Fine lines above the upper lip or around the mouth can become more noticeable over time. You might first notice them when applying lipstick, looking closely in the mirror or seeing how your skin appears in photographs.
CO2 laser resurfacing may help improve the appearance of fine lines around the mouth in suitable patients. The results depend on the type and depth of the lines, your skin condition and the treatment approach. Laser resurfacing is recognised as an option for wrinkles in this area, but it cannot guarantee completely smooth skin.
At That Face Place in Palm Beach, a consultation is the starting point for understanding whether CO2 laser treatment on the Gold Coast is appropriate for your concerns.
Why do fine lines develop around the mouth?
The skin around the mouth changes through a combination of natural ageing, sun exposure and repeated facial movement. Talking, smiling and pursing the lips all involve movement in this area.
Over time, changes in the skin’s structure can make lines more visible, including when the face is resting. Sun exposure can also contribute to premature wrinkles, making daily sun protection an important part of caring for this area.
These lines are sometimes called “smoker’s lines”, but they can develop in people who have never smoked.
How does CO2 laser work on mouth lines?
CO2 laser is an ablative resurfacing treatment. It removes controlled areas of the skin’s surface and heats underlying tissue, encouraging collagen production as the skin heals.
A fractional approach treats small zones of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. Treatment settings can be adjusted according to the area, the concern and the individual’s suitability.
For selected patients, this approach may soften the appearance of fine lines and improve surrounding skin texture. It involves a healing process, so changes should be assessed after recovery rather than immediately after treatment.
Are upper lip lines the same as deeper folds?
Fine lines in the skin above the upper lip are different from deeper folds extending from the nose towards the mouth or from the mouth towards the chin.
Deeper folds can involve changes beneath the skin, including facial volume and tissue support. Resurfacing the surface alone may not address the main cause.
This is why assessment matters. Your practitioner needs to identify whether your concern relates mainly to skin texture, facial movement, deeper structural changes or a combination of factors. You can explore related concerns on our Lower Face and Mouth page.
What needs to be assessed before treatment?
Before considering CO₂ laser around the mouth, your practitioner will review your skin and medical history, including:
- Your skin tone and tendency to develop pigmentation.
- Previous skin treatments and your healing history.
- Current medications and skincare products.
- Any active irritation or infection.
- A history of cold sores.
- Your expectations and ability to manage recovery.
Tell your practitioner if you have ever had cold sores, even if they occur infrequently. Laser resurfacing around the mouth can trigger a recurrence, and preventative medication may be recommended following assessment. Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from your treating clinician.
What are the risks and recovery considerations?
CO₂ laser involves downtime. Redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness and peeling can occur during recovery. Healing varies with the treatment settings, the area treated and your individual response.
Possible complications include infection, prolonged redness, changes in pigmentation and scarring. These risks should be discussed before deciding whether to proceed.
Your clinic will provide personalised instructions for cleansing, skincare, sun protection and returning to makeup or other activities. For more information, read our CO₂ laser aftercare guide.
Will CO₂ laser remove every line?
Complete removal of every line is not a realistic promise. Some lines may soften, while deeper lines or concerns involving facial movement and tissue support may remain.
The aim is to establish what improvement is reasonably achievable for your skin, alongside the risks and recovery involved.
Considering CO₂ laser on the Gold Coast?
At That Face Place, CO₂ laser treatments are performed by Dermal Therapist Michelle Beddoes using the AcuPulse fractional ablative CO₂ laser by Lumenis. Treatment planning includes a consultation, clinical imaging, skin analysis and medical history review.
If fine lines around your mouth are a concern, contact our Palm Beach clinic to arrange a consultation. We can assess your skin, discuss your goals and explain whether CO₂ laser or another approach may be suitable.
