Botox Cosmetic for Lip Lines

Hi Anon, Botox in very small doses is effective at treating fine to moderate upper lip lines. One (1) unit in each quadrant of the lip, four (4) units total, is all that is needed. For the deeper (bar code) lines, an ablative laser is best; see Fraxel re:pair. Restylane and Juvederm when used correctly are also effective adjunctively.

Botox is a wonderful modality to utilize for lip lines; however, you must understand what you are getting into. When injecting Botox in the forehead or glabella, it is okay is one is unable to contract these muscles; however, only a small amount of Botox should be injected around the mouth at any given time in order to prevent oral dysharmony or affect one's pucker too much. This may mean that you will require more frequent injections to maintain this result.

I strongly agree that you proceed with caution when it comes to Botox in the lips. This is a treatment that is loved by some and hated by others. Lines of the lips are due to several factors which include loss of volume, loss of bony & dental structure, loss of elasticity and repetitive use. Botox only treats the last of these and therefore multiple approaches may be required for optimal results. I have had to injecte anywhere from 4-8 units in the upper lip and 2-4 in the lower lip. I... more

Vertical lines around the lips represent changes brought about by loss of volume in the skin and tissue beneath, as well as the constant muscle action which creases the skin. Treatment of these lines may involve replacing volume, such as with dermal fillers like Restylane, or by decreasing muscle action with botulinum toxin. At times both remedies are used together. Botulinum toxin is most frequently used in the upper face, but has been utilized for lip creases in small doses. When placed... more

Lip lines are extremely bothersome to my patients, especially because they are often referred to as "smoker's lines". The best way to combat these vertical wrinkles is with combination therapy. Botox often works great in dilute and small doses in combination with dermal fillers such as Juvederm Ultra or Restylane. If the lines are deep, a fractional laser device can also be quite helpful.

I like to combine SMALL doses of Botox with a short acting filler (Restylane). This gives me the better resultant effects of 2 modalities. 

 Very conservative injections of Botox to the upper lips will help minimize the muscle action that produces lip lines.  If you are a smoker, you may need more than Botox for an acceptable outcome.  It is important to stay conservative because you need lip function to remain reasonably intact.

Lip lines are caused by a combination of factors including the repeated contractions of the lip pursing muscle (Orbicularis Oris muscle), sun damage with loss of elastic spring of the lip skin, a receding facial skeleton (maxilla) resulting in a proportionate excess of lip skin and loss of tissue fullness in the lip skin. Very small amounts of Botox will partially weaken the muscle resulting in less obvious lines.(Make sure the person injecting you is a professional - otherwise you may... more