Perioral Lines
Pronunciation: peh-ree-OR-al
Fine vertical lines radiating from the vermilion border of the lips, commonly treated with botulinum toxin, fillers, or resurfacing procedures in cosmetic dermatology.
Full Definition
Perioral lines, sometimes colloquially termed 'smoker's lines' or 'lipstick lines', are vertical rhytides caused by repeated contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle and progressive skin laxity. In editorial contexts, 'perioral' is always one word and is distinct from 'peribuccal' (around the mouth including the cheeks). Editors should flag the colloquial term 'smoker's lines' in clinical or regulatory documents and replace with 'perioral lines' as the preferred clinical descriptor. Consumer-facing copy may use 'lip lines' as a plain-language equivalent. The region overlaps with the 'vermilion border', a distinct anatomical term editors must not confuse with the lip body.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid 'smoker's lines' in clinical or regulatory copy. Use 'perioral lines' as the standard term; 'lip lines' is acceptable in consumer-facing materials.
In Context
- "Low-dose botulinum toxin injection into the orbicularis oris effectively reduces perioral lines without affecting lip mobility." — Treatment technique article
- "The patient leaflet used 'smoker's lines', which the editor revised to 'perioral lines' following the clinic's house style guidelines." — Clinic patient leaflet