At Skin and Scar Care Clinic, we offer personalised treatments for vertical lines, forehead wrinkles, eyelid wrinkles and upper-lip lines.
Wrinkles can appear because of repeated facial movement, collagen loss, sun damage, skin thinning, dehydration, smoking, genetics and natural ageing. Some lines are mainly caused by muscle movement, while others become etched into the skin over time.
Our treatment options may include:
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- Viscoderm Hydrobooster
- CO₂ laser resurfacing
- Erbium Glass 1550 nm laser
- Bioremodelling injections
- Subcision for selected upper-lip lines
- Medical-grade skincare
- Retinoids and collagen-stimulating topical treatments
- Chemical peels in selected cases
- PRF or regenerative injectables where suitable
- Combination treatment for deeper or more established wrinkles
Our aim is to improve skin quality, soften wrinkles and create natural-looking rejuvenation without over-treating the face.
What are vertical lines and wrinkles?
Vertical lines are wrinkles that run up and down rather than horizontally. They are commonly seen:
- Between the eyebrows, also known as frown lines or “11 lines”
- Around the upper lip, also known as smoker’s lines, lipstick lines or barcode lines
- Around the eyelids, especially where thin skin becomes crepey
- Around the mouth and chin, where repeated movement creates etched lines
These lines may be mild and only visible during movement, or they may become deeper and visible at rest.
Why do vertical lines and wrinkles develop?
Wrinkles usually develop because of a combination of factors.
1. Repeated facial movement
Everyday expressions such as frowning, smiling, squinting, talking and pursing the lips repeatedly fold the skin.
Over time, these repeated movements can create lines.
Common examples include:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Upper-lip lines from lip movement
- Chin lines from mentalis muscle activity
- Forehead lines from brow lifting
2. Collagen and elastin loss
Collagen gives the skin strength, while elastin gives it bounce. As these reduce with age, the skin becomes thinner, less firm and more prone to wrinkling.
3. Sun damage and photoageing
UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing. It weakens collagen, damages elastin and makes fine lines, pigmentation and skin texture worse.
4. Thin skin around the eyelids
The eyelid skin is naturally delicate. It can show fine lines, crepiness and wrinkles earlier than other areas of the face.
5. Smoking and lifestyle factors
Smoking, vaping, repeated lip pursing, dehydration, poor sleep, stress and lack of sun protection can all contribute to upper-lip lines and general skin ageing.
6. Volume and support loss
Loss of facial support around the temples, cheeks, mouth and chin can make lines appear deeper. This is particularly relevant around the upper lip and lower face.
7. Genetics
Some people naturally develop fine lines or expression lines earlier due to skin type, facial structure and inherited collagen quality
Dynamic wrinkles vs static wrinkles
Understanding the type of wrinkle is important before choosing treatment.
Dynamic wrinkles
Dynamic wrinkles appear mainly when the face moves.
Examples include:
- Frown lines when frowning
- Forehead lines when lifting the brows
- Crow’s feet when smiling
- Upper-lip lines when pursing the lips
These often respond well to anti-wrinkle injections.
Static wrinkles
Static wrinkles are visible even when the face is relaxed.
Examples include:
- Etched frown lines
- Fine eyelid lines at rest
- Deeper upper-lip barcode lines
- Crepey skin texture
- Wrinkles caused by sun damage and collagen loss
These usually need skin-quality treatment, such as CO₂ laser, Erbium Glass laser, Hydrobooster, bioremodelling injections or combination treatment.
Main treatment areas
Vertical forehead lines and frown lines
Vertical lines between the eyebrows are often called frown lines, glabellar lines or 11 lines.
They are usually caused by repeated contraction of the frown muscles. Over time, the skin can become creased even when the face is relaxed.
Treatment may include:
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- CO₂ laser for etched lines
- Erbium Glass laser for texture and collagen
- Bioremodelling injections for skin quality
- Medical-grade skincare
- Combination treatment for deep static lines
Eyelid wrinkles
Eyelid wrinkles may appear as fine lines, crepey skin, loose skin or folds around the upper or lower eyelids.
