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Marionette Line Correction FAQs

What are marionette lines?
Marionette lines are the grooves or depressions starting at the corners of the mouth which make the mouth appear to turn down. This may also be referred to as down-turned mouth (DTM).

How are marionette lines corrected?
There are several techniques for correcting the appearance of marionette lines or down-turned mouth, including the use of temporary and permanent injectable fillers, Botox, and Gore-Tex (a three-dimensional volume filler).

Who is the best candidate for marionette line correction?
The best candidate for marionette line correction is a man or woman who is physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and interested in improving the deep grooves at the corners of their mouth.

What can I expect during a consultation for marionette line correction?
The plastic surgeon should examine your face and conduct a thorough medical history. He or she will discuss your available options and procedural details like the type of anesthesia, the facility, the costs, the potential risks and so on.

Where is marionette line correction performed?
Marionette line correction may be performed in a surgeon's office, a surgical facility or in a hospital. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 62% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed by their member doctors in 2004 took place in an office, 21% in a hospital, and 17% in a free-standing ambulatory surgical facility.

Is anesthesia used during a marionette line correction procedure?
Whether or not anesthesia is used will depend on the particular technique and procedure. Botox typically requires no anesthesia, while a topical anesthetic or local anesthesia with sedation may be used with injectable fillers or Gore-Tex.

What is the recovery like after marionette line correction?
The recovery after Botox is minimal, with most patients able to immediately return to their normal activities. With other procedures, some swelling may occur and patients may need to take it easy for several days.

What are the risks or complications of marionette line correction?
There are very few risks associated with Botox injections. Other techniques may involve the risk of infection, scarring, and other complications.

How much does marionette line correction cost?
Procedural costs will vary greatly depending upon your particular case and the particular technique used. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the average surgeon/physician fee charged by their member doctors in 2004 for Botox was $376. The cost of a soft tissue filler procedure involving hyaluronic acid was $539.

Does insurance cover marionette line correction?
Insurance typically does not cover procedures that are performed for cosmetic reasons.

Is it possible to get financing for marionette line correction?
Financing is available for facial plastic surgery procedures. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with further information about financing.

What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my marionette line correction?
It's important that you do your homework and carefully choose the surgeon to perform your procedure. First, make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure according ABPS standards. You can visit the ABPS's website at www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area. You should also ask any potential surgeon the following questions:

• Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital and, if so, which hospitals?
• How many marionette line correction procedures has the surgeon performed?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of your particular procedure?

Marionette line surgery questions.