Beauty for All
Walks of Life

Basic Knowledge of Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Marionette Lines

What Are Marionette Lines? Causes and Characteristics

Marionette lines are caused by sagging in the cheeks.
Since they result from sagging, hyaluronic acid is not the best solution for this issue.
Here’s how I assess and treat patients who come in with concerns about marionette lines.

How Hyaluronic Acid Works and Its Effects

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance, effective at filling in depressions.
However, simply injecting it along marionette lines only lowers the shadow, rather than eliminating it.
For example, if someone is concerned about their marionette lines and has a small chin, I inject hyaluronic acid into the entire chin.
This creates overall volume in the chin, making the shadow of the marionette lines disappear.
In other cases, I may choose to restore volume loss in the cheekbones or jawbone, which contributes to sagging.
One of the main causes of sagging is internal volume loss, and correcting this with hyaluronic acid can help reduce sagging and improve the appearance of marionette lines.

Why Is Hyaluronic Acid Effective for Marionette Lines?

By compensating for bone resorption with hyaluronic acid, sagging is improved, and marionette lines become less noticeable.
Another method involves projecting a broader area of the chin forward to match the height of the marionette lines, further reducing their appearance.

What to Know Before Choosing Hyaluronic Acid Injections

How to Determine the Best Treatment for You

Take a look at your side profile.
If your mouth protrudes beyond the line connecting your nose and chin, enhancing the chin can create a more balanced look.
A good approach is to inject hyaluronic acid from below the lips down to the chin, covering the area between the marionette lines.
If improving the marionette lines by lifting the cheekbones is necessary, injecting into CK1 (a specific cheekbone area) is effective.
For cases requiring jaw angle lifting, injecting into Jw1 can help.
If there is a hollow in front of the ears, and pulling the skin back improves marionette lines, injections into Jw2 and Ck4 are recommended.
These factors determine whether hyaluronic acid is suitable for your case.

What to Consider When Choosing a Doctor

Since each doctor has different perspectives, be sure to confirm their choice of injection sites, type of hyaluronic acid, and amount used.
It’s important that the doctor’s recommendations align with your expectations.

Key Points to Discuss During Consultation
Review all of the above considerations with your doctor before proceeding with treatment.

Hyaluronic Acid Injection Techniques for Marionette Lines

How Injection Sites Affect the Results

Since marionette lines are caused by sagging, simply filling in the shadow will not create a natural look.
Instead, injections should be targeted at the areas where bone volume is lacking.

Adjusting Injection Volume for a Natural Finish

Depending on your bone structure, if you want to improve marionette lines using just one syringe, injecting into C1 (a hollow area from the lower lip to the chin) can help achieve a natural look.
However, since bone structure varies, it’s best to discuss with your doctor during a consultation.

Minimizing Swelling and Discomfort After the Procedure

Applying cold compresses can help.
Also, mild discomfort is normal, so try not to worry too much.
My personal recommendation? Go out for drinks in Nichome (Shinjuku’s famous nightlife district).

Benefits and Risks of Hyaluronic Acid Injections

A Simple, Non-Surgical Anti-Aging Treatment

Since the procedure is done through injections, it is quick and easy.
There is minimal downtime, making it a convenient option.

How Long the Effects Last & When to Get a Touch-Up

Volbella: ~1 year
Volift & Voluma: ~1.5 years
Volux: ~2 years
A touch-up is recommended when the filler begins to dissolve.

Potential Side Effects and How to Handle Them

Risks include infection, allergic reactions, and blood flow issues.
If you experience pain, swelling, or skin discoloration, contact your doctor immediately.

How to Prolong the Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Post-Treatment Care: What to Avoid

Pressing too hard on the treated area can either improve or worsen the results.
For better longevity and smoother results, combining chin Botox with hyaluronic acid can enhance the effect.

Keeping Your Skin Healthy with Proper Moisturization

Wrinkles left untreated for a long time can become permanent.
Once they are etched into the skin, treatment becomes more difficult and time-consuming.
To prevent this, focus on hydration and UV protection to maintain smooth, healthy skin.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Skin Health

Healthy skin is less prone to deep wrinkles.
Maintain a balanced diet and a regular lifestyle to support skin health.
That said, I don’t always follow these habits myself, so I won’t lecture you too much!

Yoshiko Kuno