Vertical lip lines
Vertical lip lines are short creases crossing the lip border or extending into the skin above or below it. They often deepen when the lips purse and may allow lipstick to track beyond the border. They are one pattern within broader perioral ageing.
What you may notice
- Fine vertical lines at the lip border
- Deeper creases when pursing
- Reduced definition of the vermilion border
- Changes in lip volume or surface texture
Why it can happen
Movement of the orbicularis oris muscle repeatedly folds the area. Thin skin, ultraviolet exposure, smoking, genetics and age-related changes in lip volume or dental support influence severity. The balance between movement, surface damage and lost support differs from person to person.
What may help
Sun protection, smoking cessation and appropriate skincare help prevent additional photoageing. Options may include resurfacing for texture, conservative filler for support or border definition, and very cautious muscle relaxation for movement. Overcorrection can alter speech, drinking or facial expression, so preserving function is essential.
When to consult
A clinician can assess whether the main issue is skin texture, movement or volume. Any non-healing, bleeding or changing lip lesion needs medical assessment before cosmetic treatment.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration. Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; 2024 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/wrinkle-treatments-and-other-anti-aging-products (new tab)