Remove Smoker’s Lines

Smoker’s lines, also known as perioral wrinkles or “lip lines,” are vertical wrinkles that form

around the mouth because of repetitive facial movements like pursing the lips or smoking. They

can also form as part of the natural aging process as fat and collagen decline in the skin around

the mouth. Because smoker’s lines often appear at a younger age than other wrinkles, they can

create an inconsistently aged appearance around the mouth compared to the rest of your face.

Fortunately, laser resurfacing is a safe and effective way to significantly reduce or even

eliminate yours. This overview presents information on how laser resurfacing works to treat your

smoker’s lines, including the benefits of the procedure, the types of lasers used, what to expect

before and after treatment, and why it is a popular choice among patients like you that want to

eliminate smoker’s lines.

What Causes Smoker’s Lines

Smoker’s lines are primarily caused by two factors: repeated muscle contractions and the

natural aging process. When you smoke, talk, laugh, eat, and otherwise move the mouth, it

creates pursing movements around the lips that, over time, can lead to the development of lip

lines. This repetitive motion can cause the skin around your mouth to lose its elasticity, resulting

in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, the loss of fat, collagen, and elastin as we age exacerbates the formation of these

lines. Reduced skin hydration and sun damage may also contribute to the deepening of these

lines. While these wrinkles can appear in anyone, they tend to be most prominent in smokers

due to the combination of lifestyle habits and the aging process.

How Laser Resurfacing Works

Laser resurfacing is a cutting-edge cosmetic procedure that uses high energy, concentrated light

to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate the production of new, healthy skin. This process

can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sunspots, and other skin

imperfections. In the case of smoker’s lines, laser resurfacing targets the tissue around the

mouth, helping to smooth the skin and stimulate collagen production, resulting in a more

youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

There are two primary types of lasers used for this procedure: Erbium and CO2.

Fully Ablative Laser Resurfacing, Erbium and CO2

Fully ablative lasers, such as Erbium and CO2 (carbon dioxide), work by removing the outer

layers of damaged skin. The term fully ablative refers to the fact that 100% of the skin’s surface

has been removed during the procedure, compared to fractional resurfacing (see below). As the

procedure progresses the laser gently removes a thin layer of tissue, the epidermis, and in

some cases a smaller portion of the dermis, the second layer of skin. When completed, the

area may feel like when you scrape a knee or elbow – the skin weeps or is wet with lymph fluid

for a few days. Fully ablative laser resurfacing also heats the underlying layers of skin,

promoting collagen production and skin tightening. It comes with a little more downtime, but

significantly superior results.

Both Erbium and CO2 lasers are effective for deep wrinkles and skin resurfacing. However,

because fully ablative lasers remove layers of skin, they typically require a longer recovery time

compared to fractional lasers. In our experience, fully ablative resurfacing is far superior to

fractional resurfacing when it comes to the treatment of smoker’s lines. Erbium and CO2 are

both good resurfacing options, but we prefer Erbium resurfacing because it is more easily

absorbed by the skin and has less risk for lightening of the skin post treatment with medium and

darker skin tones.

Fractional Lasers (CO2 or Erbium)

Fractional is a common laser resurfacing technology. In contrast to fully ablative laser

resurfacing, fractional technologies – as the name implies – only resurface a portion of the skin,

typically between 10% – 50%. These lasers are less invasive than fully ablative because the

tissue surrounding the small perforations that the fractional laser creates is intact skin. Because

most of the skin is not resurfaced, the recovery time for fractional lasers tends to be about 1⁄2 of

fully ablative. Similarly, the results for smoker’s lines are also much less dramatic than with fully

ablative resurfacing.

Benefits of Laser Resurfacing for Smoker’s Lines

Laser resurfacing offers numerous advantages when it comes to treating smoker’s lines. Here

are some of the key benefits:

1. Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The most significant benefit of laser resurfacing is its ability to reduce the appearance of

smoker’s lines. The procedure helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a

more youthful, plump, and refreshed appearance.

2. Stimulates Collagen Production

Laser resurfacing stimulates the production of collagen, the protein responsible for skin

elasticity. As collagen production increases, the skin becomes firmer and more toned,

improving the overall texture and structure of the skin around the mouth.

3. Non-Surgical Treatment

Laser resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure, meaning there are no incisions or stitches

involved. This makes it a great option for individuals who want to avoid the risks and

downtime associated with more invasive procedures like facelifts.

4. Long-Lasting Results

The results from laser resurfacing can last from months to years, depending on the type

of laser used and how the procedure is performed. Collagen production continues to

improve after the procedure, leading to gradual and lasting skin improvement.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Before undergoing laser resurfacing for smoker’s lines, it is essential to have a consultation with

a qualified healthcare professional. During this consultation, your practitioner will assess your

skin, discuss your goals, and recommend an appropriate treatment option based on your skin

type, the severity of your wrinkles, and your overall health.

At our practice, several medications are prescribed pretreatment and some of those medications

need to be started ahead of time. Our pre-treatment instructions discuss the medications and

instructions for taking them.

The Treatment Procedure

On the day of the treatment, a topical anesthetic is typically applied to the treatment area to

minimize discomfort. In some cases, depending on the type of laser and the area being treated,

a local anesthetic may also be used to provide comfort throughout the procedure. Finally,

nitrous oxide and medications for pain and relaxation are used to make the procedure more

comfortable. The actual laser treatment takes between 20 – 30 minutes for a full-face

treatment, but only a few minutes for just the smoker’s lines.

During the procedure, the laser will be directed at the skin around your mouth. The laser energy

removes sun damaged skin and targets deeper layers to stimulate collagen production.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

After the procedure, it is normal to experience a sunburn like feeling for 90 minutes post

treatment. In the 7 days following treatment redness, swelling, weeping of the skin and mild

discomfort are normal. Day 7 – 14 involves continued redness and healing to the point where

makeup is usually worn at 2 weeks post procedure. In the post treatment phase, we provide

aftercare instructions as well as skincare products to recover with.

Risks and Considerations

While laser resurfacing is safe, it is not without potential risks. These risks include:

Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: The treated area may become lighter

(hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than the surrounding skin.

Scarring: Although rare, some patients may experience scarring after laser treatment,

especially if post-treatment care is not followed correctly. Permanent scarring has never

occurred at Celibre.

Infection: As with any skin treatment, there is a small risk of infection if the skin is not

properly cared for after the procedure.

Conclusion

Laser resurfacing is an excellent option if you are looking to improve or reduce the appearance

of smoker’s lines. If you are tired of looking at lipstick lines around your mouth and regain a

smooth, youthful appearance, laser resurfacing may be the right option for you.