"I had EndoLift with Dr Nina at her clinic. I just wanted to share my experience With anyone who is looking to get endo lift or any other procedure done with Dr Nina. She is absolutely amazing so gentle and so kind she is so experienced in her field and knows whats best for you without trying to oversell you rather only whats needed. I was looking for this treatment for my double chin and picked the best place for it! it was a very comfortable treatment took about 30 mins. It permanently dissolves the fat there and tightens the area. She always checked on me to make sure im feeling ok. Its a week now and i can slowly see a difference im a little swollen and sore but the swelling is not noticeable to anyone. Cant wait for full results. Thank you Dr Nina."
Treatments · Facial Sculpting
Marionette Line & Chin Shadow Filler
A minimally invasive hyaluronic-acid dermal filler treatment that softens the marionette lines and chin shadows — the vertical lines and hollows running from the corners of the mouth towards the chin — performed at Facial Sculpting, Dr Nina Bal’s doctor-led South Kensington clinic, for a lifted, less downturned look that still moves naturally.
- Treatment
- Hyaluronic-acid dermal filler · lower mouth
- Best for
- Marionette lines & chin shadows
- Downtime
- Minimal — back to normal the same day
- Results
- Immediate · settle over ~2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically ~6–12 months
- From
- £635 — consultation first
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
Save Face Platinum accredited
As seen in
Treatment summary
Marionette line filler at a glance
Marionette lines are the vertical lines that develop from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin, often with a shadowed hollow beside the chin. They form as collagen and elastin break down and the lower face loses support. Cross-linked hyaluronic-acid (HA) filler can soften them and lift the mouth corners — sometimes alongside other treatments — and is reversible with hyalase. Results vary from person to person.
- What it treats
- Marionette lines, chin shadows, downturned mouth corners, a heavy lower face
- How it works
- HA filler softens the line and the chin hollow, and helps support the mouth corner
- Areas
- The corners of the mouth, the marionette line and the pre-jowl chin shadow
- Anaesthetic
- Topical numbing if needed; most fillers contain local anaesthetic
- Sessions
- Often one session; sometimes combined with other treatments
- Downtime
- Minimal; swelling and the odd bruise can occur
- Results & longevity
- Immediate; settle by ~2 weeks; typically last ~6–12 months
- Reversible
- Yes — HA filler can be dissolved with hyalase
- Performed by
- Dr Nina Bal & the Facial Sculpting team
- Price
- From £635 — confirmed at consultation
Understanding the concern
What are marionette lines and chin shadows?
Marionette lines are the long vertical lines that develop on each side of the chin, running down from the corners of the mouth — named after the hinged mouth of a puppet. They are often accompanied by chin shadows: a hollow or shadow that forms just in front of the jaw. The skin around the mouth is thinner than elsewhere on the face, so it is particularly prone to creasing, and these lines form through a combination of collagen and elastin breakdown, loss of volume and the loosening of skin in the lower face.
Cross-linked hyaluronic-acid (HA) filler can soften marionette lines and fill the chin shadow, restoring support to the lower face and gently lifting the corners of the mouth so they look less downturned. Because several factors create these lines, the most natural results sometimes combine filler with other approaches — for example a muscle-relaxing injection to ease the muscle that pulls the mouth corner down, skin boosters to improve skin quality, or skin tightening for laxity. Dr Nina’s philosophy is less is more: soften and lift, rather than over-fill.
This area is closely linked to the nose-to-mouth lines above and to overall lower-face balance — see chin sculpting, skin quality with Profhilo® and tightening with Endolift®. See the honest limitations below.
What it can help
What marionette line filler can address
This treatment is designed to soften marionette lines and chin shadows and support the lower face.
Honest suitability
Is marionette line filler right for you?
Filler for marionette lines is not for everyone — and we will tell you if it is not the best option for you. Final suitability is always confirmed at consultation.
