When you look in the mirror, are you especially bothered by the long wrinkle that runs down below the corners of your mouth?
This wrinkle, which extends from the sides of the mouth toward the jawline like a puppet’s mouth line, is called a ‘marionette wrinkle.’
This wrinkle not only makes you look older, but can also make your expression seem sullen.
That is why many people today are looking into various treatments to improve it.
Among them, thread lifting is one of the treatments most often considered by those who are worried about marionette wrinkles.
That is because it does not simply ‘smooth out’ wrinkles, but helps improve the sagging cheeks and loss of elasticity that cause them in the first place.
To reduce marionette wrinkles, rather than simply filling in the wrinkle, lifting the sagging skin upward is the way to expect more satisfying results.
For that reason, our clinic primarily recommends thread lifting for improving marionette wrinkles.

What is thread lifting? A method that solves the cause of wrinkles by ‘pulling’
Thread lifting is a procedure that physically lifts sagging skin by inserting special threads into the deeper layers of the skin.
Rather than simply smoothing wrinkles, it corrects the ‘sagging’ that creates them.
As time passes, the skin on the face sags, the jawline collapses, and the skin around the mouth droops, creating marionette wrinkles.
At this time, thread lifting pulls from within the skin, improving sagging and allowing a natural lifting effect from the mouth area to the jawline.
Also, thread lifting does not end with simply pulling the skin.
At the area where the threads are inserted, collagen production is promoted, so you can expect an effect that helps skin elasticity last over the long term.
That is why immediately after the procedure, you feel a firm lifting sensation, and over time it gradually settles into a natural and soft result.

Why is thread lifting effective for marionette wrinkles?
Marionette wrinkles are not caused simply by a problem on the skin surface.
They are caused by the central cheek volume descending and the skin gathering below the mouth area.
That is why it is difficult to solve the problem fundamentally with fillers or laser procedures that only address the surface.
Thread lifting directly addresses the cause of the wrinkle by lifting the sagging cheeks and the entire loosened jawline upward.
In particular, the marionette wrinkle area is a region where facial muscles move a lot, so the precision of the procedure is important. If the placement and strength of the threads are planned carefully, results can be expected.

Why thread lifting should not be taken lightly
Recently, thread lifting has become easy to access almost anywhere.
Because it is seen as a simple procedure, many people decide based only on cost.
However, thread lifting is not a ‘simple procedure’; it requires understanding the facial anatomical structure and planning the direction and depth of the threads.
If an inexperienced practitioner performs the procedure forcefully, side effects such as an uneven face or pulling on only one side can occur.
Also, if the threads are inserted too shallowly or with insufficient strength, the lifting effect will be minimal, and if they are too deep, there is also a risk of touching nerves or blood vessels.
In other words, the result of the procedure depends not simply on the type or number of threads used, but on how well the facial structure is understood and how precisely the procedure is performed.
At our clinic, a detailed consultation and diagnostic process is mandatory for every patient before thread lifting.
After carefully analyzing the degree of sagging, skin thickness, distribution of the fat layer, and skin elasticity, we determine the most suitable type of thread and insertion direction for each individual.
When a procedure tailored to each person is performed this way, the face does not look unnatural, and a natural lifting effect can be achieved.
Two things to check during pre-procedure consultation
If you are considering thread lifting for marionette wrinkles, please be sure to check the following two things during the consultation before the procedure.
First, the practitioner’s experience and expertise.
Thread lifting requires careful consideration of the insertion location, depth, and direction of the threads.
Because even a small difference can greatly change the outcome, receiving treatment from an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is the key to a safe and satisfying result.
During the consultation, it is a good idea to carefully check the practitioner’s actual experience and cases.
Second, you should confirm whether a customized plan is being designed for you.
Since no two faces are the same, thread lifting methods should also differ from person to person.
If the consultation includes a detailed diagnosis of the degree of sagging and skin condition, and a suitable type and direction of threads is proposed, that place can be trusted.
On the other hand, it is best to avoid places that explain things in a way such as ‘this thread is popular, so it is good’ or ‘it only takes one session.’

Marionette wrinkles are not just wrinkles; they are an important point that changes the impression of the face.
What matters more than removing the wrinkle is restoring facial balance—in other words, regaining a naturally younger and brighter impression.
Thread lifting is one of the procedures that best fits this purpose.
However, it is not a procedure that can be received in the same way by everyone; it must be tailored to each person’s facial structure and skin condition to remain natural and last longer.
At our clinic, our goal is not just simple lifting, but to help you regain natural youthfulness through ‘lifting that truly fits my face.’
If the marionette wrinkles in the mirror are bothering you, please consider coming in for a consultation.
| This post has been written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 through Paragraph 15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, be sure to have a thorough consultation with experienced medical staff before making your decision. |