Accordion Lines

Accordion lines can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Facial volume loss
  As we age, the descend and diminishing of facial fat pads in the mid face reduces underlying structural support, which causes increased skin creasing.
• Skin laxity
  The natural decline in collagen and elastin levels due to ageing leads to thinner skin that creases more easily, and less elastic skin that does not spring back properly in place.
• Excessive weight loss
  Rapid or significant weight loss can lead to a sunken facial appearance and more pronounced lines as facial fat that supports the skin is diminished.
• Repetitive facial movement
  Repeated smiling and laughing causes facial muscles to tug on the skin sideways, creating vertical creases on the outer cheeks over time.
• Sleeping on your side
  Lateral (side) sleeping is the most common sleep posture among the adult population globally. What many are not aware is that the compression and tension of the face pressed against the pillow daily can lead to the formation of “sleep wrinkles” over time.

• You may now be wondering: can accordion lines be treated? The good news is yes. But not with BTX as many patients mistakenly assume. Accordion lines are different from expression wrinkles such as crow’s feet or frown lines and are located away from the muscles rather than directly over them. Injecting BTX too far down into the zygomaticus muscle (the muscles responsible for lifting the mouth corners when smiling) carry risks of an unnatural appearance or distorted smile.

At Veritas Medical Aesthetics, accordion lines are treated with:

• Dermal fillers
  Soft, malleable fillers can be injected along accordion lines to smooth them. However, as this is a dynamic area that moves every time you smile, care must be taken to avoid overfilling, as this can create an unnatural bulge in the area. Rather than just filling the lines themselves, structural support can be reinforced with dermal fillers, by placing them strategically along the cheekbone and midface to restore lost volume. This provides structural support for the overlying skin and prevents the skin from folding as easily.
• Collagen stimulators
  For those whose accordion lines are caused by both lax skin and facial volume loss, treatment with PCL collagen stimulator offers dual action by providing immediate volume correction as well as stimulating the body’s own collagen production for natural, long-lasting results.
• Skinboosters
  Skinboosters can be used to improve skin quality, repair thinned/damaged skin and enhance skin elasticity to reduce the appearance of accordion lines and prevent further deterioration.
• BTX
  While BTX is not the first line treatment for accordion lines, it can be offered in certain cases to reduce movement of overactive muscles that contribute to accordion lines. However, the administration of BTX in this area has to be very superficial, diluted and exacting. It is important to find a treatment provider that has a deep understanding of the facial anatomy to avoid the unintended risks.

Treatment for accordion lines begins with a consultation with the doctor to assess your condition, underlying causes of your lines and suitability for treatments. Need help with correcting accordion lines? Reach out to us for a consultation with experienced doctors.