They may be caused by ageing, sun damage, thin skin, squinting, collagen loss or eyelid laxity.
Treatment may include:
- CO₂ laser eyelid resurfacing
- Erbium Glass laser in selected cases
- Viscoderm Hydrobooster
- Anti-wrinkle injections for crow’s feet or brow-related lines
- PRF or regenerative skin treatments
- Endolift® in selected laxity cases
- Surgical referral if excess skin is severe
Upper-lip lines
Upper-lip lines are also known as:
- Smoker’s lines
- Lipstick lines
- Barcode lines
- Perioral wrinkles
- Vertical lip lines
They can occur even in people who have never smoked. Causes include repeated lip movement, collagen loss, sun damage, loss of lip support, smoking, genetics and ageing.
Treatment may include:
- CO₂ laser resurfacing
- Erbium Glass laser
- Viscoderm Hydrobooster
- Anti-wrinkle injections in very small doses
- Bioremodelling injections
- Subcision for selected tethered lines
- Medical skincare
- Superficial filler or lip-border support in carefully selected cases
- Chemical peels in selected cases
Treatment options
Anti-wrinkle injections
Anti-wrinkle injections relax selected facial muscles that create expression lines.
They are most useful for dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement.
Anti-wrinkle injections may help improve:
- Frown lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
- Chin dimpling
- Lip lines in selected cases
- Brow heaviness in selected clients
- Muscle-related asymmetry
Anti-wrinkle injections for frown lines
Frown lines are one of the most common and effective areas for anti-wrinkle treatment.
The aim is to soften the repeated contraction of the frown muscles so the overlying skin is not repeatedly folded.
Results usually begin within 3–7 days, with the best result commonly seen around 2 weeks.
The effect usually lasts approximately 3–4 months, although this varies.
Anti-wrinkle injections for upper-lip lines
Very small doses may be used around the upper lip to reduce excessive lip pursing.
This must be performed carefully because over-treatment can affect:
- Speech
- Drinking through a straw
- Whistling
- Lip movement
- Smile balance
For deeper etched upper-lip lines, anti-wrinkle injections alone are usually not enough. CO₂ laser, Hydrobooster, Erbium Glass laser, bioremodelling or subcision may be required.
Anti-wrinkle injection safety
Possible side effects include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Headache
- Temporary asymmetry
- Brow heaviness
- Eyelid droop
- Over-relaxation
- Incomplete correction
- Need for review or adjustment
Treatment around the forehead, eyes and mouth should be planned conservatively.
Viscoderm Hydrobooster
Viscoderm Hydrobooster is an injectable skin-quality treatment designed to improve hydration, elasticity and fine lines.
It is not used to create heavy volume. Instead, it improves the quality and stretch of the skin.
Hydrobooster may help improve:
- Fine lines around the mouth
- Upper-lip wrinkles
- Crepey eyelid skin
- Fine lines around the eyes
- Dehydrated skin
- Skin elasticity
- Early static wrinkles
- Skin texture
A course of 2 sessions, usually spaced around 4 weeks apart, may be recommended.
Best areas for Hydrobooster
Hydrobooster can be useful for:
- Upper-lip lines
- Lip/chin area wrinkles
- Lower eyelid fine lines
- Crow’s feet area skin quality
- Perioral crepiness
- Fine facial lines
What to expect
Small injections are placed into the treatment area. Mild swelling, small bumps, bruising or tenderness can occur and usually settle.
Hydrobooster works gradually and is often combined with laser or anti-wrinkle injections for better results.
CO₂ laser for wrinkles
CO₂ laser is one of the strongest skin-resurfacing treatments for wrinkles, crepey skin and etched lines.
It works by creating controlled micro-injury in the skin. This stimulates healing, collagen remodelling and skin resurfacing.
CO₂ laser may help improve:
- Upper-lip barcode lines
- Static wrinkles
- Eyelid wrinkles
- Crepey eyelid skin
- Sun-damaged skin
- Perioral wrinkles
- Skin texture
- Fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Skin tightening
CO₂ laser for upper-lip lines
CO₂ laser is particularly useful for etched upper-lip lines because it improves the surface texture and stimulates collagen remodelling.
