Marionette Lines
Vertical facial creases extending downward from the oral commissures toward the chin, named after the string-puppet characters whose mouths move in a similar configuration.
Full Definition
Marionette lines (also written as marionette lines, without capitalisation of 'lines' in running text) are age-related folds or creases that run vertically from the corners of the mouth (oral commissures) towards the jawline, creating a downward-turned expression. They are caused by a combination of fat volume loss, dermal thinning, and reduced soft-tissue support. In aesthetic dermatology, they are a common indication for dermal filler treatment. The term appears in treatment planning notes, before-and-after photography annotations, and marketing content. 'Marionette' retains its standard capitalisation only when starting a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Do not capitalise 'lines' when using 'marionette lines' in running text; the term is a descriptive label, not a proper noun. Distinguish from nasolabial folds, which run from the nose to the mouth corners.
In Context
- "The patient's primary concerns were deep marionette lines and loss of definition along the mandibular border." — Aesthetic consultation note
- "Two syringes of HA filler were placed to soften the marionette lines bilaterally." — Procedure record