Nasolabial Folds vs Marionette Lines

Normal folds extending from the sides of the nose toward the mouth. Folds running downward from the corners of the mouth.

Research updated 2026-10-23

AI-generated educational illustration: Clear folds running from the sides of the nose toward the mouth corners on a relaxed adult face.

AI-generated educational illustration: Lower adult face with natural folds running downward from the mouth corners toward the chin.

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

Adults; deepen with age

Over 40

Where

Nose to mouth corners

Mouth corners to chin

Main sign

Smile-line folds

Downturned folds from the mouth

Itch or pain

Contagious

Long term

Normal; deepen with age

Deepen with age

Scars

Who gets it

Everyone

Ageing, volume loss

What is it?

Nasolabial Folds

Marionette Lines

What is it?

What it is
Normal folds extending from the sides of the nose toward the mouth.

What it is
Folds running downward from the corners of the mouth.

What it looks like

Nasolabial Folds

A face viewed straight on with prominent folds between the nose and mouth corners.

Nasolabial Folds Curved creases run from each side of the nose toward the mouth corners.

Marionette Lines

A lower face with a crease descending from each mouth corner toward the jaw.

Marionette Lines Lines extend downward from each corner of the mouth toward the chin.

Skin tones

Lower adult face with natural folds running downward from the mouth corners toward the chin.

In the skin

Normal facial anatomy creates a fold between the cheek and upper lip. Changes in cheek support and tissue volume with age can deepen its appearance.

Facial anatomy and tissue support shape the folds below the mouth corners. Aging and changes in volume distribution can make these folds more pronounced.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Nasolabial Folds. Usually becomes more noticeable during adult ageing; facial anatomy creates wide variation.

Marionette Lines. Usually becomes more noticeable during adult ageing; facial anatomy creates wide variation.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Normal facial anatomy, cheek support and ageing determine their depth.

Facial anatomy, tissue ageing and volume distribution influence these folds.

Risk factors

Ageing, Family anatomy, Cumulative sun exposure

Trigger

● Nasolabial Folds

● Marionette Lines

Sun exposure

Can contribute

Smoking

Can contribute

Daily Care

Nasolabial Folds

Marionette Lines

Daily care

Habits that help

Protect exposed skin with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Use shade, a hat and protective clothing as well as sunscreen.
Use a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer that does not sting
Regular moisturization improves comfort and the appearance of surface dryness.
Introduce stronger skin products gradually
Stop products that leave the skin persistently sore, raw or peeling.
Keep expectations realistic about skin care
Moisturizers can soften dry surface lines but cannot replace lost volume or reshape deeper structures.
Follow the nasolabial folds care plan
Use sunscreen, gentle moisturizer and avoid smoking. Choose procedures only after an individual assessment.

Avoid

Avoid: Smoking and tanning beds
Both contribute to skin damage; tanning also increases skin cancer risk.
Avoid: Aggressive home peels or unregulated injections
These can cause burns, infection, scarring or serious injury.

Habits that help

Protect exposed skin with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Use shade, a hat and protective clothing as well as sunscreen.
Use a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer that does not sting
Regular moisturization improves comfort and the appearance of surface dryness.
Introduce stronger skin products gradually
Stop products that leave the skin persistently sore, raw or peeling.
Keep expectations realistic about skin care
Moisturizers can soften dry surface lines but cannot replace lost volume or reshape deeper structures.
Follow the marionette lines care plan
Use sunscreen, gentle moisturizer and avoid smoking. Choose procedures only after an individual assessment.

Avoid

Avoid: Smoking and tanning beds
Both contribute to skin damage; tanning also increases skin cancer risk.
Avoid: Aggressive home peels or unregulated injections
These can cause burns, infection, scarring or serious injury.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Nasolabial Folds

● Marionette Lines

Injections

Facial treatment assessment

Listed

A qualified clinician may discuss fillers or other options; rare vascular injury and other risks need review.

Facial treatment assessment

Listed

A qualified clinician may discuss fillers or other options; rare vascular injury and other risks need review.

Outlook

Long term

Nasolabial folds are normal facial anatomy and can deepen with age and volume changes. Cosmetic treatment is optional; the degree and duration of improvement vary.

These folds can become more noticeable with age-related changes in support and volume. Cosmetic treatment is optional and results vary; temporary treatments may need repeating.