Dermal filler can soften the lines that run from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds) and from your mouth down towards your chin (marionette lines). It cannot erase them completely or replace a surgical facelift. At Dream Smiles Dental in Bolton, treatment for either area costs £250 for 1ml or £450 for 2ml, agreed at a consultation first.
Why do smile lines and marionette lines appear?
Everyone has some fold between the nose and mouth, because that is where the cheek meets the lip. What changes with age is how deep it looks. Over time we lose some of the bone and fat that support the middle of the face, the skin becomes less firm, and the cheek sits a little lower. The fold deepens as a result.
Marionette lines come from the same process further down. As support around the mouth and jaw reduces, the corners of the mouth can turn slightly downwards, which can make you look sad or tired when you are not.
What dermal filler can do
Dermal filler is a hyaluronic acid gel that replaces lost volume and support. Placed in the right areas, it can:
- Soften the depth of nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Lift the corners of the mouth slightly, so your face looks less downturned at rest
- Restore support to the cheek, which can improve the fold below it
That last point matters. A deep smile line is often a sign of volume lost higher up, not a problem with the line itself. Filling the fold directly can sometimes look heavy, so your clinician may recommend treating the cheek instead of, or as well as, the line. That is the difference between a plan and simply filling what you point at.
What dermal filler cannot do
- It will not remove the lines entirely. Some fold is natural and keeps your face looking like you.
- It will not lift significant jowls or loose skin. For marked laxity, filler alone may not give the result you want, and we will tell you so.
- It is not a permanent fix. Your face keeps changing, and filler gradually breaks down.
How much does it cost in Bolton?
- Nasolabial folds: £250 for 1ml, £450 for 2ml
- Marionette lines: £250 for 1ml, £450 for 2ml
- Cheek filler: £275 for 1ml, £500 for 2ml
- Consultation: free. A £40 deposit secures your appointment and is fully refundable, or redeemable towards your treatment
The amount you need, and which areas, is agreed at your consultation and written into your plan before anything is done.
What happens at your appointment
Dr Brekhna will assess your face at rest, when you smile and when you talk, and ask about your medical history and what bothers you most. She marks up the face before treating, so you can see exactly where the filler will go and why. If she thinks treatment is not right for you, she will say so.
Most fillers contain a local anaesthetic, and treatment is usually quick and well tolerated.
Recovery and results
You may have some swelling, tenderness or small bruises for a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and heat, such as saunas, for 24 hours, and try not to press on the treated areas. Call us straight away if you notice increasing pain or skin that turns pale or blotchy.
Results are visible straight away and settle over about two weeks. Filler in these areas commonly lasts around nine to twelve months, though this varies from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Will I look different?
You should look fresher and less tired, not different. The aim is that friends notice you look well rather than noticing a treatment.
Is it better to treat the lines or the cheeks?
It depends on your face. That is exactly what the consultation is for.
Can filler help with skin quality too?
Filler restores volume and support. If your skin itself looks dull or crepey, a skin booster may help alongside it. Read our guide to Profhilo in Bolton.
Book a consultation in Bolton
If smile lines or marionette lines make you look more tired than you feel, start with an honest assessment. Request your consultation and we will call you back, or call 01204 964678. Find out more about our approach on our facial aesthetics page.