Your Complete Guide on How to Treat Smoker’s Lines

A close-up of someone’s mouth with smoker’s lines by Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

Treating Smoker’s lines With Fillers: Quick Fixes That Work

Those fine lines around your mouth can creep in as the years pass. You may start noticing them each time you smile, and it’s not an uncommon feeling to feel bothered by them each time they catch the light. Smoker’s lines can show up even if you’ve never touched a cigarette in your life, and they can really change how you feel about your appearance.

You deserve to feel great every time you look in the mirror. And the good news is that modern skin care offers many ways to make smoker’s lines a thing of the past. We have created this comprehensive guide to show you how simple it can be to erase those puckered spots. If you’re unhappy with those fine ridges that have settled above your lips, keep reading to discover how to treat smoker’s lines and reclaim your refreshed appearance.

What Are Smoker’s Lines?

Smoker’s lines are those vertical creases that form on your skin right above your upper lip. You may also have heard them called lipstick lines or lip wrinkles, and you might find them frustrating since they can make your face look a bit tired or older than you feel. Despite the name, you can still develop these wrinkles even if you’re not a smoker.

These ridges happen because your skin loses collagen and elastin as you age. These two proteins keep your face looking firm and full. Without them, your skin becomes less elastic. If you are a smoker, the repetitive motion can make these marks deeper and more obvious. And although smoker’s lines can change your look or hide your youthful spirit, we’ll show you how to treat smoker’s lip lines. But first, let’s take a closer look at how they show up in the first place.

Why They Form (Even in Non-Smokers)

While the name suggests a single cause, you can develop these vertical wrinkles around your mouth from several everyday habits and biological factors. You likely use these muscles more than you realize during your normal routine. Here are some of the primary reasons smoker’s lines appear:

Natural aging slows down how fast your body creates collagen and elastin to keep your skin firm.
Your DNA determines your skin type and how early you might see fine lines.
The face loses fat and bone density over time, which reduces the underlying structure of your lips.
UV rays from sunlight damage the skin fibers and make creases more visible.
Missing teeth or other dental issues change how your skin sits over your jaw.
Regularly pursing your lips to use a straw, whistle, or play an instrument trains the skin to fold.

How to Get Rid of Smoker’s Lines with Fillers

“Will lip fillers help with smoker’s lines?” Many of our patients ask this very question when they notice those vertical creases around their mouths. And while results may vary, the short answer is yes, lip fillers are absolutely an option for treating smoker’s lines. Our practice here at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology provides dermal filler treatments that can be highly effective at getting rid of those stubborn wrinkles. This practical treatment uses substances your body naturally produces to add missing volume. We’ll inject the filler into your lip area to fill out the skin, and you’ll see those fine lines fade as the area becomes fuller. Best of all, this treatment process yields results that look natural and professional.

Treatment Options for Natural-Looking Results

Radiesse dermal fillers are a great treatment option for many patients. But we also have several additional ways to treat smoker’s lines around your mouth. Our dermatological team will help you find a solution that matches your skin type and goals:

Botox® Treatment – This neuromodulator helps relax the specific muscles responsible for creating vertical lip lines. By calming these repetitive movements, your skin looks flatter, and those tiny wrinkles become less visible. We offer various brands to find your ideal fit.
Chemical Peels – This process clears away the outermost skin cells to encourage fresh growth underneath. It works well for fading deep lines and improving your overall texture. We select the right strength based on your unique skin profile.
Laser Resurfacing – Options like our Erbium Yag and CO2 Phoenix 15 laser systems heat to target the deeper layers of your skin. This action encourages collagen and elastin production in the upper lip area. You will notice your fine lines diminish as your skin heals.
Microneedling – Tiny needles create microscopic paths in your skin to trigger a firming response. This method improves elasticity and helps the area around your lips feel much stronger. Patients often appreciate the natural way it revives their appearance.
PRP Injections – We use your own blood to isolate growth factors that aid in soft tissue healing. Once injected above the lip, these platelets stimulate better blood flow to the site. This results in a visible reduction of stubborn wrinkles.

Rediscover Your Youthful Smile at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

Our board-certified doctors here at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology know how those smoker’s lines affect your self-image. Whether the wrinkles have had plenty of time to settle in or you’re just now noticing them, we have more than five decades of collective expertise in treating facial wrinkles. You’ll receive a full evaluation where we look at your skin health and lifestyle habits to find an answer that actually works for you. And since we have two convenient locations in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, UT, advanced skin care is always within reach.

You deserve a plan that targets your specific concerns using proven medical techniques. We invite you to talk with our dermatologists about refreshing your look today. Contact us today to set up your consultation.