Pleated wrinkles (or barcode wrinkles) are usually very fine lines that appear in the mouth region. They are a consequence of the natural loss of elasticity of the tissue. In addition, the movement of the lips can intensify the fine lines. For example, they become visible when the lips are pursed. In the later stages, the lines can also be seen independently of movement at rest. Even if they are fine lines, they can have a severe impact on the appearance of those affected. They give the mouth region an older appearance and are generally perceived as unaesthetic. They are also sometimes associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, as they are also known as smoker’s lines. Disturbing pleated wrinkles can be reduced using minimally invasive methods, including injections with hyaluronic acid.
How do “smoker’s lines” develop?
The secret to youthful, firm and smooth skin lies in structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which the body produces itself. Hyaluronic acid is also produced in the body and ensures that the skin is elastic. From the middle of the 20th year of life, the production of these important components slows down increasingly. In addition, repair processes no longer take place as quickly, which can lead to cell damage and sagging of the skin. As a result, fine lines appear on the skin over time and volume deficits and sagging areas develop.
This process also takes place in the mouth area. Delicate lines can appear early on, particularly between the upper lip and the nose, which can become more pronounced with age. In addition, the movement of the lips acts on the skin and presses it together repeatedly. This can also promote the formation of annoying wrinkles.
Last but not least, predisposition and individual lifestyle also have an influence on how early and quickly the skin ages. UV radiation, an unhealthy diet, stress, alcohol and nicotine in particular can contribute to skin ageing and wrinkling.
Nicotine and early skin ageing
Pleated wrinkles are also known as “smoker’s lines”. The name comes from the typical movement of the lips that you make when smoking: you purse your lips. This movement usually increases the fine lines on the lips over time. However, this does not mean that only smokers are affected by pleated wrinkles. Even in people who do not smoke, predisposition or other factors can contribute to the appearance of these typical signs of time in the mouth region.
Apart from pleats – which are known in medicine as perioral wrinkles – nicotine generally increases the risk of premature skin ageing and annoying wrinkles. Tobacco smoke contains numerous free radicals that damage cells. In addition, the formation of new collagen is inhibited, while the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers is actually promoted. Nicotine also constricts the blood vessels. As a result, the area is less well supplied with oxygen and nutrients, which further accelerates the ageing process.
Can pleated wrinkles be treated with creams?
A targeted skincare routine tailored to the needs of your own skin can have a positive effect on the skin’s appearance and reduce fine lines. However, it should be noted that it is hardly possible to actually “cream away” deep wrinkles in particular. Once the disturbing lines have formed, conservative measures are only of limited help.
In our skin center, however, we offer gentle treatment options to visibly rejuvenate the skin and build it up in depth. In order to find out what your skin specifically needs, in addition to our many years of expertise, we also have access to modern technology with the VISIA® Gen7 deep skin analysis. Find out more here.
Injecting pleated wrinkles with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid injections are an effective method of combating unwelcome pleated wrinkles. The active ingredient improves the moisturization of the area and also has a very good lifting effect. This allows unevenness in the skin to be evened out. The treatment also stimulates collagen production, which also has a positive effect on the appearance of the skin.
The injection with hyaluronic acid takes about 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. As the skin on the lips is very fine and often sensitive, the area is usually anesthetized locally with a special anesthetic cream beforehand. A fine cannula introduces the active ingredient into the tissue. The effect builds up step by step, resulting in a very natural rejuvenation.
Combination of hyaluronic acid and Botox®
In addition to hyaluronic acid treatment alone, a combination of hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin may also be an option. Botox® relaxes the muscles and thus also the overlying skin. This can be used to counteract the intensification of annoying wrinkles. Botox® is particularly suitable for treating wrinkles in the forehead and eye area, but it can also be used to treat pleated wrinkles.
Plasmage® for fine lip wrinkles
Plasma treatment with Plasmage® is a modern form of treatment for lip wrinkles. Electrical impulses generate plasma on the surface of the skin without conducting electricity through the body. The plasma causes the top layer of skin to evaporate and natural renewal processes are initiated. This renews and restructures the skin in the treatment area. The method reduces annoying wrinkles and gently tightens the skin.
In addition to wrinkle treatment and skin tightening, Plasmage® is also suitable for non-surgical eyelid lifting.
Gentle radio frequency microneedling with Secret™ PRO for smooth skin
We now also offer modern treatment with Secret™ PRO at our skin center. This is a radio frequency microneedling procedure. During the procedure, tiny needles stimulate the skin’s own healing and regeneration processes. The needles also emit radio frequency energy to the tissue, which creates an additional harmonious tightening effect. The treatment can also be used to treat fine lines on the lips very effectively.
It is also possible to combine the treatment with fractionated CO2 laser therapy. The special applicator for this is already integrated into the Secret™-PRO device so that everything can take place in one session. CO2 laser treatment also enables gentle skin rejuvenation and rebuilding of the skin structure.
More about wrinkle treatment in Berlin
If you would like to find out more about the various options for wrinkle treatment, please make an appointment at our Weißensee Skin Center. Based on an individual analysis and discussion, the optimal treatment for your concerns can be found. Our goals are a naturally beautiful rejuvenation with the gentlest possible treatments and a healthy, radiant complexion. Give us a call or use our online appointment system.
last update: 22.02.2023
