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Marionette Lines Treatment

Marionette Lines are the vertical creases that run downwards from the corners of the mouth towards the chin. These lines are a common sign of ageing, primarily caused by the combination of volume loss in the lower face, repetitive muscle movement (specifically the depressor anguli oris muscle, which pulls the mouth corners down), and gravity-induced skin laxity. The presence of Marionette Lines can create a perpetually sad or downturned expression. The desire for Marionette Lines Treatment is entirely aesthetic and elective. Our clinic offers a specialised procedure for reducing the visibility of Marionette Lines that requires comprehensive clinical assessment and delivery by a doctor.
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Overview

Marionette Lines Treatment Adelaide

Our specialised procedure for treating Marionette Lines is a targeted cosmetic method designed to restore structural support and improve the appearance of the deep folds around the mouth. The precise nature and execution of this treatment method near critical facial nerves and vessels necessitate the expertise and clinical judgment of a medical doctor. The specialised procedure may combine:

Subcutaneous Re-contouring: A technique focused on adding support beneath the deep folds of the Marionette Lines to physically lift and smooth the crease from below.

Muscle Modulation (if required): In some cases, the procedure may include a specialised technique to temporarily modulate the action of the depressor anguli oris muscle to reduce the downward pull on the mouth corners, helping to soften the appearance of the lines.

Objective Aesthetic Improvement: Successful treatment aims for a measurable and visually sustained smoothing of the lines and a more neutral or upturned appearance to the mouth corners.

The objective of this specialised procedure is to achieve a clinically significant, objective reduction in the depth and shadow created by the Marionette Lines, contributing to a more rested and youthful lower face.

Treatment for Marionette Lines involving specialised techniques and requiring a doctor’s consultation is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure. This is due to the potential for impacting muscle function around the mouth, the proximity to major blood vessels, and the high functional demand of the area (talking, eating, expression). The procedure is not medically necessary; it is an elective choice made purely for aesthetic enhancement. Risks associated with this specialised technique include: temporary bruising, localised swelling, potential for temporary asymmetry of the lower lip or mouth movement (if muscle modulation is used), and, rarely, vascular compromise. Because the procedure requires highly specialised application for precise structural support and safety, it demands rigorous clinical judgment. These potential complications and risks are integral to the decision-making process for your Marionette Lines Treatment and will be fully detailed during your mandatory consultation.

All higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including specialised Marionette Lines Treatment, are performed exclusively by a registered medical practitioner (doctor), as our practice adheres strictly to the professional standards and guidelines set by the National Boards and Ahpra. This commitment means the practitioner’s primary duty is always to the patient, ensuring all decisions regarding your treatment are based on clinical necessity, safety, and evidence, not financial gain. Furthermore, every procedure will be performed by a practitioner possessing the appropriate qualifications, education, and competence relevant to the specific treatment being offered. We are obligated to provide you with clear, accurate, and objective information about the treatment, including the potential for complications. Finally, our practitioners are committed to proactively managing any potential conflict between the desire for financial return and their ethical and professional duty to provide the best and safest possible care for every patient.

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Benefits

Benefits of Marionette Lines Treatment

1
Objective Reduction in Fold Depth:
The procedure is designed to achieve a measurable reduction in the depth and shadow created by the Marionette Lines, assessed visually and through clinical imaging.
2
Improvement in Mouth Corner Position:
The specialised treatment aims for objective support of the oral commissures (corners of the mouth) to help neutralise a downturned appearance.
3
Sustained Aesthetic Improvement:
The specialised method is intended to contribute to a sustained, objective improvement in the contour of the lower face, reducing the visible impact of the Marionette Lines.
4
Guided, Structured Clinical Support:
You receive a structured post-procedure care plan and direct practitioner support to manage the initial recovery and monitoring, which is essential for achieving the most favourable aesthetic outcome from your Marionette Lines Treatment.
The Process

