McKeown Medical
167 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4SQ
Lip lines
Lip lines Treatment in Glasgow
Lip lines are a small but not insignificant sign of ageing. Commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines” (though they can develop in patients who have never smoked) or “lipstick lines” because lipstick tends to bleed into them, these fine lines usually form as collagen breaks down in the skin around the mouth. Their appearance is often intensified by repetitive movement of the underlying muscles through talking and facial expressions. Although stubborn and slow to respond to skincare alone, lip lines can be significantly reduced with appropriate treatment. At our Glasgow clinic, treatment may involve laser resurfacing to improve skin quality and texture, dermal fillers where volume loss contributes to the lines, or a combination of both, depending on the underlying cause.
Lip lines Treatment in Glasgow
Lip lines are a small but not insignificant sign of ageing. Commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines” (though they can develop in patients who have never smoked) or “lipstick lines” because lipstick tends to bleed into them, these fine lines usually form as collagen breaks down in the skin around the mouth. Their appearance is often intensified by repetitive movement of the underlying muscles through talking and facial expressions. Although stubborn and slow to respond to skincare alone, lip lines can be significantly reduced with appropriate treatment. At our Glasgow clinic, treatment may involve laser resurfacing to improve skin quality and texture, dermal fillers where volume loss contributes to the lines, or a combination of both, depending on the underlying cause.
Lip lines Treatment Overview
Lip lines, also known as lipstick lines or smoker’s lines, are the fine vertical wrinkles that form above the upper lip, between the lip border and the nose. They develop as collagen and elasticity decline with age, compounded by the constant movement of the muscles around the mouth through talking, eating, and expression. Sun exposure and smoking can accelerate their development, but they also occur in people who have never smoked. Because lip lines can involve both changes within the skin and loss of volume beneath it, the most effective treatment often addresses more than one of these at once.
Choosing Lip Lines Treatment
The right approach depends on how deeply the lines are etched and how much downtime is practical, as well as what is driving them. Laser resurfacing is often chosen when skin quality and texture are the main concerns, while dermal filler can help where loss of volume is contributing to the lines. Because these changes tend to occur together, we assess the mouth and surrounding area as a whole rather than treating the lines in isolation.
Non-surgical Lip lines Treatments vs. Other Treatments
Both main treatments for lip lines are non-surgical, but they address different aspects of the ageing process. Laser resurfacing is generally more appropriate for lines etched into the skin, improving quality and texture through collagen remodelling. Dermal filler works differently, restoring volume where loss of fullness beneath the skin is contributing to the lines. Many patients have a combination of both, often chosen for lines etched into the skin, surrounding skin, and pattern of ageing at consultation.
Lip lines Related Concerns We Address
Lip lines often develop alongside other age-related changes around the mouth, which is why treatment is planned for the whole area rather than the lines alone.
- Fine vertical lines above the upper lip
- Loss of definition around the lip border
- Loss of volume in the lips and surrounding area
- Lipstick bleeding into vertical lip lines
- Deepening nasolabial folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
Our Lip lines Treatments
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
Laser resurfacing is the gold standard for treating lipstick lines (also known as smoker’s lines). This treatment removes the entire surface of the skin, allowing the skin to regenerate from below. It’s an invasive procedure that required 10-14 days of downtime, but the results are a dramatic improvement in the lines that cannot be achieved as effectively with any other type of treatment.
This patient had a full face laser resurfacing treatment which has delivered significant results across her face and particularly around her mouth.
Lip line treatment works in one of two ways, or both together: renewing the quality of the skin itself, or restoring the volume and support around the mouth that has been lost with age. Which matters most for you is what the assessment is there to establish.
Full Laser resurfacing
Where the lines are etched into the skin itself, laser resurfacing is often the more appropriate option. It works by removing the surface layer and allowing the skin to regenerate from below, which remodels the collagen and improves even deep lines. It is an intensive treatment, and the trade for that result is ten to fourteen days of healing.
Dermal Fillers
Where the lines are driven by lost volume rather than the skin’s surface, filler is often the option chosen. Placed beneath the lines, it restores the fullness and support that has gone, easing the lines from below and returning shape to the lip. The aim is to soften the lines rather than erase them, and it involves considerably less downtime than laser resurfacing, though some temporary swelling or bruising can occur.
Complementary/Paired Treatments
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
Although lip lines are one of the most common complaints that we hear of in the clinic, treating them in isolation rarely produces a satisfactory result. By the time the lip lines have formed, volume loss has almost invariably occurred in the entire area around the mouth, and often in the cheek as well.
