Vertical wrinkles marking the lip contour, commonly known as “barcode lines,” are among the most disliked blemishes, as they give the face a tired and severe appearance.
At Istituto Image, we address this imperfection as both a challenge to correct and an opportunity to regenerate the skin in depth.
Our philosophy is based on an approach that combines the most advanced techniques of aesthetic medicine, such as hyaluronic acid fillers and excellence regenerative protocols (Lipogems), to restore the smile’s natural harmony and freshness.
Lip contour wrinkles: causes and characteristics
The “barcode” lip contour consists of thin vertical wrinkles that form on the upper lip skin and, sometimes, on the lower lip as well. Their appearance is a multifactorial process, linked both to intrinsic aging and external factors.
Over the years, the skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid — the three pillars that give it tone, elasticity, and hydration. This structural thinning makes the skin more vulnerable to facial movements.
The orbicularis oris muscle, which we constantly use to speak, smile, or drink, contracts repeatedly and marks the weakened skin, creating these fine lines. To this natural process, additional factors may accelerate and worsen the condition:
- Cigarette smoking: Nicotine compromises microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, while the very act of inhaling accentuates perioral muscle contraction.
- Sun exposure: Photodamage degrades collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the loss of tone.
- Genetic factors: Individual predisposition plays a role in the early onset and severity of this imperfection.
- Dehydration: Poorly hydrated skin is less elastic and more prone to wrinkling.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward defining a treatment strategy that not only fills wrinkles but also improves the overall quality of the skin.
The importance of hyaluronic acid in aesthetic medicine
Hyaluronic acid is an extraordinary molecule, naturally present in our body, particularly in the dermis. Its function is to bind and retain large amounts of water, acting as a true hydration reservoir that keeps the skin plump, elastic, and firm.
In aesthetic medicine, the use of synthetic, biocompatible, and fully resorbable hyaluronic acid has been a true revolution.
Fillers based on this molecule allow targeted and safe interventions to restore lost volume, correct asymmetries, and, of course, fill wrinkles. Its importance lies in its ability to provide natural, harmonious results without altering facial features. It is not a foreign body but a support that helps the skin regain its original structure, with an extremely high safety profile.
