Plasma Pen for Smoker's Lines: Treating Wrinkles Around the Mouth

Fine vertical lines radiating outward from the lips — commonly called smoker's lines, lip lines, or perioral lines — are among the most stubborn wrinkles on the face. They resist ordinary skincare, make lipstick bleed, and can add years to your appearance. In 2026, one treatment is attracting serious attention from aesthetic clinicians and beauty enthusiasts alike: the plasma pen. Here is everything you need to know, backed by clinical data and the latest practitioner insights.

What exactly are smoker's lines, and why are they so hard to treat?

Smoker's lines are fine, vertical wrinkles that appear around the mouth, also known as lip lines or lipstick lines. Despite the name, they can appear in almost anyone — not just people who smoke. The mouth is a very dynamic area — speech, chewing, and expression all play a role, and each smile or frown deepens the damage done to our skin.

When smoking is involved, the damage accelerates sharply. Smoking or vaping strengthens the breakdown of collagen and elastin, while cigarette toxins accelerate the rapid breakdown of these proteins, leaving our skin with less support and strength to defend itself against wrinkles. Even for non-smokers, each time the mouth muscles contract, the overlying skin crinkles, causing a loss of elasticity — this repetitive movement combined with collagen and elastin depletion causes lip lines to appear at their deepest and most pronounced.

Traditional solutions fall short for a clear reason. Fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are not great when it comes to filling the vertical lip lines; even with meticulous injection technique, outcomes can be unpredictable with undesirable lumpiness along the upper lip. That gap in the market is exactly where the plasma pen has stepped in.

How does a plasma pen actually work on perioral wrinkles?

The plasma pen works by converting electrical energy into a focused arc of ionised gas — plasma — that is delivered precisely to the skin's surface. Plasma technology converts electrical energy into energized nitrogen gas that transmits energy to the skin's surface; the resulting heat stimulates a healing process where fibroblasts are recruited to the skin and produce collagen in abundance, thereby tightening and rejuvenating the skin.

Fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells in the dermis, or middle layer of the skin) are the key players. Fibroblasting is a controlled delivery of plasma to the epidermis that results in contraction and tightening of skin fibers; this targeting of fibroblasts initiates the body's natural wound-healing response, stimulating accelerated collagen production, tightening of the tissue, and a release of growth factors — resulting in skin lifting and overall rejuvenation.

Crucially, the mechanism is fundamentally different from fillers or Botox. The fibroblast plasma pen targets smoker's lines effectively by tightening the skin and restoring elasticity; unlike fillers, which plump the area, the plasma pen addresses the root cause — loose, thinning skin — creating a subtle, natural lift that smooths out lines without altering facial expressions.

While Botox can relax muscles to prevent further wrinkling and fillers can temporarily plump the lines, the plasma pen actually changes the skin's architecture by inducing sublimation, removing the excess skin that forms the wrinkle itself — resulting in a much more natural-looking rejuvenation.

What kind of clinical results can you realistically expect?

The data is encouraging. Clinical studies indicate an overall 40–70% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, although results may vary. Broader fibroblast research adds further weight: one study found patients reported a 68% overall improvement in facial appearance, while another showed 92% of doctors rated the treatment as effective.

In-clinic before-and-after evidence is compelling too. Before and after photos following just one session of plasma pen for upper lip wrinkles show that the vertical wrinkles are markedly improved — the upper lip appears smoother and the skin looks tighter, the hallmark of plasma pen treatment. The changes seen should last for several years to come, as collagen remodelling is at the root of plasma pen skin enhancement.

Importantly, results are almost immediate with visible tightening, and improvements continue for the next three months with continued tightening and improvements in wrinkles. The plasma pen creates tiny arcs of energy that sublimate superficial skin, triggering the body to produce new collagen and elastin, naturally tightening and refreshing the skin over 8–12 weeks.

How many sessions are needed, and how far apart should they be?

Using a plasma pen for lip lines, commonly known as "smoker's lines," will significantly enhance the look of your lips — the average person needs only one to three sessions to achieve visible results. Most clients see a significant improvement after just one session; however, depending on the depth of vertical lip lines, a second session 8–12 weeks later may be recommended to achieve total smoothness.

The number of treatments necessary depends on the area of treatment, the condition of the skin, and what you are trying to achieve — those with more mature skin and more laxity typically require more sessions than younger skin. Each treatment should be scheduled approximately six to eight weeks apart, allowing for the skin to fully recover.

