What are the best treatments for lines above the lip or smoker's lines? Would you recommend microneedling or fillers?

​Fillers such as Restylane Silk, Belotero, or Juvederm can work well to treat lines around the mouth, but the best first option is laser resurfacing or deep peels to induce collagen production. Superficial radiofrequency devices and microneedling can help as well and are less invasive. I suggest going to an experienced cosmetic dermatologist with expertise in lasers and fillers. Best, Dr. Emer​

We would recommend an in-person consultation to assess the area in real time for the best suggestions. Our office uses a combination of techniques for smoker's lines including laser resurfacing, hyaluronic acid based fillers, and microneedling. Volbella, a thin hyaluronic acid based filler can help to provide volume to above lip hollows and help smooth out smoker's lines. A combination of all the treatments will likely give you the best results! 

These can be tough to adequately manage and you're going to find a lot of difference of opinion.  In some cases, we have found that if the lips are very thin, lip augmentation will help.  While not FDA approved, we have found micro droplet silicone injections to be very effective.  It has to be done in stages, but over many years, we have seen no significant problems.
Probably the most effective treatment, in my opinion, is CO2 laser resurfacing, and this is our major recommendation.  The treatment has to be quite intense and, on occasion, may need to be repeated.  I would mention that, in my opinion, micro fractional laser treatment is inadequate.
Fillers can be used for the deeper grooves, but the results are only temporary.  My preferred filler is Restylane.

Hi,
In my opinion, the best treatment for this area is actually a combination treatment.
You can soften overactive muscle activity contributing to the formation of these line by using a small amount of Botulinum toxin. Next step would be reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and here you can try laser or micro needling treatments. Both will help to induce the collagen, and some laser treatments can additionally "erase" some of the lines.
I keep dermal fillers as the last step if there are stubborn areas that need some fill-in. Usually, a softer HA dermal filler gel is used, and this can result in further smoothing of the lip lines. I do not advise use of Radiesse in this area.
Use of a clinical grade skin care with retinol and strict sun protection will ensure your results last longer and reduce chances of new wrinkles appearing over time.
I hope this helps answer your question.
Best wishes from Melbourne.

A quite common treatment that we perform , in my experience the use of soft fillers will offer a better aesthetic and longer lasting results than anti-wrinkles. Not uncommonly a combination of both may be required .

There are several options. Botox is one, especially if you are a smoker. If you have had them for a long time Botox might not be enough and you may need HA fillers. I would not use Radiesse. There are other options like laser treatments also. Microneedling with PRP can help in combination with RF plasma technology which can be used for any skin color unlike CO2 laser which is not recommended for darker skin types.

Good question but one needs quite a bit more information. Are you a smoker? How old are you? And how long have you had these lines above your lip? In a younger individual, a small amount of Botox will help considerably in preventing these lines from forming. In someone whose lines have been there for awhile, Botox combined with Juvederm is helpful. In an older individual with severe lines, either a CO2 laser, J-Plasma or dermabrasion should be used do you erase them. Radiesse should NOT be used around the lips at any time. Good luck from New York City

There are many ways to approach the lip lines.  If they are fine and related to puckering motion of the mouth, a low dose treatment with Botox and a light treatment with an elegant filler such as Juvederm Volbella works very well.  If the lines are deep and present without animation, it's time to consider energy-based devices such as lasers.  Microneedling can yield very nice results for finer lines but typically works best when combined with injectables.

Hi!! Thanks for your question! The fine lines around the mouth soften better with fillers such as Restylane family fillers or Juvederm family fillers. Fillers around the mouth can last anywhere from 12-18 months depending on which fillers are used. As you eat and talk, the fillers around the mouth can break down faster than filler in other areas of the face. It is best to be seen by an injection expert for a consultation to see which filler would be the best option for you. Hope this information was helpful!
Nikki Stoker, PA-C
Board-Certified Aesthetic Physician Assistant

Many methods, depending on the severity and your expectations. I use everything from ablative lasers, fractional Co2, microneedling RF with PRP, HA fillers to dilute Radiesse. Laser give you the longest improvement, followed by off label Radiesse. The most important thing we need to know is the severity and your downtime. See my before and after photos to understand that tailored treatments gives the best result. Dr Davin Lim.. Brisbane. Australia.