It can be used as a focused treatment around the mouth or as part of a full-face resurfacing plan.
CO₂ laser for eyelid wrinkles
CO₂ laser can be effective for crepey eyelid skin and fine lines around the eyes, but the eyelid area is delicate and requires careful settings, eye protection and experienced treatment planning.
What to expect with CO₂ laser
CO₂ laser involves downtime.
You may experience:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Dryness
- Crusting
- Peeling
- Tightness
- Temporary sensitivity
Healing time depends on treatment intensity, area treated and skin type.
Results continue to improve over several weeks to months as collagen remodels.
Erbium Glass 1550 nm laser
Erbium Glass 1550 nm laser is a non-ablative fractional laser. This means it stimulates collagen below the skin surface with less surface disruption than CO₂ laser.
It is useful when clients want gradual improvement with less downtime.
Erbium Glass laser may help improve:
- Fine lines
- Skin texture
- Mild wrinkles
- Eyelid skin quality in selected cases
- Upper-lip texture
- Early static lines
- Pores
- Mild acne scarring
- Collagen stimulation
- Overall skin quality
A typical course is 3–4 sessions, usually spaced around 4 weeks apart.
CO₂ laser vs Erbium Glass laser
CO₂ laser is stronger and more resurfacing, with more downtime.
Erbium Glass laser is gentler, non-ablative and usually requires a course of treatments.
In many cases, we may recommend starting with Erbium Glass laser to build collagen and skin quality, then using CO₂ laser later for deeper etched lines.
Bioremodelling injections
Bioremodelling injections are designed to improve skin quality, hydration, elasticity and collagen stimulation.
They may include treatments such as Bio Remodelling / Bio Stimulator, Bio Remodelling / Bio Stimulator Structura or other suitable biostimulatory approaches, depending on your assessment.
Bioremodelling may help improve:
- Crepey skin
- Fine lines
- Skin laxity
- Dull skin
- Loss of elasticity
- Poor skin quality
- Mild wrinkles
- Weight-loss-related skin changes
Bioremodelling injections do not replace anti-wrinkle injections, laser or surgery. They are best used as part of a wider skin-quality plan.
A course of 2 sessions, usually spaced around 4 weeks apart, may be recommended depending on the product and treatment area.
Subcision for selected upper-lip lines
Some upper-lip lines are not just surface wrinkles. They may become tethered, meaning the line is fixed down by fibrous bands under the skin.
In selected cases, subcision may be considered to release these tethered lines.
Subcision may help with:
- Deep fixed upper-lip lines
- Tethered perioral wrinkles
- Lines that do not flatten when the skin is stretched
- Scarring or textural tethering around the upper lip
What to expect with subcision
A small needle or cannula is used under the skin to release fibrous attachments.
Bruising, swelling and tenderness are common. Subcision is often combined with CO₂ laser, PRF, Hydrobooster or bioremodelling injections to support healing and collagen stimulation.
Subcision is not suitable for every upper-lip line. It is only considered after careful assessment.
Other evidence-based treatments we may consider
Medical-grade skincare
A good skincare plan is the foundation of wrinkle treatment.
This may include:
- Daily SPF 50
- Retinoids where suitable
- Antioxidants such as vitamin C
- Peptides
- Hydrating barrier repair
- Pigment control if photoageing is present
Retinoids can help improve collagen turnover and fine lines over time, but they must be introduced carefully, especially around the eyes and mouth.
PRF regenerative treatment
PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin, is made from your own blood and contains growth factors that may support skin quality and collagen stimulation.
It can be useful for:
- Under-eye skin quality
- Fine lines
- Crepey skin
- Mild perioral ageing
- Clients who prefer regenerative treatment
PRF usually requires a course of treatments.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels can improve surface texture, dullness, pigmentation and fine lines in selected clients.
They may be used for:
- Fine lines
- Lip area texture
- Mild photoageing
- Uneven tone
Stronger peels are not suitable around the eyes and must be used cautiously in darker skin types or melasma-prone skin.
