours, staying out of the strong sun, and avoiding too much pressure on the area, like facial massages or sleeping with your face pressed into a pillow.

Here in Florida, December offers an easier recovery window. The air feels cooler, there is less heat to deal with, and most people spend a little more time indoors. It is a nice break for your skin if you are looking for a moment to do something gentle for yourself.

When You’ll Notice a Change and How Long It Lasts

Some changes can be seen right away, especially once the puffiness fades. Your lower face might look smoother, lips may look less pulled down, and the area near your chin could feel a bit firmer overall. Most people notice a bigger difference once the filler has fully settled, which usually happens over a week or two.

Results from marionette line filler do not last forever, but they tend to hold their shape for several months, depending on how your body naturally processes the filler. Over time, touch-ups can keep things looking balanced. We often make small adjustments rather than big changes. That way, your face keeps looking like you—just a little more rested.

Fillers work well when they stay low-key. They are not meant to freeze anything or erase every line. They are more like a helping hand for areas of the face that have started shifting a little with time and movement.

A Softer Look for the Season Ahead

Taking care of marionette lines with dermal filler is not about perfection. It is about letting your face feel a little more like how you feel inside—awake, calm, and lifted. When the goal is not to erase something, but to take that downward pull and soften it gently, the results can feel much more like you.

December tends to bring a quieter rhythm, especially in Florida. We move slower, stay inside more, and often notice things we have brushed off the rest of the year. That is part of why this season is a good place to begin something light and easy. A gentle change, planned with care, lets you go into the start of a new year feeling settled and refreshed in your own skin.

Thinking about a gentle way to smooth lines near your mouth? A treatment with a dermal filler for marionette lines can give subtle lift and softness where it's needed most. Our approach is designed to help you look more rested and balanced without changing what makes your face yours. At Gables Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we’re here when you’re ready to take that next step.