Barcode lines (perioral wrinkles): what they are

Barcode lines is the popular name for the fine vertical wrinkles that appear in the skin above the upper lip, and sometimes below the lower one. They resemble the stripes of a barcode, hence the nickname. They are more visible when the person purses the lips, as when whistling or drinking through a straw, and over time they can become etched even at rest.

Why do these wrinkles appear?

They result from a combination of two factors. The first is movement: the orbicularis oris muscle contracts many times a day, folding the skin in the same place every time, which at first makes them dynamic wrinkles. The second is loss of skin quality, with less collagen and elasticity, which turns the fold into a static wrinkle. Sun exposure, smoking, genetics and loss of dental support all contribute.

Which approaches are usually discussed?

The plan depends on the depth of the wrinkles and the predominant cause. Options mentioned include:

• small doses of botulinum toxin in the orbicularis, with caution so as not to affect speech or lip function;
• filler with soft products to smooth the lines or support the lip;
• skin quality treatments, such as biostimulators and surface procedures.

The approaches are often combined. The indication, product and dose are defined by the qualified professional, after an assessment. The area is highly vascular, and hyaluronidase should be available when hyaluronic acid is used.

In Harmy

The perioral area is tied to the Lips point of the marking; there is no separate point for barcode lines.

Also called: perioral wrinkles, smoker's lines, lip lines.