Often well suited
- Established marionette lines or chin shadows you would like softened
- Mouth corners that turn down and read as tired or sad
- Loss of support and volume in the lower face
- Open to combining treatments for the most natural result
- Realistic expectations that lines are softened, not erased
- Happy for a top-up or staged plan if advised
May not be suitable
- Very deep lines driven mainly by significant skin laxity (tightening may suit better)
- Active skin infection, cold sore or inflammation in the area
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (subject to clinic policy)
- A history of severe allergy or certain autoimmune conditions
- Expecting filler alone to remove the lines completely
- Body-image concerns that filler is unlikely to resolve
The process
How marionette line filler works, step by step
- Consultation & assessmentDr Nina or the team assess your lower face and the cause of your lines, review your medical history and goals, and advise whether filler alone or a combination suits you.
- Plan the approachInjection points are planned to soften the marionette line, fill the chin shadow and support the mouth corner, in proportion to the lower face.
- ComfortThe skin is cleansed and topical numbing can be applied; most HA fillers also contain local anaesthetic for comfort.
- Precise placementHA filler is placed with a needle or cannula and gently moulded to soften the lines and lift the corners of the mouth.
- Review & aftercareYou see an immediate change, receive aftercare advice, and the settled result is best judged at around two weeks, with refinement only if needed.
“A less-is-more philosophy: we soften the marionette lines and lift the mouth corners — for a fresher lower face, never an over-filled one.”
The Facial Sculpting approach · Dr Nina BalBefore treatment
What happens at your consultation
A consultation is recommended before treating marionette lines and chin shadows. During your initial consultation with Dr Nina and her team you will have a lower-face assessment, your medical history reviewed and your suitability confirmed. You will be talked through the approach in detail — whether filler alone or a combination of treatments is best — and given the opportunity to ask questions.
The consultation covers your goals, an assessment of what is causing your lines, realistic expected outcomes, alternatives or complementary treatments (such as muscle-relaxing injections, skin boosters or skin tightening), the possibility of dissolving with hyalase, aftercare, and confirmation of your individual plan and price.
Results & recovery
What to expect afterwards
Treating marionette lines and chin shadows involves minimal downtime, and most patients return to normal activities the same day. Swelling is common in the first day or two and a little bruising or tenderness is possible; bruising usually fades within one to two weeks as the filler integrates. Your team provides tailored aftercare advice.
Results & longevity: the lines look softer immediately, with the final result best judged once any swelling settles at around two weeks. HA filler in this area is not permanent and typically lasts around 6–12 months, after which a top-up maintains the result. Where skin boosters or skin tightening are part of your plan, those work over a longer, more gradual timescale. Duration varies with the product used, your metabolism and lifestyle.
Typical results timeline
Same day
Lines and chin shadows appear softer immediately; some swelling is normal.
First 1–2 weeks
Any swelling and bruising settle; the result begins to look natural.
~2 weeks
Filler has integrated; this is the point to judge the final result.
~6–12 months
The softening gradually fades; a top-up refreshes and maintains it.
Safety
Possible risks & side effects
As with any dermal filler, treating marionette lines carries some risks. Common, temporary effects include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness and small lumps that usually settle as the filler integrates. Less common risks — such as infection, asymmetry, or a heavy or over-filled look — are reduced by conservative technique and discussed individually at consultation.
A rare but serious risk of any facial filler is accidental injection into a blood vessel (vascular occlusion), which is why a medically trained injector with sound anatomical knowledge and a clinic that stocks hyalase matter. HA filler is reversible and can be dissolved if you are unhappy or in the event of a complication. If anything is unexpected after treatment, contact the clinic for advice.
Honest limitations
What filler can and cannot do for marionette lines
- Filler softens the lines — it rarely erases deep, long-standing creases completely.
- It cannot tighten significantly loose skin that is driving the lines.
- A strong downward muscle pull may also need a muscle-relaxing injection.
- It is temporary — maintenance is needed to keep the result.
