Fine lines around the mouth — often called perioral or “smoker’s lines,” though you certainly don’t have to be a smoker to develop them — are one of the most common concerns people mention, and one of the trickiest areas to keep smooth. The skin around the mouth is thin and constantly in motion, so it tends to show the effects of ageing earlier than many other areas.

These little vertical lines (sometimes known as “barcode lines”) form gradually as the skin’s collagen and elastin reduce and the lips lose a little of their natural volume and hydration. Years of repeated movement — talking, smiling, drinking through straws — combined with sun exposure and the natural ageing process, all play their part. For some people they’re barely there; for others they can become etched enough to catch lipstick, which is often what prompts them to seek advice.

The reassuring part is that lip lines respond really well to treatment. Depending on what’s causing yours, there are gentle, effective options to soften them, restore a little hydration and definition, and smooth the surrounding skin — all while keeping your lips and expression looking completely natural.

Our focus here is always subtlety. During your consultation, we’ll look at your lips and the area around them, talk through the options that would suit you best, and create a personalised plan designed to soften those lines while still looking unmistakably like you.