Pockets of skin or fat near the corners of my mouth..
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Sat Jun 23, 2012 8:44 am

Is there a name for this? And is there anything that can be done to reduce the appearance? I can't find anything online, but I'm not really sure how to describe it accurately. It kind of looks like access skin or fat near the corners of my mouth.

I've lost some weight and am in my very late 20's. It seems as if most of my skin on my face has tightened except for the part around my mouth. It's only noticeable with bad lighting though, especially my bathroom lighting Mad

Thanks for any help!

free skin care · Sat Jun 23, 2012 8:51 am

How much weight over what time frame? Did you manage to maintain your muscle mass? Can you post a photograph? One possibility is nasolabial folds which everyone has to a point.

Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:01 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

How much weight over what time frame? Did you manage to maintain your muscle mass? Can you post a photograph? One possibility is nasolabial folds which everyone has to a point.

I lost a very small amount, about 5 lbs, over about a week though. I went from maybe 124 to 119 and the weight loss was because of a stomach bug. I've maintained the same weight though for about a year and my skin overall has improved, just this little pocket of skin is still there.

Muscle mass is actually better recently. I saw a change when I started taking Vit D after some blood tests. I do a lot of yoga and saw an increase in strength and muscle mass.

I don't have a picture (long story). The closest picture I can find is maybe Kate Middleton when she's NOT smiling. But mine is more like a small circle of fat almost, rather than nasolabial folds.

It also might be health related. I eat really well, but after testing for iron repeatedly, it seems to drop unless I supplement. Same with zinc, though I've never tested but I see a big difference in energy and mood after supplementing.

Thanks for replying, I lurk a lot and see a lot of your posts when it comes to nutrition, which have been very informative!

free skin care · Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:23 am

Has an appropriately qualified health professional advised you to supplement these micronutrients individually? Vitamins and minerals work synergistically and in opposition, both in terms of how they are absorbed and their activity in the body. Have you tried eating more zinc and haem iron rich meats? Plant sources of both are far less well absorbed. Iron absorption may be affected by vitamin C and calcium; zinc absorption may be affected by iron and calcium. IIRC both iron and zinc may be affected by phytates which are found in many grains, pulses, nuts and seeds and by tea or coffee. Do research this on trustworthy websites like your governments because I am a tad rusty!! Laughing

Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:35 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

Has an appropriately qualified health professional advised you to supplement these micronutrients individually? Vitamins and minerals work synergistically and in opposition, both in terms of how they are absorbed and their activity in the body. Have you tried eating more zinc and haem iron rich meats? Plant sources of both are far less well absorbed. Iron absorption may be affected by vitamin C and calcium; zinc absorption may be affected by iron and calcium. IIRC both iron and zinc may be affected by phytates which are found in many grains, pulses, nuts and seeds and by tea or coffee. Do research this on trustworthy websites like your governments because I am a tad rusty!! Laughing

I have been tested for iron, B12, and vit d (those are the only things they test for). And have only taken supplements based on what the doctor has suggested, except for the ZMA. But when I tell any doctor what I'm supplementing they usually don't say anything. When I do ask, it's always "You should ask your GP" or "I don't know".

I've been thinking about seeing a nutrition consultant, but I'm not sure what to look for. Most of the testimonials are about how so and so helped them lose weight, so I'm not sure what I should look for if my concerns about vitamin and mineral absorption.

free skin care · Sat Jun 23, 2012 10:23 am

papertiger wrote:

I have been tested for iron, B12, and vit d (those are the only things they test for). And have only taken supplements based on what the doctor has suggested, except for the ZMA. But when I tell any doctor what I'm supplementing they usually don't say anything. When I do ask, it's always "You should ask your GP" or "I don't know".

I've been thinking about seeing a nutrition consultant, but I'm not sure what to look for. Most of the testimonials are about how so and so helped them lose weight, so I'm not sure what I should look for if my concerns about vitamin and mineral absorption.

IMO your initial concerns should be for dietary intake, being sure your diet contains foods rich in all the macro (protein, fats, carbs) and micro (vitamins, minerals) nutrients in the forms the body can most easily absorb and utilise. Then add in a complete multivitamin/ mineral as an insurance policy only. Micronutrients should be supplemented individually only on the advice of a qualified health professional. Only a tiny percentage of the population have difficulty absorbing nutrients, most simply don't have a balanced diet.

