What causes marionette lines?
Marionette lines get their name from the hinged jaws of puppets. They tend to appear from the late thirties onward and are shaped by several overlapping changes in the lower face:
- Downward muscle pull — the depressor anguli oris muscle pulls the mouth corners down, more so in people who frown or clench
- Volume loss — fat below the mouth corner and along the chin thins out, leaving a hollow
- Jowl formation — loosening tissue above the jawline slides down and forward, deepening the groove beside it
- Thinner skin — fine vertical lines form within the fold as the skin loses collagen
Because the cause varies, two people with lines of the same depth may need very different plans. Someone with strong muscle pull and little sagging may only need a small dose of Botox and a little filler, while someone with heavier jowls will see more benefit from skin tightening or threads. Many patients also have deeper nasolabial folds, so the doctor looks at the whole lower face together.
How we treat marionette lines at Bailor
Most plans start with the smallest effective change and build from there. Common options include:
| Treatment | What it does | Typical plan | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouth corner lift | Relaxes downward pull, lifts the corners | Every 3–4 months | Price confirmed after consultation |
| Special-area Botox | Small doses for lower-face muscles | Every 3–4 months | ₩40,000 |
| HA filler (marionette / chin) | Supports the hollow below the corner | 1 session, retouch within 4 weeks | ₩180,000 |
| Shurink 300 shots | HIFU tightening along the jawline | Every 6 months | ₩150,000 |
| Ultherapy 300 shots | Deeper lift for early jowls | Once a year | ₩1,300,000 |
| Full Face Mint Thread (16) | Mechanical lift of jowl tissue | 1 session | ₩1,900,000 |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. Filler for the marionette area is priced after the doctor confirms the amount; chin filler (1–2cc) starts from ₩180,000. See dermal filler prices and thread lift prices.
Filler in this area is placed conservatively: too much makes the chin and mouth look heavy. A small amount combined with muscle relaxation usually gives a more natural, lifted look.
What changes after treatment
Filler softens the groove immediately, and Botox gently lifts the mouth corners over 1–2 weeks, so the face looks less tired at rest. Lifting devices add gradual firmness over 2–3 months. For a full lower-face plan, our sagging skin treatment page explains the next steps.
How a marionette line visit works
- Doctor assessment We watch your mouth at rest, smiling and talking, check jowls and chin, and agree on a plan that may be staged over visits.
- Numbing Numbing cream for about 20–30 minutes for filler or devices; Botox needs little or none.
- Treatment Botox takes about 10 minutes; filler 15–30 minutes by needle or cannula; threads or devices longer.
- Review & aftercare Symmetry check, cooling, and English aftercare notes; filler retouch is available within 4 weeks.
If you are visiting Seoul briefly, filler and Botox can be done in one visit. Botox reaches its full effect in about two weeks, so any fine-tuning of the filler is best done after that, if your stay allows.
Downtime, side effects and safety
The lower face moves constantly when you talk and eat, so precise placement matters.
- Common: swelling, tenderness and small bruises for 2–5 days; slight stiffness when smiling while filler settles.
- Less common: mild asymmetry, a small palpable lump, or a temporarily uneven smile if Botox spreads to nearby muscles.
- Rare: infection, allergic reaction, delayed nodules, or vascular occlusion after filler — contact us immediately about blanching, unusual pain or colour change.
Tell the doctor first if you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take blood thinners or have a bleeding tendency
- Have a neuromuscular condition, or allergies to lidocaine or filler components
- Have had dental work, fillers or threads in the lower face recently
Avoid pressing, massaging or sleeping face-down on the area for about a week.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every marionette line plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Marionette line FAQ
How much does marionette line treatment cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, special-area Botox starts from ₩40,000 and chin filler (1–2cc) from ₩180,000, VAT excluded; the exact filler amount for marionette lines is confirmed after consultation. Threads start from ₩1,200,000 for 8 threads. See the dermal filler price list.
Is filler or Botox better for marionette lines?
They do different things. Botox reduces the muscle pull that turns the corners down; filler supports the hollow. Many people get the most natural result from a small amount of both.
How long do the results last?
Botox usually lasts 3–4 months. Hyaluronic acid filler in this area typically lasts 9–12 months, depending on movement and metabolism.
Can threads help marionette lines?
Yes, when jowls are a major cause. Threads lift tissue above the jawline, which can soften the groove beside the mouth.
Will it change my smile?
When dosed carefully it should not. A slightly unusual smile for a few days is possible if Botox spreads; it settles as the toxin wears off.
Can I send photos before booking?
Yes. Send photos with your face relaxed and smiling on WhatsApp at +82 10-3054-1757 and our English-speaking team will reply.