What to Expect

Before the Procedure
Before any specialised Marionette Lines Treatment can proceed, you must attend a mandatory, comprehensive consultation with our registered medical practitioner (doctor). This initial step is essential to perform a precise clinical assessment of the cause and depth of your Marionette Lines, the degree of volume loss, and the activity of the surrounding muscles. Following assessment, the doctor will determine if this specialised technique is the appropriate, safe cosmetic option for you. This is where we have an honest conversation about the achievable objective outcomes: the treatment aims for visible aesthetic smoothing and support, clarifying that guaranteed "flawless" or complete erasure of all lines is not possible, as results are highly individualised and constrained by skin laxity and bone structure. Crucially, the doctor will provide a clear, detailed explanation of the specific risks and potential complications associated with the selected specialised technique, and advise you on the realistic potential for temporary side effects like swelling, bruising, or tenderness. We will discuss the required post-procedure care, ensuring this process is neither minimized nor downplayed. To respect the seriousness of this procedure, a suitable cooling-off period will be offered before scheduling the treatment, and preliminary aftercare details will be provided. This entire thorough process ensures you have all objective facts needed to make a fully informed and voluntary decision about proceeding with treatment for Marionette Lines.
During the Procedure
Your specialised Marionette Lines Treatment will be administered exclusively by a registered medical practitioner (doctor) committed to our strict clinical protocols and ethical standards. Our focus is entirely on maintaining the highest clinical and safety standards throughout the session. Immediately before we begin, your doctor will perform a final check-in to re-confirm your informed consent and answer any last-minute questions, respecting the serious nature of the treatment. We will not use minimizing words like 'easy' or 'quick' because we acknowledge this is a formal medical procedure. The specialised technique is executed with precision, targeting the deep subcutaneous layer beneath the Marionette Lines, while adhering to rigorous infection control and procedural safety guidelines. Your immediate comfort is paramount, and the doctor will communicate clearly with you during the procedure, letting you know what to expect at each stage. The duration of the session is based on clinical necessity for a safe and effective result, and we never rush the process. Ultimately, our doctor’s attention is solely on your clinical care, uninfluenced by any commercial or financial pressures.
After the Procedure
Immediately upon completion, the doctor will provide specific instructions for immediate post-procedure care. You will be given comprehensive, written aftercare instructions detailing how to manage the treated area over the coming days and weeks. It is important to have realistic expectations for recovery: expect a period of downtime where there may be temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness—this is a normal and necessary part of the aesthetic intervention. Adhering strictly to the recovery protocols is crucial to ensure optimal aesthetic outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. We will schedule your necessary follow-up appointment with the doctor to monitor your progress and objectively assess the aesthetic results. Understand that the objective result is typically visible soon after the procedure but continues to refine as any temporary effects subside. In the event you experience any unexpected complications or serious side effects, you must contact us immediately; you will be provided with a direct, accessible contact number for your treating doctor or the clinic to ensure prompt follow-up care is available.
Pricing

Transparent Pricing Information

We are committed to providing clear and transparent pricing for our services. The final cost of any procedure is determined by your individual clinical requirements and will be provided to you following a mandatory consultation and assessment.
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Consultation
Starting From
$100
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Gift Cards

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Looking for a thoughtful present? Our gift vouchers allow you to contribute towards the cost of a consultation or treatment for someone special. A gift voucher from Advanced Cosmetic Medicine provides the recipient with the flexibility to choose from our wide range of non-surgical treatments.
Purchase in-clinic or get in touch to arrange one remotely — we’ll help you personalise the perfect gift.
Meet the Team

Who We Are

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine and Laser Clinic (ACM) is a private aesthetic medicine practice located in Adelaide.

Our Clinicians
Dr. Rahma Targett
Registered Medical Practitioner (General Registration)
MED000567890

Dr. Targett is the founder of ACM and is committed to providing responsible cosmetic care.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re curious about what to expect during a consultation, the techniques we use, or the recovery process, our FAQs are designed to provide you with the essential information you need.
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Marionette Lines Treatment using a specialised technique requiring a doctor’s consultation is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure because it involves intervention near the corners of the mouth, an area with dense structures and high functional demand. This carries potential risks, including the possibility of prolonged swelling, bruising, and the rare but serious risk of vascular or nervous complications that could affect mouth movement. Due to these potential complications and the requirement for clinical expertise, the procedure requires assessment and administration by a registered medical practitioner (doctor), as mandated by Ahpra guidelines.

No, we cannot guarantee a “flawless” or “perfect” result. Ahpra guidelines prohibit us from creating unreasonable expectations regarding outcomes. Marionette Lines Treatment aims for a significant, objective, and visible smoothing and support of the lower face. Your clinical results depend on individual skin laxity, the depth of the existing static lines, and your body’s response. The final, realistic outcome will be discussed thoroughly during your mandatory consultation.

Yes, you should realistically expect a period of recovery or downtime. Since this is a specialized procedure, you may experience temporary tenderness, swelling, or bruising in the treated area. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage this, but the treatment must not be minimized as a “quick” or “easy” fix.

Yes, a comprehensive consultation with our doctor is essential and mandatory. It allows our doctor to assess your anatomy, confirm suitability, and discuss all potential risks and realistic expectations for Marionette Lines Treatment. Following the consultation for this higher risk cosmetic procedure, we are obligated to offer a sufficient cooling-off period before you can consent to the actual treatment, ensuring you have adequate time to make a fully informed decision.

We prioritize your post-procedure safety. If you experience unexpected side effects or complications (such as signs of infection, severe, persistent pain, or difficulty with mouth movement), you will be provided with a direct, accessible contact number for your treating doctor or the clinic. Immediate follow-up and management of complications are part of our commitment to your clinical care and professional duty of care.