Perioral lines — often referred to as “smokers’ lines” — are the fine vertical wrinkles that appear around the lips, particularly on the upper lip. While historically linked with smoking, these lines frequently affect women who have never smoked. The true cause is multifactorial: a combination of repetitive lip movements, age-related structural decline in the skin, sun exposure, and hereditary factors all contribute to their formation.
As collagen and elastin diminish with age, the skin becomes less resilient. Combined with habitual movements such as sipping, speaking, and pursing the lips, these changes create a pattern of fine creases that gradually become fixed. Even subtle lines in this area can change the overall aesthetic of the mouth — blurring the lip border, causing lipstick to bleed, and projecting an appearance of fatigue or tension that does not match how you feel inside.
At Monaz Clinic, we use regulated anti-wrinkle injections to gently soften these lines. Our medical approach is grounded in subtlety and safety, aiming to preserve your natural lip movement while improving perioral smoothness. We don’t freeze expression — we reduce excessive creasing while maintaining the full freedom to smile, speak, and express yourself confidently.
Smokers’ lines, also known as perioral lines, are the fine vertical creases that develop around the mouth — most commonly above the upper lip. Despite the name, they’re not limited to smokers. These lines form when the skin repeatedly folds in the same pattern through everyday movements such as speaking, sipping, pursing the lips, or using a straw. Over time, that crease pattern can become more noticeable and may start to linger even when the face is at rest.
The area is strongly influenced by the orbicularis oris, the circular muscle around the mouth that controls lip movement and shape. As we age, the skin naturally becomes less resilient due to gradual changes in collagen, elastin, and hydration within the dermis. When that happens, the mouth area is less able to recover from repetitive motion, and fine lines can appear more defined.
Causes of smokers Lines?
Anti-wrinkle injections offer a clinically regulated, minimally invasive solution to soften the appearance of perioral lines without surgery or extended downtime. By targeting specific portions of the orbicularis oris muscle, the treatment gently reduces the repetitive movements that etch these lines into the skin.
This treatment is suitable for adult patients who would like to soften the appearance of vertical lip lines (perioral lines) in a non-surgical, prescription-led way. It’s often chosen by women who want the area around the mouth to look smoother while keeping lip movement natural and recognisable.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
•You are beginning to notice fine to moderate vertical lip lines, particularly above the upper lip.
•You prefer non-surgical treatments with minimal downtime.
•You want to preserve natural lip function for speaking, smiling, and everyday expression.
•You are aged 18–65 and in good general health.
•You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
•You understand results are temporary, and maintenance may be considered if you like the effect.
Suitability is always confirmed during a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber, where we review your medical history, current medications, and what you’d like to achieve, so expectations stay realistic and outcomes remain natural. This treatment is offered in a private, female-only setting, designed to feel discreet and comfortable from consultation through to aftercare.
Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only treatment used to temporarily reduce the strength of contraction in selected muscles. For vertical lip lines (perioral lines), the aim is to soften the crease pattern created by repetitive lip movement, such as speaking, sipping, pursing the lips, or using a straw. When the muscle activity contributing to those lines is gently reduced in carefully chosen points, the skin is folded less sharply, which can help the area look smoother while keeping lip movement natural and recognisable.
This is a delicate area and requires a measured approach. Treatment planning focuses on subtle softening rather than restricting normal function, so you can continue to speak, smile, and use your lips comfortably. Suitability is confirmed during a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber, including a review of your medical history, medications, and the outcome you’d like to achieve.
For vertical lip lines, the aim is to temporarily reduce the strength of contraction in selected superficial fibres of the muscle around the mouth. When those fibres contract less strongly, the skin above them folds less sharply during everyday movement. Over time, this can help soften the crease pattern that contributes to fine vertical lines, while keeping lip function natural and comfortable.
Because the mouth area is active throughout the day, treatment here is always planned conservatively. We focus on precise placement and a gentle effect, so the lips can continue to move normally for speaking, smiling, and day-to-day expression.
Mechanism Of Action?
Meet our qualified prescriber for an in-depth assessment of your facial dynamics, medical history, and treatment suitability. Your questions and goals will be explored with honesty and clarity.
When to Expect Results?
How Long Will It Last?
Maintenance:
Following aftercare instructions helps protect your results and reduce the risk of side effects:
Note: All potential risks, side effects, and aftercare instructions are discussed in detail during your consultation. Our team remains on hand for any questions or reassurance you may need after your visit.
See the transformative effects of our treatments.
Age 50: Clear improvement in lip border definition and reduced feathering of lipstick
Age 59: Smoother skin texture around the mouth, with softened vertical lines contributing to a brighter, more relaxed expression
Watch our clinical overview to learn what the procedure involves. Hear from real patients and see the process in action — from consultation to post-treatment care — to help you feel fully informed and at ease.
No. When correctly administered, the result is soft and natural. At Monaz Clinic, we use minimal dosing to smooth the area without restricting expression or lip movement.
The appointment typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The injections themselves are completed in under 10 minutes, with time allocated for consultation and preparation.
Most women describe only mild discomfort, often likened to a light sting. The needle is extremely fine, and the process is very quick.
Yes, it can be safely combined with dermal fillers, microneedling, or skin boosters to further support the perioral area. This will be assessed during your consultation.
Makeup should be avoided for 12 hours post-treatment to minimise risk of infection or product disruption. After that, makeup can be gently reapplied.
"I had always been self-conscious about the fine lines around my lips. The team at Monaz Clinic made me feel safe, and the outcome is amazing — I look fresher without looking frozen."
"Mona understood exactly what I wanted. The results are natural, and my expressions are completely unchanged — just smoother around the mouth."
"Visiting London, I decided to book a session here. I’m so glad I did. The improvement in my lip area is subtle but powerful. Highly recommend."
"I was quite anxious beforehand, but Mona explained everything so clearly. The results speak for themselves — I look rested and still feel like myself."
"The fine lines I used to hide with makeup have softened beautifully. It’s made a big difference in how I feel about my appearance."
Disclaimer
Individual results may vary. All treatments are subject to consultation and assessment by our qualified practitioners.
Note
Anti-Wrinkle Injections are a prescription-only medicine (POM). Before any treatment can be administered, a face-to-face consultation with our qualified practitioners is required.
