Marionette lines: why they form and what helps
Marionette lines run from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin. They deepen when mid face volume drops and the muscle that pulls the mouth corner down stays active. They are closely linked to jowls, because both come from the same downward drift.
Key takeaways
- The muscle involved is the depressor anguli oris, which pulls mouth corners down.
- They deepen because volume above them drops, not because the line itself grew.
- Same root cause as jowls, which is why they often appear together.
- A downturned mouth at rest is what makes people read the face as sad or stern.
- Releasing the downward pull often matters more than strengthening anything.
Why do they form?
Two things combine. The depressor anguli oris, which pulls the corners of the mouth downward, becomes relatively dominant over the muscles that lift. And volume in the mid face drifts down, so tissue stacks along the jaw and deepens the crease that runs beside the chin.
The result is a mouth that rests slightly downturned, which other people read as an expression even when you feel neutral. That is often what bothers people most, more than the line itself.
Why they come with jowls
Because they share a cause. The downward drift of cheek volume that creates a jowl also deepens the marionette line just in front of it. They are two visible signs of the same underlying change, which is why addressing one usually helps the other.
| Sign | Shared driver |
|---|---|
| Jowl at the jawline | Cheek volume drifting downward |
| Marionette line | The same drift, plus a dominant downward pull |
| Softening jaw edge | Reduced tone in the platysma below |
That is also why working only on the line itself tends to disappoint. The support above it is where the change comes from.
What helps
- Release the downward pull. Gentle work on the muscles that drag the mouth corners down often changes resting expression more than strengthening does.
- Support the mid face. Cheek activation addresses the drift that deepens the fold.
- Work the jaw and neck. Platysma tone supports the whole lower face structure.
- Drain the area. Fluid along the jaw exaggerates both jowls and marionette lines.
- Notice your resting face. Many people hold a slight downturn habitually, especially at a screen.
Realistic expectations
Established deep marionette lines will not disappear with exercise. What can change is how pronounced they look: less fluid, better support above them, and a resting mouth position that is not being pulled downward all day.
If the fold is deep and there is visible hollowing above it, that is a volume issue, which is a clinical conversation rather than an exercise one.
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Take the 2-minute assessmentFrequently asked questions
What causes marionette lines?
A combination of mid face volume drifting downward and a dominant downward pull from the muscle at the mouth corner, deepening the crease beside the chin.
Can exercises get rid of marionette lines?
They can soften how they look by supporting the mid face and reducing the downward pull. Deep established creases usually need a clinical treatment.
Why do I look sad when my face is relaxed?
Often because the muscle pulling the mouth corners down has become dominant, leaving the mouth slightly downturned at rest.
Are marionette lines the same as smile lines?
No. Smile lines run from nose to mouth corner. Marionette lines run from mouth corner down toward the chin.
Do they get worse with weight loss?
They can, because losing facial volume removes support above the fold, which makes the crease more visible.
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This guide is general education about facial muscles, skin and daily habits. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose or treat any condition. If you have a medical concern, or you have recently had injectables or another cosmetic procedure, speak with your own clinician first. See our terms and privacy policy.