Dermal filler or microdroplet support
In selected cases, very small amounts of dermal filler may be used to support the lip border or restore subtle volume loss around the mouth. The filler used at Skin and Scar Care Clinic is to improve contour not to volumise or overfill.
It may help where upper-lip lines are worsened by loss of support, but it must be performed carefully to avoid heaviness, puffiness or an unnatural result.
Combination treatment for different wrinkle types
Dynamic frown lines
Best options may include:
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- Erbium Glass laser for skin quality
- CO₂ laser if lines are etched at rest
Eyelid wrinkles and crepey skin
Best options may include:
- CO₂ laser
- Viscoderm Hydrobooster
- Erbium Glass laser to improve collagen and elastin without significant downtime
- PRF
- Anti-wrinkle injections for crow’s feet
- Endolift® if laxity is present
Upper-lip barcode lines
Best options may include:
- CO₂ laser
- Hydrobooster
- Erbium Glass laser
- Bioremodelling injections
- Subcision for tethered lines
- PRF
- Medical skincare
Dehydrated fine lines
Best options may include:
- Hydrobooster
- Bioremodelling injections
- Medical skincare
- Erbium Glass laser
Sun-damaged etched wrinkles
Best options may include:
- CO₂ laser
- Erbium Glass laser
- Retinoids
- SPF 50
- Combination skin rejuvenation plan
What to expect during consultation
Your consultation will include a detailed assessment of your skin, facial movement and wrinkle pattern.
We will assess:
- Whether wrinkles are dynamic or static
- Skin thickness
- Skin laxity
- Sun damage
- Muscle activity
- Eyelid safety and eye area suitability
- Upper-lip support and tethering
- Skin type and pigmentation risk
- Medical history and medication
- Previous aesthetic treatments
- Downtime preferences
- Whether a single treatment or combination plan is best
We will always advise honestly if your concern needs surgery, medical review or a different treatment approach.
Treatment timeline
Anti-wrinkle injections
Anti-wrinkle injections relax targeted facial muscles responsible for repetitive expression lines, helping to soften existing wrinkles while preventing them from becoming deeper. They are particularly effective for forehead lines and dynamic wrinkles.
RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production deep within the skin, improving firmness, texture, and elasticity. It helps reduce fine lines around the forehead, eyelids, and lips with gradual, natural-looking improvement.
Skin Boosters & Polynucleotides
Skin boosters and polynucleotide treatments deeply hydrate the skin while stimulating collagen production and tissue repair. These treatments improve skin quality, elasticity, and overall smoothness, making fine lines less noticeable.
Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing promotes skin renewal by stimulating collagen remodelling and improving skin texture. It effectively softens fine lines, reduces wrinkle depth, and enhances overall skin quality around delicate facial areas.
Suitable candidates
You may be suitable for treatment if you have:
- Frown lines or vertical forehead lines
- Eyelid wrinkles
- Crepey eyelid skin
- Upper-lip lines
- Smoker’s lines or lipstick lines
- Early to moderate static wrinkles
- Dynamic expression lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Dehydrated or thin skin
- Mild skin laxity
- Realistic expectations
- Good general health
- Willingness to follow aftercare and SPF advice
Who may not be suitable?
You may not be suitable for treatment if you have:
- Active skin infection in the treatment area
- Active cold sore, especially for upper-lip treatment
- Active eye infection
- Uncontrolled inflammatory skin disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known allergy to proposed products
- Neuromuscular conditions affecting anti-wrinkle injection suitability
- High bruising or bleeding risk without assessment
- Recent surgery or laser treatment that has not healed
- Recent sun exposure or tanning before laser
- History of poor wound healing or keloid scarring
- Severe eyelid laxity requiring surgery
- Severe upper-lip lines requiring more advanced combination treatment
- Unrealistic expectations
- Need for a surgical-level result
- Inability to follow aftercare or sun protection
For eyelid treatments, we may decline treatment if there are eye symptoms, eyelid ptosis, unexplained swelling, visual disturbance or medical concerns requiring GP, optician or ophthalmology assessment.
