Botox for orbicularis oris muscle?

Can Botox be used for the orbicularis oris muscle? That particular muscle is too built up on my face and gives me a masculine appeal. I attached a photo of a woman who's muscle around her top lip is built up similarly to mine. It's the part circled in red.

Botox for orbicularis oris muscle?
Sort: Date | Helpful
7 answers to “Botox for orbicularis oris muscle?”

A: Botox for Orbicularis Oris Muscle?

David Q. Santos, MD

Botox(R) can be used for the orbicularis oris muscle. This is the muscle that encircles the lips and is predominantly responsible for pursing the lips, whistling, kissing and some of the function related to smiling. Nonetheless, one of the most common concerns about the lips is that of vertical lines, or... more

A: Botox near the mouth

Ronald Shelton, MD

Unfortunately, there will be a very fine line between the amount needed for flattening the muscle and the amount of Botox that might cause your lip to droop giving you an unwanted smile irregularity, drooling, speech problems and asymmetry.

A: Botox to reduce mouth bulk

Sirish Maddali, MD

 Sorry Fanny. I have never heard of anyone using Botox in the orbicularis oris muscle to decrease the bulk of the lip. I do not think that it would work and would not recommend it. You would likely need a fair amount of Botox, which will alter your ability to smile, etc.

A: Botox around the mouth

Steven Wallach, MD

Injecting botox around the mouth may not be teh best solution for you to reduce the volumeof the upper lip.  A fornal exam would be important and an evaluation of your bony architecture as well as soft tissue architecture would be important.

A: Botox not the best around the mouth

Stephen Prendiville, MD

Botox can be used for vertical lip lines, but isn't always the best idea; I personally prefer hyaluronic acid based fillers like Juvederm.  Since the orbicularis oris muscle is necessary for pursing, and other functions of the mouth, too much Botox can lead to drooling and problems with  oral... more

A: Botox Is Not My Choice for This Area

S. Randolph Waldman, MD

Lip lines are best treated with fillers and peels if needed.  I would definitely not use Botox for the concern you are demonstrating in the picture.

A: Botox to decrease lip size

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

In this particular area, Botox is most useful for minimizing radial lip lines (lipstick bleeding lines). However, it is not commonly used for debulking or decreasing the size of the lips.

Post your question

Botox: 406 reviews

64% said it was worth it

Botox before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.