Lipstick / smoker’s lines
Although lip lines are one of the most common complaints that we hear of in the clinic, treating them in isolation rarely produces a satisfactory result. By the time the lip lines have formed, volume loss has almost invariably occurred in the entire area around the mouth, and often in the cheek as well.
Restoring that lost volume with filler around the mouth gives the skin better support, so the lines sit less deeply and the results of resurfacing hold up better. It is why filler and resurfacing are so often planned side by side.
In Action
Take a closer look at how this restoration was achieved
Another option
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
An example of a patient before and after treatment at McKeown
Medical.
In some cases however, it is helpful to undertake a more holistic approach to volume restoration: including supplementing volume in the cheeks, to give more ‘lift’ to the face.
Cheek Filler
Restoring volume in the mid face can ease tension on the skin lower down, reducing the pull that deepens lines around the mouth. The cheeks are assessed alongside the lips so the correction balances across the face.
In Action
Take a closer look at how this restoration was achieved
Treatment Options
A tailored approach to your treatment
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.
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.
Patient Testimonials
Lines around the lips are one of the most common complaints that women come to us with. These can be treated permanently with aggressive resurfacing, although a much less invasive option is to simply restore some volume around the area. Hear how Catherine got on with filler injections around the mouth.
Patient Reviews
Hear from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical.
1 / 13
2 / 13
3 / 13
4 / 13
5 / 13
6 / 13
7 / 13
8 / 13
9 / 13
10 / 13
11 / 13
12 / 13
13 / 13
The whole experience was fabulous. My phone consultation was very knowledgeable and friendly and everyone in the office was so welcoming. I’ll definitely be back.
A McKeown Medical patient April 2024
I saw Dr Rhona Cameron who I have seen before. She is very welcoming and has a lovely manner. She is easy to talk to and I am very pleased with the results.
A McKeown Medical patient November 2023
Made me feel really calm and relaxed and staff from reception and treatment room were so pleasant and very professional.
Dr Darren was amazing. Made me so comfortable and so so pleasant. Such a lovely guy! Highly recommend, absolutely delighted so far – although, as advised, a bit swollen! Thank you so much.
A McKeown Medical patient April 2024
From start to finish the team and Dr Darren were so welcoming and professional. Everything was explained clearly and the results are more than I could have hoped for.
A McKeown Medical patient April 2024
I am delighted with the subtle changes that have made such a difference to my face giving me so much more confidence. Dr Darren is one of the very best so I had total trust in what he was doing. Every member of staff make you feel at ease, they are all so lovely and friendly.
A McKeown Medical patient March 2024
Dr Rhona was lovely and put me at ease before and during the treatment. I was well informed of my options prior to treatment taking place and aftercare was explained thoroughly too. Will definitely be revisiting soon.
A McKeown Medical patient March 2024
Dr Rhona was particularly kind and sensitive to my needs and her care is very patient centred.
A McKeown Medical patient October 2023
From my very first contact with yourselves to the minute I left the attention to detail and client service was impeccable, every member of staff I came into contact with was so friendly and professional put me at ease so much. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with environments like this however this was furthest from my thoughts on arrival.
My consultation answered all concerns Dr Rhona explained what would give me best results as to what I was looking to achieve . As I was travelling from a far your team kindly got my booked in same day for my treatment so I didn’t have to make another journey. Upon my procedure which again every step of the way was explained my therapist was so attentive talked me through everything step as she was carrying out my treatment and explained all my after care.
I am currently in day 3 of the Halo treatment and everything is exactly what I was told to expect. I am now looking forward to seeing end result. Thank you to you and your team .
A McKeown Medical patient May 2024
Lovely friendly staff. Came out after treatment feeling so much better about my appearance. Dr Darren McKeown puts you at ease and gives you a wonderful boost. Thank you all.
A McKeown Medical patient March 2024
I have so much trust and faith in Dr Darren and I thank him dearly for all that he has done for me to improve my confidence.
A McKeown Medical patient September 2023
From the moment I walked through the door I was treated so well by every member of staff, all so friendly and helpful. I received Halo and BBL I was a little nervous but Dr Rhona completely put my mind at rest.
After my treatments I was taken good care of and Dr Darren came and reassured me too which was an added bonus. I returned a few weeks later for my checkup and again was treated so well, Dr Darren remembered me which was lovely.