Often weight management is advertised because that is the most common concern amongst potential clients. Unfortunately general health is often not what brings people to join a gym or approach a healthy lifestyle professional, it's aesthetics! Look for someone who has a degree in their subject - dietetics, nutrition, physical activity - and is registered with an officially recognised body that insists on continuing professional development. Until you find someone I am happy to help as much as I can, if you wish. Very Happy

free skin care · Sat Jun 23, 2012 11:05 am

papertiger wrote:

Is there a name for this? And is there anything that can be done to reduce the appearance? I can't find anything online, but I'm not really sure how to describe it accurately. It kind of looks like access skin or fat near the corners of my mouth.

I've lost some weight and am in my very late 20's. It seems as if most of my skin on my face has tightened except for the part around my mouth. It's only noticeable with bad lighting though, especially my bathroom lighting Mad

Thanks for any help!

It sounds like slight marionnette lines. Facial exercise programs that build the cheeks should help eliminate them.

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:32 am

Yep, they're the dreaded marionette lines - welcome to the club! The configuration of some people's mouths just naturally form them - and they get worse as you age due to general facial sagging. You can try fillers - but, personally, I've not had much success with them. Haven't tried facial exercises - but I did once try some stupid gadget that you hold between your lips to exercise the mouth - didn't do a thing.

I can't see how taking any multi-vitamin or supplement could possibly help.

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 9:07 am

papertiger, this may sound weird but do you get any saturated fat in your diet? (Especially organic raw virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and 70% or higher dark chocolate!) Or fish oils? I've found those really help surprisingly. I've also noticed many cleansers really worsen this!

Sun Jun 24, 2012 9:11 am

Hello Papertiger

I had the same problem a few years back where I had fat near the corner of my mouth. Looked like two round lumps sticking out. I've alawys had them. I went to see a plastic surgeon (upon my doctors advise)and he performed a mini liposuction to remove the fat from the corners. Obviously, you cant remove too much or that part of the face will sag. So he took just enough out to flatten that area and I'm very happy with the results.

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:10 pm

I think I know what you mean and they arent just lines or sagging. They look like solid jowls for lack of a better explanation...If you continued to draw a line from the corner of your mouth/marionette lines then that where they are?

Some celebrities have them

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:11 pm

ashes wrote:

Hello Papertiger

I had the same problem a few years back where I had fat near the corner of my mouth. Looked like two round lumps sticking out. I've alawys had them. I went to see a plastic surgeon (upon my doctors advise)and he performed a mini liposuction to remove the fat from the corners. Obviously, you cant remove too much or that part of the face will sag. So he took just enough out to flatten that area and I'm very happy with the results.

Really!! That's very interesting! I just had some Botox placed in the corners of my mouth to stop the mouth muscle from pulling down - and it has helped very slightly. It's interesting that the surgeon recommended lipo instead of lifting of the face - but I'm glad it's worked out for you, and much less drastic than a facelift!

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:11 pm

ashes wrote:

Hello Papertiger

I had the same problem a few years back where I had fat near the corner of my mouth. Looked like two round lumps sticking out. I've alawys had them. I went to see a plastic surgeon (upon my doctors advise)and he performed a mini liposuction to remove the fat from the corners. Obviously, you cant remove too much or that part of the face will sag. So he took just enough out to flatten that area and I'm very happy with the results.

Really!! That's very interesting! I just had some Botox placed in the corners of my mouth to stop the mouth muscle from pulling down - and it has helped very slightly. It's interesting that the surgeon recommended lipo instead of lifting of the face - but I'm glad it's worked out for you, and much less drastic than a facelift!

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:19 pm

ashes wrote:

Hello Papertiger

I had the same problem a few years back where I had fat near the corner of my mouth. Looked like two round lumps sticking out. I've alawys had them. I went to see a plastic surgeon (upon my doctors advise)and he performed a mini liposuction to remove the fat from the corners. Obviously, you cant remove too much or that part of the face will sag. So he took just enough out to flatten that area and I'm very happy with the results.

