Lipstick / smoker’s lines

Lipstick lines are also sometimes named ‘smokers lines’, although this term is somewhat erroneous. Although smoking will make these fine vertical lines worse — in the same way smoking makes all wrinkles worse — almost all women develop these lines and wrinkles on the upper lip area as they age anyway, regardless of whether or not they smoke.

Lipstick lines are also sometimes named ‘smokers lines’, although this term is somewhat erroneous. Although smoking will make these fine vertical lines worse — in the same way smoking makes all wrinkles worse — almost all women develop these lines and wrinkles on the upper lip area as they age anyway, regardless of whether or not they smoke.

At a glance

Every patient is unique, and during our consultation process, we work with you to develop a bespoke treatment plan based on what you want to achieve.

Duration

1 - 2 hours

Anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic

Downtime

Up to 2 weeks

Length of results

Lifetime

Pricing

From £3,500

Patient Testimonials

Hear from our patients about their experience of laser resurfacing at McKeown Medical.

How Does It Work?

A patient before and after treatment at McKeown Medical.

What are lipstick lines?

Lipstick lines are the lines above the top lip that run between the lip and the nose.

One of the biggest complaints we hear in the clinic is, ‘I have smokers lines but never smoked’. That is because fine lines and wrinkles around the lips are not caused by smoking. Repetitive movements of the skin around the mouth that causes them. Curiously, they rarely develop on ageing men, perhaps due to the thicker skin on men’s faces.

A patient before and after treatment at McKeown Medical.

Laser resurfacing: the gold standard for smoker's lines

The most effective way to remove smoker’s lines is through the use of laser resurfacing. In all cases we are able to achieve a substantial improvement. In most cases, we can completely eliminate the lines with the use of laser.

Laser resurfacing works by removing the top layers of the skin, which allows the skin to heal from a new, healthier base. The result is a healthier complexion with significantly reduced wrinkles.  Occasionally we treat just the lip area in isolation, although in most cases patients opt to have a full face treatment for the most comprehensive result.

Laser resurfacing options

Dr Rhona Cameron heads up our laser team in the clinic. Here she discusses options for laser resurfacing.

Patient Reviews

Read reviews from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical. 

Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Pricing

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

Full laser resurfacing for lipstick lines

From £3,500

Common Questions

What are upper lip lines?

Upper lip lines (otherwise known as lipstick lines or smoker’s lines) are small vertical wrinkles on the upper lip, below the nose.

How do stubborn lip lines and wrinkles occur?

Even if you have healthy skin, upper lip lines can occur. These lip wrinkles occur as a result of ageing, repetitive facial movements such as smiling, eating and talking, and environmental and lifestyle factors.

Is there an alternative to laser resurfacing?

If you do not have the downtime to undergo laser resurfacing, an alternative treatment is to use filler injections to plump the skin below the wrinkles. This can usually reduce the appearance of the wrinkles, although not as dramatically as it’s possible to achieve using laser.

How long does it take to see results?

Typically by the end of the treatment we can see that the skins surface is smooth, however the skin is red, swollen and oozing at that stage and it takes a couple of weeks to heal. Usually by two weeks after treatment you can see a significant improvement in the wrinkles, although if they have not gone completely they can continue to improve for up to six months as the collagen remodels under the surface of the skin.

What can you do to prevent lip lines?

Although lip lines occur naturally due to ageing, there are still ways to try and prevent premature wrinkles and fine vertical lines from forming on your upper lips over time. Some of the things you can do to prevent these signs of premature ageing include:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Use sunscreen for your specific skin type
  • Keep your skin’s surface around the lip area hydrated
  • Use a skincare product that stimulates collagen production

Your Expert Team

Founder

Dr Darren McKeown

Our founder, Dr Darren McKeown, is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, Dr McKeown believes in a global approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Medical Director

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron is a skilled injector who has been extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices – such as lasers, BBL and radio frequency – energising the appearance and enhancing skin health. approach; delivering flawless results – and rejuvenation that lasts.

Some other areas of specialism

Full laser resurfacing

Fillers

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