Can You Botox Lips to Get a Plumper Lip?

Most people speak of “injectables” as non-surgical options for facial enhancement, but many misunderstand that there are many different types of ”injectables”, and that different materials serve different functions.
Botox is a chemical that causes paralysis of muscles when injected into the tissue in small amounts. The advantage of this is in preventing specific localized muscles from contracting in ways that cause wrinkles and lines. Additionally, some advanced techniques using Botox can provide elevation of the eyebrow by preventing certain muscles from pulling the brow down, or even widening of the eye by preventing muscles from tightening around the eye. Another advanced technique for Botox involves injections of small amounts around the lips, to prevent the vertical lines and wrinkles often seen with age- and smoking. This type of injection can also, in SOME people, allow a LITTLE widening of the lip. This only works in patients who have overactive muscles around their lips that cause constriction of the red portion of the lips. Botox, though, is NOT a first choice injectable for plumping anything- including the lips.
Plumping of tissue including the lips is performed by using an injectable filler. This is a material that, usually temporarily, will stay in the spot where it is injected as a space occupier and a “filler” of deflated tissue. There are many types of such filler injectables, and each has unique properties of swelling, duration, and areas where they may be more or less useful. These injectable fillers include Restylane, Juviderm, Radiesse, Evolence…. the list goes on. For plumping of the lips, one of these types of injectables may be more appropriate for you than Botox. What is important for you is to find someone who is familiar with a large array of different fillers that can provide you with a particular treatment to achieve your individual goals.

Thank you for your question!No, Botox should not be used to plump lips as it is not a filler.  Botox paralyses muscles.I would highly recommend getting a formal evaluation with and treatment from a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and expert in facial sculpting. Technique is the key to a successful lip augmentation with fillers, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. An experienced physician will be able to determine which filler, how much filler, and which technique will give you the subtle result you're looking for. See an expert.Best, Dr. Emer

Thanks for your question! Injecting Botox in the lip will not plump it. Botox can be used to treat a gummy smile, among other things, but you'll need filler injected, by a certified practitioner, to get a fuller lip. We wish you the best!