Smoker’s lines, also known as lipstick lines or vertical lip lines, are the fine vertical lines that form around the mouth and upper lip, often becoming more prominent with age. These lines are a natural result of repetitive movement, loss of skin elasticity, and environmental damage such as sun exposure. Whether caused by smoking or simply the natural ageing process, these lines can affect the youthful appearance of the mouth.
At our Chiswick clinic, we offer Smoker’s Lines Filler as a precise and effective treatment designed to reduce the appearance of smoker’s lines without altering the natural shape of the lips. Using dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid, this non-surgical treatment focuses on smoothing out lines, reinforcing skin strength, and subtly refreshing the skin around the mouth.
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Smoker’s lines are small vertical lines that form just above and sometimes below the lips. Though often linked to smoking, they are caused by a mix of repeated lip movement, collagen and elastin breakdown, sun damage, and volume loss. As we age, the upper lip area becomes more fragile and lines that appear can deepen with time. These are also known as mouth lines, vertical lines that appear around the mouth, or lip lines.
The best treatment for smoker’s lines often involves a combination of filler treatment and good skincare. Dr. Bela uses a gentle hyaluronic acid-based filler specifically formulated for fine-line correction. This line filler is injected just beneath the skin to restore lost volume, improve texture, and reduce lines—without enlarging or altering the lips themselves. This approach provides natural-looking results and works especially well in the upper lip area where the skin is thinner.
Dr. Bela performs this filler procedure using a blunt-tipped cannula, making only two small entry points at the corners of the mouth. This technique allows for smooth, even filler distribution, reduces trauma, and significantly lowers the risk of bruise or swelling. There is no need for numbing cream, as the injectable lip filler already contains an anaesthetic. Most patients feel only mild pressure during the injection, making this a well-tolerated filler treatment.
Immediately following the filler treatment, patients should avoid hot food and drink for a few hours due to temporary numbness. Dr. Bela also recommends gentle massage if necessary and provides detailed aftercare advice. While bruising is rare, there may be mild swelling the next day, which usually resolves within a few days.
Because only soft fillers are suitable for this area, and due to the natural movement from talking and eating, filler results in the lip region typically last around 12 months—less than more static areas like the cheeks where fillers can last up to 24 months.
Not at all. This line filler treatment is designed to treat vertical lip lines, not to enhance lip volume. It focuses on the lines around the mouth, especially those above the upper lip, providing subtle and natural rejuvenation. The goal is to reduce smokers’ lines, not to inflate the lips.
Anyone concerned about fine lines that appear around the lips—whether from age, sun exposure, or smoking—can benefit from treating smoker’s lines. Ideal candidates include:
Even non-smokers can develop smoker’s lip lines, and early filler intervention can help preserve skin texture and reduce the appearance of smokers’ lines.
Over the years, Dr. Bela has identified multiple melanomas on aesthetic patients—often in areas they hadn’t noticed themselves. In one notable case, during a Botox consultation, he spotted a small but suspicious lesion on a patient’s forehead. When reviewing previous treatment photos, it became clear that the melanoma had gradually developed over time, becoming increasingly visible across sessions. Despite its small size, the lesion was already an early invasive melanoma—but was thankfully detected in time. This case is just one of several examples highlighting how melanoma can remain hidden in plain sight. For this reason, Dr. Bela now offers a discounted mole check for all existing aesthetic patients, making it easier to combine cosmetic care with life-saving early detection.
All Smokers Lines Filler procedures are performed by Dr. Bela, a highly skilled and experienced medical doctor with more than 14 years in dermal filler treatments. His conservative and anatomy-informed approach ensures a balance between visible improvement and natural appearance.
Filler is injected just under the skin to restore volume and smooth out the vertical lines that form from movement and ageing.
Fillers can last up to 12 months in this area due to frequent motion from speaking and eating.
Fillers offer a long-lasting but not permanent solution. While they reduce smokers’ lines, results will gradually fade.
There’s usually no downtime. Mild bruising or swelling may occur but settles within a few days.
Yes. Dermal filler injections for smoker’s lines are very safe when performed by an experienced practitioner like Dr. Bela.
Side effects are rare but may include swelling or bruising. Dr. Bela’s technique reduces these risks considerably.
Call or message us for expert advice or to book your consultation. We’re here to help you choose the best smokers’ lines treatments for your unique needs and deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results