For those who want to explore an at-home fibroblast option between professional appointments, the SKINDELÚX Fibroblast Plasma Pen is designed to bring professional-grade plasma technology into your own hands — always follow the included safety guidelines and begin with the lowest energy setting.

What does recovery look like, and how long do results last?

Downtime is modest but real. The typical downtime is one week; the tiny carbon dots (micro-crusts) will shed naturally in 5–7 days depending on the individual's healing rate, and swelling is noticeable in the first few days. Risks of the procedure include redness, swelling, bruising, scabbing for several days, and skin discoloration; it is important to avoid sun in the recovery period.

After treatment, keep the area clean, moisturised, and protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Hyperpigmentation may occur, particularly for individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types IV and above (a scale measuring skin's response to UV light), so a professional consultation to assess candidacy is essential before any treatment.

On longevity, the consensus is strong. Results typically last between 3 and 5 years. Skin will still continue to age at different rates based on genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors — so while treatment results can last around 3 years, some clients will experience longer-lasting results than others. One important caveat: if smoker's lines are treated and you continue to smoke, results may possibly not be as long-lasting compared to if you had stopped.

Who is and isn't a good candidate for plasma pen perioral treatment?

This treatment is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly in areas such as the eyelids, mouth, neck, and abdomen. Plasma pen treatments are ideal for those who want tighter-looking skin without the recovery or downtime associated with more aggressive procedures, and are also beneficial for those with mild to moderate skin texture issues, wrinkles, and fine lines.

The plasma pen is a relatively safe treatment; it works best for lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III), so a consultation is best to determine if you are an ideal candidate. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with active skin infections, or anyone with a history of keloid scarring should discuss suitability with a qualified aesthetic professional before booking.

Ready to explore your options? Whether you are considering a professional clinic or want to start your skin-tightening journey at home, the SKINDELÚX Fibroblast Plasma Pen is crafted for those who take their skin health seriously. Browse our full range of fibroblast tools and skincare at Skin Delux, and consult a licensed professional to build the right plan for your perioral concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are smoker's lines only caused by smoking?

No. While smoking accelerates their formation by breaking down collagen and elastin, smoker's lines can develop in anyone due to repeated lip movements, sun exposure, genetics, and the natural ageing process.

Is the plasma pen painful when used around the mouth?

The beauty of plasma pen treatment is that it can be done using just topical numbing cream — meaning no needles. A medical-grade topical numbing cream is applied to ensure comfort, and most clients describe the sensation as a light "flick" or a warm prickle.

How soon will I see results after my first session?

Reduction in wrinkles typically appears immediately, with the full effect taking place around 3 months. Collagen remodelling continues gradually, so your skin will keep improving throughout that period.

How long do plasma pen results last on smoker's lines?

Results last at least two to three years, and many people have permanent results. Longevity depends on lifestyle factors such as continued smoking, sun exposure, and overall skin health maintenance.

Can I combine plasma pen treatment with other cosmetic procedures?

Many practitioners do combine treatments — for example, using Botox to relax perioral muscles and prevent future dynamic wrinkling while the plasma pen addresses existing skin laxity and texture. Always disclose all treatments to your provider so they can sequence procedures safely and optimise your outcome.

What aftercare is most important after a perioral plasma pen session?

To maximise treatment effects, keep the micro-crusts intact until they dispel naturally, keep the treated area clean, moisturised, and protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid direct sun exposure, makeup over the area, and any exfoliating products until the skin has fully healed — typically within one to two weeks.

Is the plasma pen better than lip fillers for smoker's lines?

Unlike traditional methods that simply mask the problem, fibroblast therapy actually remodels the skin tissue from the inside out. Because the plasma pen stimulates your own collagen, the results often last much longer than the 9-month window typical of temporary injectables. The best choice ultimately depends on your unique anatomy and goals, so a qualified consultation is recommended.

Sources:
Brazilian Butt Lift — Plasma Pen for Smoker's Lines: How Many Sessions Needed? (May 2025)
Promd Health — Fibroblast Treatment: 2025's Ultimate Skin Secret (Dec 2025)
Dixi's Medi Spa — How to Get Rid of Smokers Lip Wrinkles (Apr 2026)
The Cosmetic Skin Clinic — Smokers' Lines: How to Get Rid of Them (Apr 2026)