When to seek medical advice first
Please seek medical advice before cosmetic treatment if you have:
- Sudden eyelid droop
- New facial weakness
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
- Double vision
- Severe headache
- New asymmetry
- Persistent eyelid swelling
- Recurrent infections
- Non-healing lesions
- Unexplained skin changes
Aesthetic treatment should not delay medical assessment.
Aftercare advice
After treatment, you will receive personalised aftercare instructions.
General advice may include:
- Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas unless advised
- Avoid make-up for the rest of the day after injections
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after injectable treatments
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
- Avoid sauna, steam rooms and excessive heat
- Avoid lying flat for several hours after anti-wrinkle injections
- Use SPF 50 daily, especially after laser or peel treatments
- Avoid active skincare until advised after CO₂ laser
- Avoid retinoids and acids temporarily after laser or peels
- Keep the skin clean and moisturised after resurfacing
Contact the clinic if you develop severe pain, worsening swelling, infection symptoms, skin colour change, blistering or visual symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for vertical frown lines?
Can forehead lines be removed completely?
What is best for eyelid wrinkles?
Can upper-lip lines be treated without filler?
What causes smoker’s lines if I do not smoke?
Is CO₂ laser good for upper-lip lines?
Is Hydrobooster a filler?
Can subcision help upper-lip wrinkles?
How many treatments will I need?
Why choose Skin and Scar Care Clinic?
At Skin and Scar Care Clinic, we provide medical-grade aesthetic treatments with a personalised and safety-led approach.
We focus on:
- Careful wrinkle assessment
- Identifying dynamic versus static lines
- Natural-looking results
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- CO₂ laser and Erbium Glass laser
- Hydrobooster and bioremodelling treatments
- Upper-lip line treatments including subcision where suitable
- Combination treatment planning
- Honest expectations
- Aftercare support
We will always advise if a treatment is not suitable or if a different approach is likely to give a better result.
Book a Wrinkle Treatment Consultation in Altrincham
If you are concerned about vertical forehead lines, frown lines, eyelid wrinkles, upper-lip lines or smoker’s lines, book a consultation at Skin and Scar Care Clinic.
We will assess the cause of your wrinkles and recommend a personalised treatment plan.
Skin and Scar Care Clinic
25 Barrington Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HP
WhatsApp / Tel: 07376 311884
Website: www.skinscarcare.com
Disclaimer
Wrinkle treatments are medical aesthetic treatments and results vary between individuals. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Vertical lines, forehead wrinkles, eyelid wrinkles and upper-lip lines may be caused by repeated movement, ageing, sun damage, collagen loss, skin thinning, dehydration, smoking, genetics, loss of support or medical factors. A consultation is required to assess the true cause.
Anti-wrinkle injections, Viscoderm Hydrobooster, CO₂ laser, Erbium Glass laser, bioremodelling injections, PRF, chemical peels, skincare and subcision can improve selected wrinkles, but they do not guarantee complete removal.
Anti-wrinkle injections are temporary and may require maintenance. Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, headache, asymmetry, brow heaviness, eyelid droop, lip movement changes, incomplete correction and the need for review.
Laser treatments can improve skin texture and wrinkles but involve risks including redness, swelling, crusting, dryness, tenderness, pigmentation change, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, infection, delayed healing, scarring, incomplete improvement and the need for further treatment.
Injectable treatments can cause bruising, swelling, tenderness, lumps, asymmetry, infection, delayed swelling, vascular complications and incomplete response.
Subcision can cause bruising, swelling, tenderness, bleeding, irregularity, scarring and incomplete improvement.
Treatments around the eyes and lips require careful assessment because these areas are delicate and functional. Please seek urgent medical advice if you develop sudden vision changes, severe pain, increasing swelling, skin colour change, infection symptoms or significant functional changes after treatment.
We always aim to provide 100% effort, but final results depend on anatomy, skin quality, muscle activity, depth of wrinkles, age, medical history, lifestyle factors, healing response, treatment consistency and adherence to aftercare.