Accordion Lines Treatment Sydney

What Do Accordion Lines Look Like?

Accordion lines differ from nasolabial folds or marionette lines, which are deeper. They are also treated differently. Accordion lines can appear more noticeable with facial movement and can present as:

• creases that appear when smiling or talking
• lines that gradually become more visible at rest over time
• wrinkled skin that becomes more visible with dehydration
• fine lines across the lower cheek
• textural changes associated with skin thinning

This area of the face is extremely dynamic, constantly moving when we smile, speak or express emotion. Consequently, the natural skin laxity in this region, which appears over time, can lead to repetitive folding and fine line formation.

Why Do Accordion Lines Develop?

Accordion lines are mostly related to skin behaviour rather than isolated volume loss. They may develop due to:

• repetitive facial movements
• a reduction in skin resilience and elasticity
• skin thinning over time
• reduced skin function
• dehydration
• genetics
• reduction in collagen and elastin

How To Treat Accordion Lines

As accordion lines are typically related to skin behaviour and skin laxity, treatment is primarily focused on this issue. It does not involve trying to fill any lines. At Bella Plastic Surgery, we believe that lines in this area should not be treated with volumising products, as they can make the area appear heavier and more noticeable over time.

Because this area is highly dynamic and involves many repetitive movements, there is a risk that the product may shift, altering its appearance during expression.

When structural support is required in this area of the face, it is more appropriate to place volumising treatment in front of or behind the line to provide indirect support, rather than filling the line itself. By doing so, it does not compromise the dynamic nature of the lower face.

Skin Boosters

If an individual has very fine lines, mainly due to skin thinning, we may administer skin boosters (or similar, lighter, low-viscosity sugar-based products). Skin boosters are administered more superficially than volumising products, aiming to support overall skin quality and hydration. It’s important to note that these products do not provide structural support, unlike volumising products.

Polynucleotides & Dry Skin Needling

If an individual has accordion lines primarily due to reduced collagen levels and skin breakdown, polynucleotides may be recommended in combination with dry skin needling. This treatment focuses on supporting skin quality rather than adding any volume to the area.

Dry skin needling creates controlled micro trauma within the skin, stimulating cellular activity. Polynucleotides, derived from purified salmon DNA, are administered immediately after needling to support cellular repair processes and fibroblast activity.

Treatment is planned conservatively and may be performed over a series of appointments, depending on tissue response.

Laser Treatments

If an individual has reduced collagen levels, sun damage and changes in skin quality, laser treatment may be considered. Lasers are typically classified as ablative and non-ablative.

• Non-ablative laser treatments are usually given over a series of appointments to stimulate collagen production without removing the skin’s surface layer.
• Ablative laser treatments are more aggressive. They create controlled injury within the skin to stimulate tissue renewal during the healing process.

Choosing the most appropriate laser treatment depends on the individual’s treatment goals, skin type and overall suitability.

Medical-Grade Skincare

For long-term management of accordion lines, we often recommend medical-grade skincare. While it is not a substitute for clinical treatments, it plays a vital role in supporting skin function and reducing ongoing skin breakdown.

Using appropriate active ingredients can help support collagen activity, maintain hydration and reduce the progression of existing superficial fine lines. Patients are recommended medical-grade skincare based on their treatment history and skin type.

Treatment Comfort

Bella Plastic Surgery offers a range of comfort measures to ensure your treatment is well-tolerated. When appropriate, these may include local anaesthetic (administered via needle), topical anaesthetic and, in select cases, nitrous oxide (happy gas). These measures are monitored throughout the treatment and adjusted when required.

Treatment Planning

Treatment for accordion lines begins with an initial consultation. During this time, your facial structure, skin condition and overall suitability for treatments are assessed in detail. Your medical history will also be reviewed.

Following this, we will recommend a tailored treatment plan based on what is clinically appropriate for you. All appropriate treatment options will be discussed, along with their limitations and potential risks, so patients have a clear understanding of what may be appropriate.

Patients must understand that their treatment may involve a staged approach over time, depending on the severity of the lines and the treatment type. The treatment plan often includes in-clinic procedures, medical-grade skincare, diligent sunscreen use and other preventive measures to help minimise skin breakdown over time.

If we recommend prescription-only treatments, a separate telehealth consultation with the prescribing doctor is required before proceeding. This consultation ensures that the treatment plan is medically suitable and that the proposed plan is appropriately authorised.

Risks & Vital Considerations

All aesthetic procedures carry risks. These risks vary depending on the type of treatment and will be discussed during the initial consultation to support informed decision-making. Risks include individual anatomy and tissue response and may include swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, infection, prolonged inflammation, pigment changes (particularly with laser-based treatments), fibrotic tissue response, fluid retention and persistent tissue changes that may not be fully reversible.

To learn more about these risks, please see our Potential Risks and Complications page.

Treatment Costs

The cost of treatment for accordion lines depends on the type of treatment performed, the number of treatments required and the degree of fine line formation. The cost is also influenced by whether prescription-only products are required.

As all treatments are tailored to the individual, an in-person consultation is required before providing a cost estimate.

Accordion Line Treatment FAQs

What are accordion lines?

Accordion lines are fine creases that appear around the mouth and across the lower cheeks. They tend to show more when you smile or talk. These lines are usually associated with thinning skin and reduced collagen, rather than deep facial folds.

How are accordion lines different from nasolabial folds or marionette lines?

Accordion lines are fine lines caused by skin laxity and repeated movement. Nasolabial folds and marionette lines are deeper, structural folds. Because they are different types of lines, they are treated differently.

Why do accordion lines become more noticeable with age?

Over time, collagen levels decrease, and the skin becomes thinner. Sun exposure, dehydration and repeated facial expressions can also contribute. As the skin loses strength and elasticity, it creases more easily during movement.

Does volume loss cause accordion lines?

In most cases, accordion lines are more related to skin quality than volume loss. While some structural changes can occur with ageing, these lines are usually driven by thinning skin and repeated facial movement.

What treatment options are available for accordion lines?

Treatment depends on how noticeable the lines are and the overall condition of your skin. Options may include skin boosters, polynucleotides with dry skin needling, laser treatments and medical-grade skincare. A personalised plan is created after consultation.

Do skin boosters help accordion lines?

Skin boosters may be suitable for very fine lines linked to skin thinning or dehydration. They are placed superficially and focus on supporting skin quality rather than adding structural support.

What are polynucleotides and how do they work?

Polynucleotides are derived from purified salmon DNA. They are used to support skin repair and stimulate fibroblast activity. When combined with dry skin needling, they may help in cases where accordion lines are associated with collagen decline and skin breakdown.

Is laser treatment suitable?

Laser treatments may be considered when skin texture, sun damage or collagen loss are contributing factors. Non-ablative lasers work gradually over several sessions. Ablative lasers are more intense and involve more downtime. Suitability depends on your skin type and clinical assessment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the lines and the treatment chosen. This will be discussed during your consultation.

Is treatment permanent?

No aesthetic treatment is permanent. Ageing and environmental factors continue over time. Maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on your plan.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery depends on the treatment performed. Skin-based treatments may cause temporary redness or sensitivity. Laser treatments, particularly ablative lasers, can involve more noticeable downtime. Your expected recovery will be explained before treatment.

How much does treatment cost?

Pricing for treatments varies depending on the severity of the lines, the type of treatment selected and whether it is staged. As treatments are tailored to the individual, exact pricing can only be provided after an in-person consultation.