The ‘barcode’ lines, are the thin, fine vertical lines that run perpendicularly to the upper lip.

Often called “smoker’s lines,” it can occur due to a combination of factors, including aging, loss of collagen, and repetitive muscle movements associated with daily activities like speaking, eating, and facial expressions. 

 

Smoker’s lines are caused by below factors: 

  • Aging: As people age, the skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen, two essential components that provide structure and support to the skin. 
  • Loss of collagen: Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin. As collagen production decreases with age, the skin becomes more prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines around the lips.
  • Repetitive muscle movements: Daily activities such as speaking, smiling, and pursing the lips can cause repetitive muscle movements in the area around the mouth. 
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What is the best treatment for barcode lips?

  • Wrinkle relaxing injections and fillers are combined to slow down the ageing process by adding some structural support and softening the muscle. 
  • Volume restoration: Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance, are injected into the skin to add volume to the area around the lips. 
  • Smoothing effect: By filling in the lines and wrinkles around the lips, hyaluronic acid fillers help to smooth out the skin’s surface, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
  • Stimulation of collagen production: Hyaluronic acid fillers stimulate collagen production in the skin over time.

 
What Treatments Are Available For Lip Lines?

  • Dermal fillers – hyaluronic acid fillers can be used on many areas of the face including vertical lip lines. It restores lost facial volume and provide structural support around wrinkles. Most patients need one syringe for smoker lines that lasts 6-12 months.
  • Anti-aging injectables – can also give you a more youthful, fuller-looking lip.  As you get older, your body makes less collagen, a protein that keeps your skin plump and elastic.