Smoker’s lines around the mouth can make us look older than we feel. They may develop naturally with age, but habits like sipping through straws – or even repetitive facial expressions like smiling – can make them more noticeable. The good news? There are effective treatments available.
At Pulse Light Clinic, we offer CO₂ laser resurfacing, one of the most advanced ways to soften lip lines and restore smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Known for its effectiveness in acne scar removal, the treatment is also a useful tool in anti-ageing. Equipped with two of the industry’s leading fractional laser systems from Asclepion and Deka, our clinic provides targeted care for visible, long-lasting results.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow (and won’t feel like a science lecture).
How Do Smoker’s Lines Form?
Smoker’s lines are the fine vertical wrinkles that form around your lips. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a smoker to get them. They can be caused by:
Repeated lip movements (pursing, sipping, talking).
Natural ageing and collagen loss.
Sun damage and environmental stress.
Genetics and skin type.
As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it plump and firm. That’s why the skin around your mouth, which is already thin and active, starts to crease and fold.
What Is CO₂ Laser Resurfacing?
CO₂ laser resurfacing is a skin treatment that uses a highly focused beam of light to:
Remove the top layer of old, damaged skin.
Stimulate collagen production underneath the surface.
Trigger natural healing, revealing smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin.
It’s a bit like giving your skin a deep, controlled exfoliation, only far more powerful and longer-lasting. And when it comes to treating delicate areas like the mouth, nothing beats the precision of a medical-grade CO₂ laser.
The Two Machines at Pulse Light Clinic
At Pulse Light Clinic, we use two leading CO₂ laser machines: Cool Laser by Asclepion and Deka SmartXide. Here’s what makes them special and how they help fade smoker’s lines safely and effectively.
1. Asclepion Cool Laser
German-engineered and trusted by skin specialists worldwide, the Asclepion laser is celebrated for its precision and versatility. Unlike traditional CO₂ lasers, it allows for quicker recovery by specifically targeting the water within the skin’s layers.
Think of it as a smart eraser: it gently removes damaged skin cells, layer by layer, while stimulating your body to rebuild fresh, healthy skin beneath. The settings can be tailored to your skin type, tone, and concern, making it ideal for softening those stubborn vertical lines around the lips without affecting the surrounding skin.
Why we love it for lip lines:
Can be set to treat shallow or deeper wrinkles.
Custom settings make it gentle enough for delicate skin.
Boosts collagen to tighten and refresh the skin around your mouth.
At Pulse Light Clinic, this treatment can be delivered by a certified practitioner, a nurse, or a doctor.
2. Deka SmartXide CO₂ Laser
The Deka SmartXide is a next-generation fractional laser, which means it treats tiny spots of skin at a time, leaving gaps of untouched skin in between. This speeds up healing and reduces downtime, while still delivering powerful results.
Imagine it as a clever scanner that dots energy across your skin to kickstart regeneration, ideal for targeting smoker’s lines with less redness and faster recovery.
Why we love it for lip lines:
Speeds up collagen production with minimal damage to surrounding skin.
Shorter recovery time compared to older lasers.
Excellent for all skin types, especially when treating fine lines and early ageing.
This laser is only delivered by nurses or doctors at the clinic.
What Happens During the Treatment?
1. Consultation:
You’ll start with a detailed consultation. We assess your skin, talk through your goals, and decide which laser is best for your needs.
2. Numbing Cream:
Before the treatment begins, we apply a numbing cream to keep you comfortable.
3. The Laser Treatment:
We’ll carefully glide the laser across the lip area. The heat from the laser removes the outer layers of skin and stimulates collagen underneath. The whole thing takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
You might feel a warm or tingling sensation—but thanks to the numbing cream, most clients find it very manageable.
What’s Recovery Like?
Healing after CO₂ laser resurfacing is a journey—but don’t worry, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Here’s what to expect:
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Skin feels tight, warm, and looks red—similar to a sunburn. You may notice some swelling. |
| Days 3–5 | Peeling begins. Skin may flake or form a light crust—completely normal. Keep it moisturised and protected. |
| Days 6–7 | Most of the peeling will be done. Fresh pink skin is revealed. You’ll start to notice smoother texture and improved tone. |
| Days 8–14 | The new skin strengthens. Redness fades, and you can usually return to makeup and daily skincare. |
| Weeks 3–12 | Collagen production continues deep in the skin. You’ll see gradual improvement in firmness and reduction in fine lines. |
Aftercare Tips for Best Results
Stay moisturised: Use healing creams as recommended.
Avoid sun: Wear SPF 50 daily and avoid direct sunlight for at least 4 weeks.
Be gentle: No scrubs, acids, or active skincare for 10–14 days.
Stay cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms while healing.
No picking: Let your skin peel naturally to avoid scarring or irritation.
Our team will give you personalised aftercare advice to keep your skin on track and glowing.
Who Is This Treatment For?
CO₂ laser resurfacing is ideal if you:
Have fine lines around your mouth that bother you.
Want a non-surgical way to improve skin texture and firmness.
Are happy to take a few days of downtime for long-term gain.
Have fair to medium skin tones (we’ll advise if you have a darker skin type).
If you have active acne, open wounds, or certain medical conditions, we may recommend alternative treatments.
Why Choose Pulse Light Clinic?
With over 20 years of experience and multiple clinics across London, Pulse Light Clinic is one of the UK’s most trusted names in advanced skin treatments. Here’s what sets us apart:
Specialist knowledge in treating the lip area safely and effectively.
Cutting-edge technology: We invest in only the best machines like Asclepion and Deka.
Customised plans tailored to your skin type and goals.
Friendly expert clinicians who guide you before, during, and after treatment.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Clients often report:
Softer, smoother skin around the mouth.
Visible reduction in lip lines and wrinkles.
Plumper, healthier skin tone.
Improved confidence, especially with bare skin.
And because collagen continues to rebuild over time, results just keep getting better in the weeks and months after your treatment.
Ready to Smooth Out Smoker’s Lines?
If those lip lines have been bothering you for a while, now is the time to take action. Book your consultation today and let us help you rediscover that smooth, youthful glow.
