if you're new and embarrassingly late to the face game ....

[Anonymous]

Fillers do NOT always look bad. Go to a board certified dermatologist who will select the right one for you.
I have had great results with fillers in marionette lines, Thermage to tighten jaw lines (hurts btw), and judicious Botox.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would start with a deep laser and botox. Get a prescription for tretinoin and use it daily.

You might need a mini face life. They look very natural now. Don't do any fillers even if it might be the only thing to fix your marionettes. I would wait to see if you like the laser/botox/tret first. It might be all you need. Exercise will tighten loose skin too.

why all the "no fillers!" comments, when my google research seems to suggest fillers are the answer to marionette lines?

It only looks good the first couple times. Filler never fully dissolves, but dissolves enough that you need to keep doing it. Then offer time, all the leftover filler migrates and settles and your face ends up looking odd

[Anonymous]

Fillers are a no no. Creepy faces are hard to look at. Don't be creepy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go to an excellent dermatologist before a medspa but that's my opinion. Ask their opinion. Overall it is typical to begin a skincare routine using a retinol, ask the dermatologist for a script like tretinoin. I would start with botox around eyes, head, brow line. You can consider microneedling which increases collagen and improves skin quality. I've been pleased enough so far with these things but I lean toward liking a more natural look so I avoid anything with my lips or filler. Though these can be done well. I like Dr. Ann Rothman.

Is this the answer when the most glaringly obvious lines are the marionette lines (no crows feet, bangs mostly cover forehead)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would start with a deep laser and botox. Get a prescription for tretinoin and use it daily.

You might need a mini face life. They look very natural now. Don't do any fillers even if it might be the only thing to fix your marionettes. I would wait to see if you like the laser/botox/tret first. It might be all you need. Exercise will tighten loose skin too.

why all the "no fillers!" comments, when my google research seems to suggest fillers are the answer to marionette lines?

Because people that get fillers look so weird. While shopping for cosmetic services, don’t forget the commercial beast you’re dipping into. For example, Botox was the sought-after treatment 30 years ago. Today there are a lot more options. Don’t just fall for the familiar, or the expensive. At your age, go with a prescription for tretonin(sp?) and lasers, or a face lift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go to an excellent dermatologist before a medspa but that's my opinion. Ask their opinion. Overall it is typical to begin a skincare routine using a retinol, ask the dermatologist for a script like tretinoin. I would start with botox around eyes, head, brow line. You can consider microneedling which increases collagen and improves skin quality. I've been pleased enough so far with these things but I lean toward liking a more natural look so I avoid anything with my lips or filler. Though these can be done well. I like Dr. Ann Rothman.

Is this the answer when the most glaringly obvious lines are the marionette lines (no crows feet, bangs mostly cover forehead)?

I would start more conservatively than fillers. You noted spotty skin texture. That's why i said, perhaps start there. Maybe if you increase your collagen and your skin looks healthier and yes, younger, since we lose collagen as we age...perhaps your marionette lines will bother you less. I asked for filler for marionette lines when I started seeing dermo five years ago. She discouraged starting there and I think said something about removing the natural contours. Anyway, it's completely up to you and your provider obviously. Just understand that many people use these procedures in various ways and a certain segment of us are anti filler in general. It has to be done very carefully to look good. Pick your provider carefully. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go to an excellent dermatologist before a medspa but that's my opinion. Ask their opinion. Overall it is typical to begin a skincare routine using a retinol, ask the dermatologist for a script like tretinoin. I would start with botox around eyes, head, brow line. You can consider microneedling which increases collagen and improves skin quality. I've been pleased enough so far with these things but I lean toward liking a more natural look so I avoid anything with my lips or filler. Though these can be done well. I like Dr. Ann Rothman.

Is this the answer when the most glaringly obvious lines are the marionette lines (no crows feet, bangs mostly cover forehead)?

I would start more conservatively than fillers. You noted spotty skin texture. That's why i said, perhaps start there. Maybe if you increase your collagen and your skin looks healthier and yes, younger, since we lose collagen as we age...perhaps your marionette lines will bother you less. I asked for filler for marionette lines when I started seeing dermo five years ago. She discouraged starting there and I think said something about removing the natural contours. Anyway, it's completely up to you and your provider obviously. Just understand that many people use these procedures in various ways and a certain segment of us are anti filler in general. It has to be done very carefully to look good. Pick your provider carefully. Good luck.

thanks for the follow up