Perioral Lines – Er:YAG Laser Resurfacing
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SkinVitál Clinic
Banstead, Surrey
Treatment at a Glance
Procedure Time
30–45 minutes, including numbing cream
Products Used
Fractional Er:YAG laser – Dynamix by Lynton, tailored to the upper and lower lip area
Downtime
Usually 3–5 days – redness, mild swelling and fine pinpoint crusting or flaking
Duration of Results
Long-lasting – collagen keeps rebuilding for months; results vary with skin and lifestyle
Back to Work
Usually 2–5 days, depending on treatment depth
Timeframe for Results
Smoother skin within 2–3 weeks; best results 3–6 months after a course of 3
Perioral Er:YAG resurfacing is ideal for:
Perioral rhytides – fine vertical lines on the upper lip ("barcode" or lipstick lines)
Lines at the corners of the mouth and on the lower lip area
Crepey, thinning skin around the lips
Uneven texture and sun damage around the mouth
Anyone wanting smoother lip-area skin without filler
The treatment
Every treatment starts with a consultation with Jolanta, Registered Nurse and Independent Nurse Prescriber, to check suitability, skin type and medical history. Numbing cream is applied for about 20 minutes, then the Er:YAG laser is passed over the area in a few short, controlled passes. You will feel warmth and a prickling sensation.
Before treatment
Avoid sun, sunbeds and self-tan for 2 weeks, and stop retinol and exfoliating acids 5–7 days before. If you are prone to cold sores, tell Jo – she may advise antiviral cover.
Recommended course
3 sessions, one a month, for most people; up to 6 for deeper lines. For the best results, combine with light-dose anti-wrinkle injections to relax the lip-pursing muscle, or skin boosters for hydration around the mouth.
Home care
Environ Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser, Obagi Professional-C® Serum 15% 30ml and Obagi Sun Shield® Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 protect and support your new collagen.
Perioral rhytides – fine vertical lines on the upper lip ("barcode" or lipstick lines)
Lines at the corners of the mouth and on the lower lip area
Crepey, thinning skin around the lips
Uneven texture and sun damage around the mouth
Anyone wanting smoother lip-area skin without filler
The treatment
Every treatment starts with a consultation with Jolanta, Registered Nurse and Independent Nurse Prescriber, to check suitability, skin type and medical history. Numbing cream is applied for about 20 minutes, then the Er:YAG laser is passed over the area in a few short, controlled passes. You will feel warmth and a prickling sensation.
Before treatment
Avoid sun, sunbeds and self-tan for 2 weeks, and stop retinol and exfoliating acids 5–7 days before. If you are prone to cold sores, tell Jo – she may advise antiviral cover.
Recommended course
3 sessions, one a month, for most people; up to 6 for deeper lines. For the best results, combine with light-dose anti-wrinkle injections to relax the lip-pursing muscle, or skin boosters for hydration around the mouth.
Home care
Environ Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser, Obagi Professional-C® Serum 15% 30ml and Obagi Sun Shield® Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 protect and support your new collagen.
What are perioral rhytides?
They are the fine vertical lines around the mouth, especially on the upper lip – often called barcode lines, lipstick lines or smoker's lines.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream keeps it comfortable. Most people describe warmth and prickling during treatment, and a mild sunburn feeling for a day or two afterwards.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need 3 sessions, one a month. Deeper lines may need up to 6.
When will I see results?
The skin looks smoother within 2–3 weeks, and keeps improving for 3–6 months as new collagen forms.
Will it change the shape of my lips?
No. The laser treats the skin only, so there is no added fullness and your lips keep their natural shape.
Laser or filler for lip lines?
Laser resurfaces and rebuilds the skin itself. Skin boosters or a soft filler add hydration and support beneath it. Jo will advise which – or which combination – suits you.
Can I have it if I get cold sores?
Yes, with precautions. Tell Jo at your consultation.
Who should not have it?
It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active cold sores or infection in the area, after recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane), or on recently tanned skin.
They are the fine vertical lines around the mouth, especially on the upper lip – often called barcode lines, lipstick lines or smoker's lines.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream keeps it comfortable. Most people describe warmth and prickling during treatment, and a mild sunburn feeling for a day or two afterwards.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need 3 sessions, one a month. Deeper lines may need up to 6.
When will I see results?
The skin looks smoother within 2–3 weeks, and keeps improving for 3–6 months as new collagen forms.
Will it change the shape of my lips?
No. The laser treats the skin only, so there is no added fullness and your lips keep their natural shape.
Laser or filler for lip lines?
Laser resurfaces and rebuilds the skin itself. Skin boosters or a soft filler add hydration and support beneath it. Jo will advise which – or which combination – suits you.
Can I have it if I get cold sores?
Yes, with precautions. Tell Jo at your consultation.
Who should not have it?
It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active cold sores or infection in the area, after recent isotretinoin (Roaccutane), or on recently tanned skin.
Results may include:
Softer, less visible upper lip "barcode" lines
Smoother, more even skin texture around the mouth
Thicker, firmer skin as new collagen forms
A fresher, more youthful lip area that still looks natural
Results build over 3–6 months and last longer with daily SPF 50, good skincare and a yearly top-up session. Individual results vary.
Softer, less visible upper lip "barcode" lines
Smoother, more even skin texture around the mouth
Thicker, firmer skin as new collagen forms
A fresher, more youthful lip area that still looks natural
Results build over 3–6 months and last longer with daily SPF 50, good skincare and a yearly top-up session. Individual results vary.
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The treatment
Everything you need to know
A gentle laser treatment for perioral rhytides – the fine lines around the mouth – performed by Jolanta, Registered Nurse and Independent Nurse Prescriber, at our Banstead clinic.
Treatment time
30–45 minutes
Downtime
3–5 days
Sessions
3 recommended, monthly
Results
Improve over 3–6 months
01
What is it?
Perioral Er:YAG resurfacing uses an erbium laser to treat perioral rhytides – the vertical "barcode" lines on the upper lip and lines around the mouth. Precise micro-columns of laser energy remove tired surface skin and stimulate new collagen and elastin.
The result is smoother, firmer skin around the lips, with no needles, filler or surgery.
02
Ideal for
- Upper lip barcode or lipstick lines
- Lines at the corners of the mouth
- Crepey, thinning skin around the lips
- Sun damage and uneven texture around the mouth
- Anyone wanting smoother lips without changing their shape
03
What to expect
- Consultation: skin assessment and a personalised plan
- On the day: numbing cream for comfort
- Treatment: controlled laser passes, felt as warmth and prickling
- Afterwards: redness, mild swelling and pinpoint flaking for 3–5 days
- Results: smoother skin in 2–3 weeks, improving for months as collagen forms