Facial lines known as Chinese mustache, bitter smile or nasolabial folds are a nuisance for both men and women, as they give a loaded and tired expression to the face.
At the clinic, Dr. Kelly Pico, a medical specialist, evaluates in consultation what contributed to the appearance of these marks in the patient. These causes may include sagging in the region, skin aging and even the structure of the dental arcade. Therefore, it is essential to carry out an assessment of the origin before starting treatment.
Some of the factors responsible for the appearance of the Chinese mustache are:
- Smoking: The habit of smoking harms the skin by reducing blood flow and activating the sympathetic nervous system, which results in a lack of blood in the skin tissues. Chronic lack of oxygenation, in addition to damaging elastic fibers, also decreases collagen production.
- Sun exposure: UV radiation favors oxidative stress, increasing the production of free radicals that damage healthy skin cells. This leads to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. In addition, the sun causes a loss of natural moisture in the skin, making it more prone to dryness. Daily use of facial sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher is recommended to prevent premature aging of the skin.
- Bad eating habits: An inadequate diet can contribute to premature aging in several ways. Overweight, for example, is associated with changes in collagen structure, responsible for skin elasticity and support. Consuming high-fat, industrialized foods with low amounts of vitamins and fiber causes excessive production of free radicals, which harm skin health due to lack of antioxidants. Excess sugar also contributes to premature aging through glycation, an inflammatory process that releases free radicals.
- Low skin hydration: Lack of hydration, both internal and external, results in skin dehydration, reduced support and consistency, making it flaccid and dull. Lack of hydration also weakens the skin’s ability to defend itself, making it more susceptible to irritation, infections and resulting in premature aging and wrinkles.
While these factors can be controlled by the patient to smooth or even prevent the emergence of the Chinese mustache, there are other factors that cannot be controlled, such as genetic predisposition and health conditions.
Treatments
Chinese mustache treatments include the use of hyaluronic acid and collagen biostimulators. These procedures help to fill in the Chinese mustache furrow and, in many cases, are also applied in the malar (zygomatic) region to obtain a face-lifting effect and smooth out the lines.
At what age can the procedure be performed? The Chinese mustache tends to appear after the age of 30 and to become more pronounced after the age of 40, due to the sagging and natural loss of fat caused by the aging process. However, it is possible to prevent the appearance of these marks from a young age.
Younger patients can also present the Chinese mustache, depending on factors such as genetics, chewing and sleeping position, which can cause the cheek to project a little more forward, deepening the expression line.
Early care and prevention have a long-term impact. Before the signs of aging appear, it is ideal to bet on procedures that stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin, in order to keep it young and beautiful for longer.
Another available treatment is radiofrequency, a technique that increases oxygenation and stimulates the contraction of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This improves expression marks, sagging and skin tissue texture.
Support wires are also an option. They act like ligaments, repositioning sagging skin and restoring support to the affected area.
“It is not possible to completely avoid the effects of time. Aging is a natural process. However, it is possible to delay and even mitigate it. The Chinese mustache doesn’t need to be a reason for despair! There are many options to smooth it out and get a more youthful appearance. Look for a specialist doctor to identify the best treatment for you and obtain effective results”, concludes Dr. Kelly Pico.
