How to Get Rid of Smoker’s Lines

Smoker’s lines, those fine vertical wrinkles that form around the lips, are a common concern for both smokers and non-smokers. These lip wrinkles, also known as lipstick lines, often appear due to natural ageing, sun exposure, or repetitive facial movements such as drinking through a straw or smoking. As collagen and elastin levels decline, the skin surface becomes thinner and less firm, especially around the upper lip area.

The good news? There are safe, effective non-surgical treatments that can help get rid of smoker’s lines, soften fine lines, and improve overall skin texture, helping you feel more confident in your skin.

What Are Smoker’s Lines?

Also known as lip lines, vertical lip lines, or perioral wrinkles, smoker’s lines are fine, vertical lines that form just above the upper lip. They’re often more noticeable when talking, smiling, or applying lipstick, hence the nickname lipstick lines.

What Causes Smoker’s Lines?

Several factors contribute to the development of smoker’s lip lines:

• Natural ageing - The ageing process causes the skin to lose collagen and elastin, resulting in reduced firmness.
• Sun damage - UV light breaks down skin structure and speeds up wrinkle formation.
• Repetitive facial movements - Habitual muscle contractions from lip pursing can create dynamic wrinkles that become permanent.
• Smoking - A key cause of smokers’ wrinkles, restricting blood flow and damaging skin health.
• Dry skin - Dehydration makes fine lines and mouth wrinkles more visible.

How to Treat Smoker’s Lines

Daily SPF, staying hydrated, and using ingredients like vitamin C can help prevent lip lines, but once deeper lines form, non-invasive treatment options are usually needed.

Below are the best treatments for treating smoker’s lines:

Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Lip Lines

• Dermal Fillers: Help restore volume beneath the skin surface, smoothing out vertical wrinkles and enhancing the natural facial features.
• Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Relax the facial muscles around the mouth area, reducing dynamic wrinkles and preventing further line development.
• Microneedling: Uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
• Laser Resurfacing Treatments: Target damaged skin cells, promoting healing and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Radiofrequency Energy Treatments: Tighten the skin and boost elastin production using heat.
• Chemical Peels: Remove the top layer of skin and encourage renewal, smoothing the appearance of fine lines.

Comparison of Treatments for Smoker’s Lines

Below shows a table comparing different treatments regarding smokers' lines:

Treatment

How It Works

Best For

Downtime

Longevity

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid restores volume and smooths vertical lip lines

Deeper lines, static wrinkles

Mild swelling

6–12 months

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Relaxes facial muscles to treat dynamic wrinkles

Fine vertical lines from movement

Redness

Up to six months

Microneedling

Tiny needles stimulate collagen production

Early ageing signs, improving skin texture

Mild redness

Builds gradually

Laser Resurfacing

Removes damaged skin cells and promotes regeneration

Sun damage, upper lip lines

Variable

Long-lasting with care

Radiofrequency

Uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate elastin production

Mild sagging and lines around the mouth

Little to none

Builds over sessions

Chemical Peels

Exfoliates and improves skin texture and tone

Surface lip wrinkles, dull skin

1–7 days

Improves with routine

Why Are Dermal Fillers the Most Effective Treatment for Smoker’s Lines?

While several non-surgical treatments can help reduce smoker’s lines, dermal fillers are often the most effective, especially for deeper lines or static wrinkles that remain visible at rest.

Here’s why dermal filler injections work so well:

• Restore volume loss - Hyaluronic acid fillers support thinning tissue under the upper lip, helping smooth out vertical lines.
• Hydration boost - They attract moisture, reducing the cracked appearance of dry or ageing skin.
• Natural-looking results - Carefully placed filler blends with your natural contours, softening lines without altering your overall facial features.
• Immediate impact - Many people see results straight after treatment, with minimal downtime.
• Flexible approach - Can be combined with laser resurfacing treatments, microneedling or peels for a more comprehensive approach.

What Results Can I Expect?

Most patients experience:

• A smoother appearance around the upper lip
• Reduced visibility of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved skin texture and skin quality

Treatment longevity depends on the procedure:

• Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections: Last 6–12 months
• Laser resurfacing or microneedling: Offer longer-term improvement with maintenance

Temporary swelling, redness or sensitivity may occur but usually resolves quickly.

Can Smoker’s Lines Be Prevented?

While ageing is unavoidable, you can reduce smoker’s lines and delay their development:

• Apply SPF daily to protect against sun exposure
• Avoid smoking
• Stay hydrated
• Use proven skincare ingredients like vitamin C
• Minimise repetitive facial movements like lip pursing

Ready to Get Rid of Smoker’s Lines?

If you're starting to notice upper lip lines or feel self-conscious about the appearance of smoker’s lines, a personalised consultation is the best first step.

Mr Aftab Ahmed offers expert-led, non-surgical solutions across Doncaster. Whether you’re looking to soften fine lines, smooth the skin surface, or simply restore a more youthful appearance, a tailored treatment plan can help you achieve natural, long-lasting results.