Really!! That's very interesting! I just had some Botox placed in the corners of my mouth to stop the mouth muscle from pulling down - and it has helped very slightly. It's interesting that the surgeon recommended lipo instead of lifting of the face - but I'm glad it's worked out for you, and much less drastic than a facelift!

free skin care · Mon Jun 25, 2012 6:14 am

Found this useful information about marionette lines - proper name Oral Commissure. It details the use of fillers and Botox to treat the problem.

http://www.liquidfacelift.com/mouth_area_wrinkles.asp#Oral%20Commissure

Mon Jun 25, 2012 6:24 am

I didn't need any lifting of the face. My face was firm and tight. The only problem was these two pockets of fat sticking out from the corner of my mouth. The surgeon said it was just a fat deposit - a lot of people have them. The only option was to remove the fat which would flatten the area. It was successful. He was very careful not to remove too much which would have resulted in sagging in that particular area.

free skin care · Mon Jun 25, 2012 6:33 am

ashes wrote:

I didn't need any lifting of the face. My face was firm and tight. The only problem was these two pockets of fat sticking out from the corner of my mouth. The surgeon said it was just a fat deposit - a lot of people have them. The only option was to remove the fat which would flatten the area. It was successful. He was very careful not to remove too much which would have resulted in sagging in that particular area.

I think this is what I need. When I put my thumb inside of my mouth and pinch the area with my forefinger, I can feel the lumps. I've just never heard of this being done before - and it seems such an obvious solution.

Mon Jun 25, 2012 6:42 am

Hi Keliu

The mini lipo was performed on the outside where you could visibly see the fat deposit protruding from the corner of my mouth. He didn't touch the inside of my mouth.

Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:23 am

Keliu wrote:

Yep, they're the dreaded marionette lines - welcome to the club! The configuration of some people's mouths just naturally form them - and they get worse as you age due to general facial sagging. You can try fillers - but, personally, I've not had much success with them. Haven't tried facial exercises - but I did once try some stupid gadget that you hold between your lips to exercise the mouth - didn't do a thing.

I can't see how taking any multi-vitamin or supplement could possibly help.

I looked at pics online of marionette lines and I don't think that's what I have. My skin isn't really sagging around the mouth, it looks more like a plump (haha) pocket of skin? I'm not sure how to describe it. I think supplements would help in the case of deficiencies, so that's why I bring up health.

Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:25 am

ashes wrote:

Hello Papertiger

I had the same problem a few years back where I had fat near the corner of my mouth. Looked like two round lumps sticking out. I've alawys had them. I went to see a plastic surgeon (upon my doctors advise)and he performed a mini liposuction to remove the fat from the corners. Obviously, you cant remove too much or that part of the face will sag. So he took just enough out to flatten that area and I'm very happy with the results.

Interesting! Was there a name for it? or did your plastic surgeon give the procedure a name?

Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:29 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

papertiger, this may sound weird but do you get any saturated fat in your diet? (Especially organic raw virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and 70% or higher dark chocolate!) Or fish oils? I've found those really help surprisingly. I've also noticed many cleansers really worsen this!

I've incorporated cod liver oil into my diet and occasionally eat organic raw virgin coconut oil, but haven't noticed much of a difference to my face. Helps wonderfully with dry skin though Smile

Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:30 am

Is it possible that it could be a build up of any kind of fluids? Lymph related, maybe?? It seems to change a little from day to day. I had a good cry yesterday and they look different today Question

Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:34 am

Personally I dont think supplements would make a difference. I would suggest seeing your physician so he/she can determine exactly what it is you have, as I did initially.

I believe my procedure was called Perioral Mound Microliposuction to remove bulges at the corner of the mouth. I had actual FAT that was removed with a very thin needle.

A very good website to go to for information is called realself.com

Or google "pockets of fat on corner of mouth" and that should bring you to the website and give you loads of other information.

Hope that helps Smile

free skin care · Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:32 am

Are you sure that it's skin/fat and not the muscle? Because if you lost some fat in the lower region of your face, maybe the muscles are more visible. I know that many facial muscles have their endings around that point (try googling "modiolus" for more info).

Just a thought...

Tue Jun 26, 2012 6:04 am

Hi Agatha,

100% sure it was not muscle. I did google modiolus and i can understand what you are saying about the muscles but in my case I could see the fat that was being removed. The bulges are no longer there and the corners of my mouth are now flat.

If it was muscle, he would not have been able to extract any fat. Even if he did manage to extract a little, my bulges would still be there because of the muscles.

realself.com have many pictures of people with these types of bulges ( corner of the mouth) and replies to solutions by plastic surgeons. Is why I mentioned the site above because it's what I had.

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