Compare your options
Marionette line filler vs other approaches
A simple, honest comparison to help you and Dr Nina choose the right route for marionette lines and chin shadows.
| Approach | Best for | Invasiveness | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marionette filler (HA) | Softening the lines & chin shadow, lifting mouth corners | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Anti-Wrinkle Injections | Relaxing the muscle that pulls the mouth corner down | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Chin Sculpting | Restoring chin projection & lower-face support | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Profhilo® | Skin quality, hydration & firmness of the lower face | Non-surgical injectable | Minimal |
| Endolift® | Tightening early-to-moderate lower-face laxity | Minimally invasive laser | Minimal |
The most natural result often combines filler with a small muscle-relaxing injection to ease the downward pull, plus skin support from Profhilo®. The right plan is discussed honestly at consultation.
Transparent pricing
How much does marionette line filler cost?
Prices start from £635 per ml — your exact plan is confirmed after consultation.
Marionette lines/ Chin shadows (1ml)
From£635
One millilitre of hyaluronic-acid filler to soften marionette lines and chin shadows and support the mouth corners; quantity confirmed at consultation.
Book this planThe exact price depends on your individual plan, which is confirmed after your consultation. View the full price list.
Why Facial Sculpting
Marionette line filler at the Facial Sculpting Clinic
Doctor-led & honest
Assessment first. If filler isn’t the best way to soften your lines, we’ll say so and recommend a better option.
Combination thinking
Where it helps, we pair filler with muscle-relaxing or skin treatments for a more natural lower face.
Reversible & safe
HA filler can be dissolved with hyalase, and treatment is carried out by a medically trained injector.
Dr Nina Bal
Cosmetic Doctor & Founder · South Kensington, London
Patients choose Facial Sculpting for marionette lines because Dr Nina treats the whole lower face, not just the crease — softening the line and chin shadow while considering the muscle pull, skin quality and chin support behind it. She combines filler thoughtfully with muscle-relaxing injections, Profhilo® or chin sculpting where appropriate, and gives honest advice if filler alone is not the right starting point.
GDC registeredBCAM memberSave Face PlatinumJCCP
GHP Best Facial Transformation Clinic London 2025Endolift UK Achievement Award 2025Safety in Beauty Best Aesthetic DoctorSafety in Beauty Best Non-Surgical TransformationGHP Best Non-Surgical Aesthetics Studio 2024Aesthetics Awards Finalist 2024Save Face Platinum
Accreditations & recognition
Save Face Platinum accredited
Registered with the General Dental Council
British College of Aesthetic Medicine member
Save Face COVID-19 Operational Protocol Certified
ICO — Information Commissioner's Office
JCCP — Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners
Featured in the Tatler Address Book
Hello! Aesthetics Guide
Safety in Beauty memberTrusted by patients
What our patients say about Facial Sculpting Clinic
Real reviews from patients who chose Dr Nina Bal and the Facial Sculpting team.
5.0
★★★★★
Rated 5.0 by patients on Google
via Google
J
Julia S.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr.Nina is the best thing that happened to my skin! She is so professional and knowledgeable. I have struggled with acne all my life and just after two months of personalised skincare routine it is completely gone. I also got Profhilo, botox and a little filler to even out my face shape - I’m so happy with the natural results! She’s incredible!!
Verified patient
L
Linsey L.Patient review
★★★★★
I have just had my first Endolift with Dr Nina and the results were nothing short of amazing!!! The whole procedure was painless and results were instant, I was so shocked when I looked in the mirror. It is one of the best treatments I have done. Dr Nina is fantastic, she is so lovely and so knowledgeable. This is a must have treatment.
Verified patient
C
Catherine L.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr Nina’s recommendations for prescription skincare were truly first rate. Despite a spell of travel, planes and air conditioning, my skin has never looked better. She took time to answer my questions in full and I always felt in very safe hands. Thank you!
Verified patient
M
Mandi V.Patient review
★★★★★
Amazing results! So so happy with my facial profile balancing!
Verified patient
L
Laahiri T.Patient review
★★★★★
I have tried almost so many brands and spent so much, but I have never seen this great results ever before. Dr. Nina has prescribed me a skincare routine after an online consultation. My skin’s improved so much in just 1 month.
Verified patient
Your questions
Marionette lines: your questions answered
What are marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the vertical lines that run downwards from the corners of the mouth towards the chin, named after a puppet’s hinged mouth. They are often accompanied by chin shadows — hollows just in front of the jaw — and form as collagen and elastin break down and the lower face loses volume and support.
