Quick answer: Marionette lines run down from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. Without surgery, they are usually treated with a mix of filler to support the area, a small dose of Botox to relax muscles that pull the mouth corners down, and lifting to reduce sagging from the jowls. Downtime is short, and results can last from several months to over a year.
Key takeaways
- Marionette lines can make you look sad or tired even when you are relaxed.
- They come from volume loss, sagging and muscle pull at the mouth corners.
- Filler and Botox are the most common quick treatments.
- Lifting treatments help when jowls are part of the problem.
- A combined plan usually gives the most natural result.
What causes marionette lines?
- Volume loss around the mouth and chin.
- Sagging of the lower cheeks and early jowls.
- Muscle pull: the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle pulls the mouth corners down.
- Skin ageing: less collagen and elasticity.
Lower-face treatments are common among visitors to Seoul. Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Which treatments work best?
1. Filler
A small amount of HA filler supports the area under the mouth corners and softens the line straight away. Results usually last about 9 to 12 months. See dermal fillers in Seoul.
2. Botox for the mouth corners
A small dose of Botox in the DAO muscle reduces the downward pull, so the mouth corners sit a little higher. It is often combined with filler. See Botox in Gangnam.
3. Lifting treatments
If jowls are pulling the area down, HIFU, RF or threads can lift the lower face. See our Ultherapy Prime guide, the Korean thread lift guide and treatments for jowls.
4. Skin boosters and collagen stimulators
These improve skin quality around the mouth, which helps fine lines and thin skin. See our Juvelook guide and Skinvive guide.
Which option is right for me?
- Mild line, little sagging: filler, sometimes with Botox.
- Downturned mouth corners: Botox plus a little filler.
- Line caused by jowls: lifting first, then filler if needed.
- Thin, crepey skin: skin boosters or collagen stimulators.
Marionette lines often appear together with smile lines. See treatments for nasolabial folds.
What is the downtime?
- Filler: mild swelling or bruising for one to three days.
- Botox: almost none.
- HIFU: mild tenderness for a few days.
- Threads: swelling for about a week.
If your trip is short, choose low-downtime options. See low-downtime treatments before flying.
How long do the results last?
Filler in this area usually lasts about 9 to 12 months. Botox lasts about three to four months. Lifting results usually last around a year, and collagen stimulators build results over several months.
How to get a natural look
- Use small amounts. Too much filler around the mouth can look heavy.
- Check the result while you talk and smile, not only at rest.
- Treat the cause, such as sagging, not only the line.
Read how to get natural-looking Botox and fillers.
Is it safe?
These treatments are common and side effects are usually mild. The area around the mouth has blood vessels, so filler must be placed carefully by an experienced doctor. Too much Botox in the wrong place can affect your smile for a few weeks, which is why careful dosing matters.
How to choose a clinic
- Choose a doctor who assesses the whole lower face.
- Ask which products and amounts will be used, and get a written quote.
- Make sure the doctor who consults you also performs the treatment.
See our guide to choosing a dermatology clinic in Gangnam.
Frequently asked questions
Can marionette lines be treated without filler?
Yes. Botox, lifting and skin boosters can help, but filler often gives the clearest change.
How quickly will I see results?
Filler works straight away. Botox takes three to seven days. Lifting improves over two to three months.
Can I treat smile lines at the same time?
Yes. They are often treated together in one visit.
Will Botox change my smile?
When dosed carefully, Botox for the mouth corners should not affect your smile.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026). mohw.go.kr
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers) information. fda.gov
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
