Smoker’s Lines & Barcode Lines
Visit Dr. Hanson to reduce the appearance of vertical wrinkles that appear on the upper lip
Ideal For
Reducing signs of ageing
Treatment Areas
Upper Lip Area
Treatment Time
10-15 Minutes
Downtime
None
Smoker’s Lines & Barcode Lines
Visit Dr. Hanson to reduce the appearance of vertical wrinkles that appear on the upper lip
Ideal For
Reducing signs of ageing
Treatment Areas
Face, eyebrows
Treatment Time
10-15 Minutes
Downtime
None
Smoker’s lines, often referred to as ‘barcode lines’, are the vertical wrinkles that appear on the upper lip, especially prominent in individuals who have smoked for many years. However, these lines can also manifest due to repetitive lip movements, sun exposure, and the natural ageing process.
Botulinum toxin offers a solution to diminish the appearance of these fine lines.
Botulinum toxin is a potent tool in the aesthetic arsenal against smoker’s lines. It provides a non-invasive alternative, allowing individuals to achieve a fresher, more youthful lip appearance.
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When introduced in precise amounts into the body, it can temporarily block nerve signals to muscles, leading to a relaxation of the targeted muscle.
The formation of smoker’s lines is primarily due to the frequent pursing and puckering of the lips. The orbicularis oris muscle, which surrounds the mouth, is responsible for these movements.
Injecting botulinum toxin into specific points around this muscle reduces its hyperactivity. Consequently, the skin on the upper lip relaxes, leading to a softening and reduction in the prominence of the vertical lines.
The effects typically last 3-4 months, but periodic top-ups can prolong and maintain the benefits.
“It’s more than just a procedure - it’s an art form.”
– Dr. Hanson Yu, MBBS MSc MBCAM, qualified and licensed doctor under the esteemed General Medical Council
THE PROCEDURE
A comprehensive consultation with a trained practitioner is vital. During this session, the individual’s specific concerns, desired outcomes, and potential treatment strategies are discussed.
The lip area is cleaned, and a topical anaesthetic might be applied for comfort, though many patients find the procedure tolerable without it.
The practitioner delicately administers small doses of botulinum toxin into various points around the upper lip, targeting the orbicularis oris muscle.
The entire treatment often takes less than 15 minutes.
POST-TREATMENT
Most individuals can return to their daily tasks soon after the treatment.
It’s crucial to avoid massaging or applying pressure to the treated area for several hours post-treatment, ensuring the toxin remains in the targeted region.
A noticeable reduction in the depth and prominence of smoker’s lines starts to emerge within 3-5 days, peaking around two weeks post-treatment. The effects typically last 3-4 months, but periodic top-ups can prolong and maintain the benefits.
When executed by an experienced professional, botulinum toxin treatments for smoker’s lines are generally safe. Possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. Rarely, there might be slight asymmetry or an altered sensation when moving the lips, but these effects are typically transient.
Start your journey
Contact Dr. Hanson
Dr. Hanson is a highly qualified and licensed doctor under the esteemed General Medical Council. With his careful and graceful approach, Dr. Hanson skilfully restores the natural arcs and convexities of the face and body, leaving his patients with beautiful and natural-looking results.
The clinic in Harley Street, London, offers non-surgical aesthetic treatments that not only preserve youthfulness but also reverse the signs of ageing.