How can I get rid of marionette lines?
Marionette lines can be softened with several non-surgical options, including hyaluronic-acid filler, a muscle-relaxing injection to ease the downward pull on the mouth corner, skin boosters, and skin-tightening treatments such as Endolift® or Focus Dual. The right combination depends on the cause, which Dr Nina assesses at consultation.
How much does marionette line filler cost in London?
Treatment at Facial Sculpting starts from £635 for 1ml of hyaluronic-acid filler. The amount of product and the best approach depend on your anatomy, which is assessed at consultation, where your individual plan and price are confirmed.
Are fillers good for marionette lines?
Filler can be an effective way to soften marionette lines and fill chin shadows, restoring support to the lower face and lifting the mouth corners. Results are often most natural when filler is combined with other treatments, and where laxity is significant, skin tightening may be advised first. Dr Nina will recommend what suits you.
Can filler completely remove marionette lines?
Filler softens the lines and refreshes the lower face, but it rarely erases deep, long-standing creases completely, and over-filling can look heavy. A natural softening with a gently lifted mouth corner is the realistic and more flattering goal. Combining treatments often gives the best overall result.
Does marionette line filler hurt?
Most patients find it very tolerable. The skin can be numbed with a topical anaesthetic, and most HA fillers also contain local anaesthetic, so you typically feel a small scratch and some pressure. Using a cannula in this area can further reduce discomfort and bruising.
How long do marionette line fillers last?
Hyaluronic-acid filler in this area typically lasts around 6 to 12 months. Longevity varies with the type of filler used and individual factors such as skin type, metabolism and lifestyle. Regular top-ups maintain the softening over time.
Will treating my marionette lines look natural?
It should. Dr Nina works to a less-is-more philosophy, softening the line and supporting the mouth corner rather than over-filling, so the result looks like a fresher, lifted lower face rather than a filled crease. Your natural expressions are unaffected.
Can marionette line filler be dissolved?
Yes. Because we use hyaluronic-acid filler, it can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase (hyalase). This makes the treatment reversible, which is reassuring if you change your mind, want an adjustment, or in the rare event of a complication. See our hyalase page for more.
What is the difference between marionette lines and nose-to-mouth lines?
Nose-to-mouth lines (nasolabial folds) run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, while marionette lines run downwards from the mouth corners towards the chin. They are different areas of the lower face, are often present together, and may be treated as part of one plan.
Is filler the only way to treat marionette lines?
No. A muscle-relaxing injection can ease the muscle that pulls the mouth corner down, skin boosters can improve skin quality, and skin-tightening treatments such as Endolift® or Focus Dual address laxity. Filler is one tool among several, and the most natural outcome often combines them — discussed at consultation.
Can marionette lines be improved naturally?
While non-surgical treatments give the most noticeable results, a healthy lifestyle can help slow the changes that deepen these lines — staying well hydrated, protecting the skin from sun exposure, eating a balanced diet and using quality skincare. These support, rather than replace, in-clinic treatment.
Is marionette line filler safe?
Hyaluronic-acid filler has a long track record when performed by a trained medical injector. Common effects such as swelling and bruising are temporary; rare risks, including vascular complications, are minimised by careful technique, sound anatomy and a clinic that stocks hyalase. Suitability and risks are discussed in full at consultation.
Is a consultation required first?
A consultation is recommended to assess what is causing your marionette lines and chin shadows, review your medical history, advise whether filler alone or a combination is best, discuss realistic outcomes and reversibility, and confirm your individual plan and price before any treatment.
Take the next step
Book your marionette line consultation
If you are considering marionette line filler, a consultation is the safest way to confirm whether it is right for your skin, anatomy and goals — and to receive an honest recommendation and exact pricing.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information about a non-surgical aesthetic treatment and is not medical advice. Suitability, benefits, risks and results vary from patient to patient. Dr Nina Bal and her team will assess whether marionette line filler is appropriate for you during a consultation. Before-and-after photographs are of individual patients for illustration only and are not a guarantee of any specific outcome.