I am delighted with the results of my treatment I feel my skin looks so much fresher and this in turn has lifted my self esteem which had previously been at a low point. I highly recommend both these treatments and would not hesitate to return to Dr Darren’s Clinic in the future. Thank you to all again.
A McKeown Medical patient December 2023
It’s just a lovely clinic. Everyone is very professional and it feels very high end, so you know you’re in safe hands, but they’re also friendly, welcoming and warm which really matters when visiting as it helps you feel at ease & relaxed.
The best place for the best advice and the best service. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
A McKeown Medical patient November 2023
More about Lip lines
Before, During, and After Lip lines Treatment
What to expect depends on which treatment is right for you. Laser resurfacing involves a genuine period of healing, while dermal filler usually has much less downtime. Your consultation will make clear what each option involves and what you can realistically expect from treatment.
What To Expect Before Lip lines Treatment
Everything begins with looking closely at the lines and the area around them. We assess the quality of the skin, how much volume and support have been lost around the mouth, and how much recovery time is practical for you. This helps determine whether laser, filler or a combination is appropriate.
What To Expect During Lip lines Treatment
For laser resurfacing, the skin is treated under local anaesthetic, with the treatment focused on improving skin quality and stimulating collagen remodelling. For filler, products containing lidocaine can be used alongside topical numbing cream for comfort. In either case, we will explain what is happening throughout the treatment.
What To Expect After Lip lines Treatment
After laser resurfacing, the skin will be red and healing during the initial recovery period, with the result becoming clearer as the skin settles and continuing to improve over the following months. Filler involves considerably less downtime, although some temporary swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur.
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
Do you have to have smoked to get smoker's lines?
No. Despite the name, smoker’s lines form in people who have never smoked. They are mainly caused by ageing and the repeated movement of the muscles around the mouth, though smoking and sun exposure do make them form sooner and deeper.
Is laser or filler more suitable for lip lines?
It depends on what is driving the lines. Laser is often chosen for fine, etched-in lines because it addresses skin quality and texture directly, while filler suits lines linked to lost volume or support. Many patients have both concerns, so a combination is sometimes planned.
How long do the results of laser resurfacing last?
Laser resurfacing produces a lasting improvement, since it treats the skin itself and stimulates new collagen. The lines can continue to improve for up to six months as the collagen remodels. Ageing continues after treatment, so a maintenance approach and good skincare help preserve the result.
Can lip lines be treated without downtime?
Yes, although the degree of improvement will depend on the treatment. Dermal filler usually involves minimal recovery and can soften lip lines where loss of volume or support is contributing to them. More deeply etched lines may benefit from laser resurfacing, which involves a period of recovery.
Will filler get rid of lip lines completely?
Not always. Filler can soften lip lines by restoring some of the volume and support lost with age, but the aim is improvement, not the removal of every line. Trying to erase lines completely with filler can lead to overfilling and risk making the lips look unnatural.
Your Expert Team
Founder & Medical Director
Dr Darren McKeown
Dr Darren McKeown (GMC 6128508) is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a Full Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), the UK’s leading professional body for aesthetic medicine doctors, and a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, he genuinely cares about helping each patient feel their most confident, natural self.
Medical Director, Women's Health
Dr Rhona Cameron
Dr Rhona Cameron (GMC 6103281), Medical Director of Women’s Health at McKeown Medical and a University of Glasgow-trained GP, is a skilled injector 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.
1 / 2
2 / 2
Founder & Medical Director
Dr Darren McKeown
Dr Darren McKeown (GMC 6128508) is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a Full Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), the UK’s leading professional body for aesthetic medicine doctors, and a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, he genuinely cares about helping each patient feel their most confident, natural self.
Medical Director, Women's Health
Dr Rhona Cameron
Dr Rhona Cameron (GMC 6103281), Medical Director of Women’s Health at McKeown Medical and a University of Glasgow-trained GP, is a skilled injector 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.
Related Articles
Filler
Why lips thin and lines form around the mouth from your 40s onward
From your 40s onward, volume loss, muscle movement, skin thinning and changing facial support all affect the lips. Dr Darren...
1 / 3
2 / 3
3 / 3
Filler
Why lips thin and lines form around the mouth from your 40s onward
From your 40s onward, volume loss, muscle movement, skin thinning and changing facial support all affect the lips. Dr Darren...
Sign up to our newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest news from McKeown Medical and get access to expert insights, our latest before and afters and exclusive offers.
