“Barcode lines” refer to the vertical wrinkles that develop around the mouth, most noticeably on the upper lip. They result from repeated contraction of the perioral muscles over many years, particularly with activities such as pursing the lips, drinking through straws, or smoking. Smoking not only encourages the pursing movement but also accelerates skin aging through collagen breakdown, making these lines deeper and more visible. Sun exposure and natural age-related volume loss further contribute to the appearance of these lines.
Treatment typically involves carefully placed small units of botulinum toxin into the superficial perioral muscles to relax the excessive movement that causes the creasing. This softens the lines while preserving natural lip function and expression when performed conservatively. In some patients, optimal results are achieved in combination with skin boosters, microneedling, or fine dermal filler to improve skin texture and restore support. The aim is not to “freeze” the mouth, but to subtly rejuvenate the perioral area, smooth the lip lines, and reduce the aged, “barcode” appearance while maintaining a natural smile and speech.
Softens fine lines around the mouth
Preserves natural lip movement
Non-surgical and minimally invasive
Preserves natural lip movement
No downtime
