Botox does not plump the lips

12 months ago

By Ronald Shelton, MD - Manhattan Dermatologic surgeon

Botox might help decrease the vertical lip creases near the lip border into which lipstick can run, and Botox can be used to lower the lip with someone who has a “gummy” smile. Otherwise, the overwhelming majority of treatment given to induce a fuller lip is by the use of fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Cosmoderm etc. Botox decreases muscle movement and isn’t used to plump the lip.

More answers to “Can you Botox lips to get a plumper lip?”

A: Botox is an option, but not the "best"

12 months ago

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

I frequently inject Botox into the lip muscle to weaken it (an off label application). This has the effect of allowing the lip to turn up slightly causing more of the pink lip to show. This effect is not "plumping" per se, but may be used to improve the lip proportions between the upper and lower lips. This avoids the "duck lip" or "sausage lip" deformity of overfilled lips and can be used to minimize the amount of filler needed if plumping is the goal. It can also be used effectively to soften smokers lip lines. Beware. The weakening of the lip muscle may affect speech, ability to suck on a straw or inhale a cigarette. Good luck!

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A: Botox does NOT plump lips

12 months ago

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Holly, Botox is good for smoothing out dynamic wrinkles. Botox does not plump lips. For lip plumping, you need an injectable like Restylane or Juvederm or Fat Grafting. Botox is most useful for smoothing out wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Dr. David Shafer, New York City

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