Vertical wrinkles marking the lip contour, commonly known as “barcode lines,” are among the most disliked blemishes, as they give the face a tired and severe appearance.
At Istituto Image, we address this imperfection as both a challenge to correct and an opportunity to regenerate the skin in depth.
Our philosophy is based on an approach that combines the most advanced techniques of aesthetic medicine, such as hyaluronic acid fillers and excellence regenerative protocols (Lipogems), to restore the smile’s natural harmony and freshness.
Lip contour wrinkles: causes and characteristics
The “barcode” lip contour consists of thin vertical wrinkles that form on the upper lip skin and, sometimes, on the lower lip as well. Their appearance is a multifactorial process, linked both to intrinsic aging and external factors.
Over the years, the skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — the three pillars that give it tone, elasticity, and hydration. This structural thinning makes the skin more vulnerable to facial movements.
The orbicularis oris muscle, which we constantly use to speak, smile, or drink, contracts repeatedly and marks the weakened skin, creating these fine lines. To this natural process, additional factors may accelerate and worsen the condition:
- Cigarette smoking: Nicotine compromises microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, while the very act of inhaling accentuates perioral muscle contraction.
- Sun exposure: Photodamage degrades collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the loss of tone.
- Genetic factors: Individual predisposition plays a role in the early onset and severity of this imperfection.
- Dehydration: Poorly hydrated skin is less elastic and more prone to wrinkling.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward defining a treatment strategy that not only fills wrinkles but also improves the overall quality of the skin.
The importance of hyaluronic acid in aesthetic medicine
Hyaluronic acid is an extraordinary molecule, naturally present in our body, particularly in the dermis. Its function is to bind and retain large amounts of water, acting as a true hydration reservoir that keeps the skin plump, elastic, and firm.
In aesthetic medicine, the use of synthetic, biocompatible, and fully resorbable hyaluronic acid has been a true revolution.
Fillers based on this molecule allow targeted and safe interventions to restore lost volume, correct asymmetries, and, of course, fill wrinkles. Its importance lies in its ability to provide natural, harmonious results without altering facial features. It is not a foreign body but a support that helps the skin regain its original structure, with an extremely high safety profile.
How hyaluronic acid acts on lip contour wrinkles
When a hyaluronic acid filler is injected to correct “barcode” lines, its action is dual and synergistic:
- Mechanical filling effect: the gel is precisely positioned in the wrinkle groove, lifting it from the inside and making the skin surface immediately smoother and more uniform.
- Biological added value: hyaluronic acid triggers deep hydration and biostimulation. By attracting water into tissues, it visibly improves skin hydration and plumpness.
At the same time, its presence stimulates fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing new collagen and elastin. This means that even after the filler is reabsorbed, the skin will maintain a stronger, more resilient structure, slowing the future reappearance of wrinkles.
Parameter | Average value / range |
Average onset age | 35–45 years (earlier in smokers and individuals heavily exposed to the sun) |
Typical wrinkle depth | 0.2 – 1 mm |
Percentage of smoker patients | 60% of treated cases |
Average recovery time post-filler | 24–48 hours for normal social activities |
Average duration of effect | 6–12 months (longer when combined with regenerative protocols such as Lipogems) |
The treatment procedure with hyaluronic acid at Istituto Image
At Istituto Image, every treatment begins with a personalized regenerative analysis. This medical consultation phase is crucial to understand the unique characteristics of the patient’s skin, the depth of wrinkles, and individual expectations. Only through accurate diagnosis can a truly tailored therapeutic plan be defined.
The infiltration procedure is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis. After applying a numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort, the physician proceeds with micro-injections of hyaluronic acid, using ultra-fine needles or microcannulas to distribute the product evenly and precisely.
What sets our approach apart is our ability to integrate different methodologies for superior regenerative results. For deeper wrinkles and overall rejuvenation of the area, we often combine the filler with advanced technological treatments.
The combination of laser therapies, such as fractional CO2 Laser, and Lipogems® technology represents the most advanced frontier of regenerative medicine.
The laser acts on the surface, smoothing the skin and stimulating superficial collagen, while Lipogems® — a micro-fragmented adipose tissue harvested from the patient — works in depth, regenerating dermal structure thanks to its high concentration of mesenchymal cells. This synergy erases wrinkles and transforms skin quality, ensuring longer-lasting and natural results.
Benefits and expected results of hyaluronic acid treatment
A targeted treatment for lip contour wrinkles provides benefits beyond simple filling, contributing to overall rejuvenation of the smile and the lower third of the face.
Main benefits include:
- Immediate and natural results: Wrinkles are immediately softened, with an effect that preserves facial expressiveness and harmony.
- Improved skin quality: Skin becomes more hydrated, firm, and elastic thanks to collagen stimulation.
- Effective prevention: The treatment slows down the formation of new wrinkles, acting as a true anti-aging therapy.
- Safety and biocompatibility: Hyaluronic acid is safe and completely resorbable.
- Prolonged duration: Filler effects last on average 6–12 months, but biostimulation benefits are longer-lasting.
Post-treatment advice to maintain results over time
To maximize treatment duration and effectiveness, it is essential to adopt certain good habits. Within 24–48 hours after injections, it is recommended to avoid exposure to intense heat sources such as saunas or tanning lamps, as well as refrain from intense physical activity.
In the long term, a proper skincare routine including hydrating serums and daily sun protection (SPF 50+) is crucial to protect the skin from photodamage. Quitting smoking and maintaining excellent hydration by drinking plenty of water are simple but powerful gestures to preserve the skin’s beauty and health, prolonging the benefits achieved.
Why settle for just filling a wrinkle when you can regenerate the skin in depth?
At Istituto Image, our scientific approach integrates hyaluronic acid fillers with excellence protocols such as CO2 Laser and Lipogems® to guarantee not only immediate but visibly longer-lasting results.
Choose a solution that treats the skin and prevents future aging.
Contact us for an in-depth medical consultation and discover how our integrated method can transform your lip contour.
FAQ
How can I fill wrinkles around the lips?
The most direct and effective method is the use of hyaluronic acid fillers, which fill the wrinkle groove and hydrate tissues. For more complete and long-lasting results, at Istituto Image we combine fillers with regenerative technologies such as CO2 Laser and Lipogems®, which improve skin quality from within.
How long does hyaluronic acid last on the lips?
The duration of lip contour fillers is subjective and depends on individual metabolism and lifestyle, but on average the volumizing and smoothing effect lasts 6 to 12 months. The benefits related to collagen biostimulation with Lipogems, however, are longer lasting.
How to eliminate “barcode lines” around the lips?
The most effective approach is multifactorial. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate correction. For deeper regenerative action, treatments such as fractional laser, chemical peels, and especially Lipogems® technology stimulate new collagen production, improving skin texture and tone in the long term.
How much does it cost to remove wrinkles around the mouth?
The cost of treatment varies and depends on the type and amount of product used, as well as any combination with other technologies. To define a therapeutic plan and a personalized estimate, a specialist consultation with one of our aesthetic physicians is essential, who will recommend the most suitable strategy for your specific needs.
