Lines around the mouth are the fine vertical creases and folds that form on the upper lip, at the corners of the mouth and through the lower face. They appear as collagen and elastin decline, as repeated movement sets a crease into thin skin, and as the lower face loses some of its natural support. At North Skin in Mona Vale, Plasma Fibroblast is the treatment most often used here, working on skin firmness and surface texture rather than adding volume. Results are progressive rather than instant, and every plan begins with a thorough consultation.
Why lines around the mouth form
The skin around the mouth is thinner than most of the face and has fewer oil glands, so it dries and creases more readily. Three things usually work together. Collagen and elastin decline with age, so skin sits looser and springs back more slowly. Repeated movement folds the same skin in the same place thousands of times a year. Sun exposure accelerates all of it. Research quantifying the facial dermis found that sun damaged skin accumulates glycosaminoglycans on degraded elastic fibres in abnormal patterns, which helps explain the weathered look of photodamaged skin. Shifting fat pads in the lower face play a part too, leaving the skin above them with less support.
What helps lines around the mouth
Plasma Fibroblast uses targeted plasma energy to create a controlled reaction on the skin surface. That reaction activates the body’s natural wound healing response and stimulates fibroblast activity, which is what supports new collagen and elastin over the weeks that follow.
Around the mouth the work is precise. Small, carefully spaced points are placed across the upper lip and the corners of the mouth to tighten the skin surface and soften the depth of set creases. Where the concern is broader texture through the lower face, Skin Needling is often the better starting point. For clients who want a softer, lower tech approach alongside their skin work, Cosmetic Acupuncture supports circulation, facial tension and overall skin vitality.
Who it suits and who it does not
This work suits clients whose main concern is fine to moderate lines, crepey texture and mild laxity through the upper lip and lower face.
It is not right for everyone. Deep folds driven by volume loss rather than skin laxity will not respond well, because plasma targets the skin and not the structure beneath it. Very dark skin tones require careful assessment before any fibroblast treatment, due to pigmentation risk. Active skin conditions in the treatment area and some medical contraindications mean waiting or choosing another path. We also do not treat suspicious, changing or irregular pigmented lesions, which need assessment by a dermatologist or skin doctor first. If something else would serve you better, we will tell you at consultation.
What to expect, including honest downtime
You may need to apply topical numbing about 40 minutes before your appointment. We send an SMS reminder roughly an hour beforehand so the timing is simple. Numbing is not automatically included unless stated, and top ups may be done in clinic where appropriate. Most clients describe the treatment itself as warm and prickling rather than sharp.
Afterwards, small carbon dots appear across the treated area and lift naturally over roughly days three to seven. Swelling is common in the first one to three days, and pink new skin may be visible underneath as the dots clear. Plan for seven to ten days of social downtime as a minimum. Around the mouth this is worth diarising, because it is difficult to conceal.
Results and realistic timelines
The first change most clients notice is surface smoothness once the dots have cleared. The more meaningful improvement comes later, from around weeks six to twelve, as collagen matures. Set lines around the mouth often need more than one session, and we would rather give you an honest estimate at consultation than a number designed to sound appealing. Where results are achieved they may last two to four years depending on your skin, lifestyle, sun exposure and natural ageing process. Results vary.
Lines around the mouth FAQs
Lines around the mouth are caused by a combination of collagen and elastin decline, repeated muscle movement from talking and smiling, sun damage, and shifting fat pads in the lower face. The skin here is thin and has fewer oil glands, so it creases earlier and holds those creases for longer than skin elsewhere.
Yes. Plasma Fibroblast is a non surgical skin tightening treatment designed to work on the quality and firmness of the skin itself, rather than adding volume. It suits clients whose concern is skin laxity and surface texture. Deep folds caused mainly by volume loss are a different concern and respond differently.
Most clients having Plasma Fibroblast around the mouth need more than one session, commonly two to three spaced several weeks apart, though this depends entirely on how set the lines are and how your skin responds. We give you a realistic estimate at consultation rather than a fixed promise. Results vary.
Expect seven to ten days of social downtime as a minimum. Carbon dots appear straight after treatment and lift naturally over days three to seven. Swelling is most visible in the first one to three days. Because the area is hard to cover, plan your treatment around work and social commitments.
Where results are achieved they may last two to four years, depending on your skin, your lifestyle, sun exposure and the natural ageing process. Collagen continues to change over time, so many clients choose a maintenance session down the track rather than expecting a one off fix.
Lines around the mouth are one of the most common concerns clients raise with us, and one of the areas where careful, targeted work makes a visible difference. If you would like to know whether this suits your skin, book a consultation at our private studio in Mona Vale and we will talk it through properly.
Related reading: Plasma Fibroblast for Crepey Skin and Plasma Fibroblast for Upper Eyelids Without Surgery.
