I'm Cristina, an NMC-registered aesthetic nurse, and I treat nasolabial folds and marionette lines across Norwich and Norfolk. These lines develop naturally as we smile and express ourselves over the years, and they often become more noticeable with age. Dermal fillers can soften them beautifully without making you look frozen or artificial. The treatment takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and I come to you for your appointment.
What are Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines?
Nasolabial folds are the lines that run from the side of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. You see them most when you smile. Marionette lines run from the corners of your mouth down toward your chin, and they can make you look sad or tired even when you're not feeling that way.
Both of these lines develop because of repetitive facial movement and loss of volume and elasticity in the skin over time. They're completely natural, but they can make you look older or more tired than you feel. Filler works beautifully here because it adds volume exactly where it's needed and softens the appearance of the lines.
Who is it For?
This treatment suits people who've noticed their nasolabial folds becoming more pronounced or who are concerned about marionette lines. Maybe you've always had prominent smile lines, or maybe they've developed over time. You might feel they make you look older or sadder than you actually are. Some people want just a subtle softening, while others are looking for more noticeable improvement.
You might be someone who's spent years feeling self-conscious about these lines, or you might just want to refresh how you look. Either way, softening these lines can significantly change how you feel about your appearance and how others perceive you.
What to Expect
Consultation
Your consultation starts with a video call where we discuss which lines bother you most and what you're hoping to change. I'll get a sense of what you want to achieve. Then on treatment day, we meet in person for 20 minutes. I'll assess the depth of your nasolabial folds and marionette lines, discuss treatment options, talk through realistic expectations, and show you exactly what I'll do. Once you're comfortable, we move straight into the treatment.
Treatment
After numbing cream takes effect, I'll carefully place filler along the lines to soften and fill them. I use a fine needle or cannula depending on what works best for your lines. You'll feel some discomfort as I work around your mouth, but it's manageable. The whole treatment takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Aftercare
Avoid the sun and intense heat for 24 to 48 hours. Skip heavy exercise for a few days if possible, and try not to sleep on your face the first night. You might have some swelling and tenderness around your mouth, which usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. You can wear makeup gently and go about your day. I'll give you full aftercare instructions when we finish.
Results
You'll see an immediate softening of the lines, though the final result becomes clearer once any swelling settles, usually within a week. The result will last around 6 to 9 months, sometimes a bit longer. This area does process filler a bit faster because there's movement from smiling and talking, so most people come back for a refresh once or twice a year.
The best results happen when the lines are softened naturally, not erased completely. You should still be able to smile and make expressions freely. I'm aiming for you to look refreshed and rested, not frozen or artificial. If you ever want to adjust at a follow-up appointment, we can do that too.
Pricing
Treatment for nasolabial folds starts at £225 per ml during our launch offer (regular price £275), and marionette lines are also £225 per ml (regular price £275). You can treat both areas in one appointment. For complete pricing details and package options, check our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nasolabial folds run from the side of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. Marionette lines run from the corners of your mouth down toward your chin. They can be treated separately or together, depending on what you're aiming for. I'll assess both during your consultation.
I can soften them significantly, but the goal isn't to erase them completely. Deep lines that have been there for years might not vanish entirely with one treatment. However, they'll be much less noticeable. Some lines are a natural part of smiling, and that's actually a good thing. We'll chat about realistic expectations during your consultation.
It depends on how deep the lines are and how much softening you want. For nasolabial folds, most people see good results with 1ml to 2ml. For marionette lines, you might need 1ml to 1.5ml per side. I can do them both in one appointment or focus on one area first if you prefer.
Results typically last 6 to 9 months for this area. The filler breaks down gradually, so you'll notice the lines slowly becoming more visible again. Most people come back for a refresh once or twice a year to maintain their look.
Yes, absolutely. Many people combine filler for their smile lines with treatments elsewhere on the face like chin or cheek filler. We can plan a comprehensive treatment package that addresses all your concerns. We'll chat about what makes sense for your face and what you're aiming for.
Ready to soften your smile lines?
Book a consultation to see if this is right for you. As a nurse-led medical aesthetics service in Norwich, I'll chat through everything and make sure you feel confident about the decision.
Book a Consultation