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Can You Botox Lips to Get a Plumper Lip?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 28,532 times
Tags: lips

Is Botox ok for lip plumping? I want fuller lips and I've heard the most about Botox.

34 answers to Can You Botox Lips to Get a Plumper Lip?

+3

Botox offers mild "plumping" of lips, but fillers are better

Botox does indeed give a MILD plumping effect , (due to relaxation of the "edge" of the muscle), when administered close to the lip, BUT side-effects such as difficulty saying the letters "p" and "b", and sipping through a straw, etc., can occur. For real lip volume improvement, fillers work very well..
Debra Irizarry, MD

Crestone Plastic Surgeon
+2

Can I Use Botox to Plump My Lips?

Hi, Botox is great for a lot of areas on the face but lip plumping is not one of them.  In fact, if you use a small amount of Botox to the corners of the nose in an advanced technique to decrease the amount of gumline when you smile you will actually thin out your upper lip as a consequence.  Botox to the angle of the chin can perk up the edges of your smile but in no way can it make your lips bigger.  Your best bet is to use a tried and true filler like Juvederm or... more
Grace Liu, MD

Newport Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.newportcoastdermatology.com

+2

Botox lip injection - Off label uses

Be cautious when a provider is suggesting a non-FDA approved use of a medication. Botox is not approved for improving the look or shape of the lips. Botox can be used to change the balance in the orbicularis oris muscle (one of the muscles that helps you pucker) and this can create a slightly improved fullness. This however comes at some risk to more dramatic muscle paralysis and typically Botox would not be the first choice and certainly will only produce minimal results before it reaches... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox for Vertical Lip Lines: Options for Lip Augmentation performed with facial fillers

The lips can age drastically with time. The two most significant problems with the lips include a loss of volume and vertical lip lines with puckering or at rest. Facial fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane are safe to use on the lips to restore volume. Botox, on the other hand, will not restore volume but will reduce the vertical lines with puckering. Always contact an experienced surgeon for these options. Technique is extremely important.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox and Fillers are different types of injectable treatments

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... more
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox does NOT plump lips

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
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botox will relax lines, not plump the lips

If you are interested in lip plumping, fillers are the best choice. My personal preference is Juvederm, but there are lots of options in experienced hands. Botox can be used to relax lines around the lips, but it will not plump them up. A combination of Botox and a filler can be used as well, but first have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and he or she will lay out several options for you.
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox is not an optimal choice for lip augmentation

While mild lip plumping is possible with botox, the risks associated with using botox in this area and the great benefits that fillers can provide make fillers the much better option for lip augmentation.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

+1

Botox For “Plumping” Lips?

Thank you for the question. Botox is an agent used to paralyze muscles that worsen bothersome facial lines. Facial fillers would be the appropriate agents to use for fuller lips. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and Lips

Yes, you can place a small amount of Botox (usually 2 units per injection) in the muscle that causes the lips to pucker. This causes relaxation of the muscle, thereby allowing more of the pink part of the lip (true lip) to show and minimizing fine lines above the lip (smoker's lines). Usually 3-5 units total would be placed in this area (small amount).
Kristel D. Polder, MD

Dallas Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox For Fuller Lips: Possible, but Juvederm is Probably a Better Choice

This is a very tricky injection and it does not work well on everyone. Botox does not "plump up" your lips; but by relaxing some of the muscles it may help roll the edges up and give it a pouty look. I have a few patients that love this injections; but I also have some patients that do not like having weaker lips. If not done right, botox around your lips can cause a crooked smile, and even drooling. By far the best treatment for fuller lips is Juvederm... more
Daniel Yamini, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox can give a subtle lip eversion and smooth vertical lip lines

Botox, used very conservatively in the upper lip, will often evert it and make it appear subtly fuller as well as minimize the vertical lines of the upper lip. As mentioned previously, it can make certain "pursing" movements difficult so you should discuss this thoroughly with your doctor. One positive is that since very small amounts of Botox are used, it is quite affordable. In our office, it is almost always less than 125 dollars per treatment.
Jacqueline Calkin, MD

Sacramento Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Would Not Recommend the Use of Either Botox of Dysport for Lip Enhancement

Because of the high likelihood of complications, I would not recommend the use of either Botox or Dysport for Lip enhancement. We can use either agents (Botox or Dysport) to lift the corners of the mouth or even work on wrinkle around the mouth. There are a few other options you should look in to for your lips such as Juvederm or Restylane, those are more for lips specifically. see video
Sanusi Umar, MD

Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Use fillers for fuller lips

Fillers create fullness of the lips by adding volumizing material to the lips.  Meanwhile Botox helps reduce wrinkles around the lips by relaxing the pucker muscles that cause the wrinkles.  I hope this info helps you understand the difference between the two.  Have a nice day!
Thomas T. Le, MD

Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for lip plumping

Fillers are most commonly used for plumping the lips.  I'd be cautious about using Botox around the lips, because it can sometimes result in unnatural looking movements.  It's difficult to say what the best treatment would be for you without seeing you.  However, I'd recommend going to an experienced injector so they can discuss with you what would be the best treatment for your particular anatomy. Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.
Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

No Botox for Lip Augmentation

Botox can not be used as a filler for the lips. We do have injectable fillers such as Juvederm that work to enhance your lips.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox cannot be used for lip augmentation

Botox works by interrupting the signal from the nerve that tells a muscle to contract.  The muscles that are treated with Botox then relax and reduce the wrinkles generated by muscle contraction. It works very well for functional wrinkles around the eyes, between the brows and on the forehead. Lip augmentation involves putting a filler substance, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, into the lips to add volume and definition. Adding volume to the lips will reduce some minor... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

No

I as Botox around the mouth to relax the vertical upper lip lines is well as injecting below the corners of the mouth to help lift them up. It does not at any volume to the lip itself. You have to use a filler or implant for this
Joseph M. Perlman, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox for plumping

Botox is used for "relaxing" and fillers are used for "plumping".  When it comes to the area around the mouth, Botox can help soften lines and certain expressions around the mouth area.  However, it does not plump the lips.  A facial filler is the best bet for "plumping".
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox and lips

Any botox work around the lips is ludicris and should be avoided like the plague. It serves no purpose to paralyse the muscles around the mouth...and will do nothing to enhance the lips aesthetically
Richard Galitz, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox only softens wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements

Botox will not increase volume of any part of the body.  It's action is to temporarily weaken the muscle response thereby softening any wrinkles that develop from muscular movement.  The lip can be injected safely with botox, although this is an off label application and needs to be considered carefully.  Be certain your surgeon is board certified and has years of injection experience.  You have so many choices!  Do your homework.  Stay Healthy! more
Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD

Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lip augmentation

No. Botox is used to weaken muscles. It can be used in your upper lip area to relax smokers lines. It can be used in the lower lip to elevate the corners of your mouth and thus your smile. To bring volume to your lips. Juvederm or restylane will be best.
Siamak Agha, MD, PhD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fillers, not Botox for fuller lips

You would be best to be treated with a Hyaluronic Acid filler such as Juvederm or Restylane.  These are our best tools for fuller, plumper lips.  Botox is NOT a treatment for fuller lips.  Botox relaxes muscles, it does not "fill".  Around the mouth we often use Botox to soften the "smoker's" lines, but not as a lip filler.
Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Botox not for lip plumping

Botox used sparingly in certain areas of the lips may be of some help turning up downward corners of the mouth, and in some cases some "smokers lines" around the lips. Plumping comes from restoring fullness to the lips, which may have deflated with time. You don't have to over do it. Most often products like Juvederm and Restylane are used. I would as of this writing stay away from permanent fillers in the lips, as long-term the lips will continue to decrease in fullness and the... more
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

You can plump lips with Botox to a minimal degree

Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm are really for filling up your lips. Botox can give a little element of filling by relaxing the lip muscles to allow them to volumize through the relaxation. But this effect is subtle. If you really want to volumize your lips, go with a filler. One thing you should know is that botox can again relax the lip muscles, but a benefit includes decreasing the lip lines through the muscle relaxation. Consulting a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon would be... more
Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox not for lip plumping

No. Fillers are used exclusively. Hyaluronic acid fillers ( Juvederm, Restylane) have pretty much replaced the older collagen fillers. Although, I and some other physicians still like the firmness of Cosmoderm to line the vermillion border (the junction between the lip and skin). Actually, the FDA came down hard on the Collagen Corporation some years ago for at one time recommending lip injections. I agree with the others in being sure that your injector is skilled. I am sure you have... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Botox not used for plumping lips

Holly, Botox is not used for making lips plumper. I use Botox in small amounts for smoothing out vertical lines in the upper lip. I also inject Botox into the DAO muscle to help lift the corner of the mouth and cheek. These are "off-label" uses of Botox, so in my opinion it is very important that you seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has extensive experience with these types of treatments. The best product for plumper lips is Juvederm or Restylane. There is an art to... more
Daniel Reichner, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox does not plump the lips

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.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Botox and the Lips

Hi Holly, Whoa! Whoever is telling you about Botox to plump lips will have you drooling food and slurring your words faster than you can say Lisa Rinne! Botox in very small doses can be used in the lips to help relax "smoker's lines" a bit. For volume and plumping of your lips, it's best to use a hyaluronic acid (Juviderm, Restylane, or Preville Silk). Choose your physician carefully, and I guess don't believe everything you hear. Good luck and be well. Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox relaxes muscles, fillers plump the skin

Botox and fillers do totally different things, but also work well together to achieve a specific result. To relax a muscle or smooth the skin from expression, Botox is indicated. It helps the skin become less contracted to reduce the expression lines. If lines remain when there is no expression, or the face is relaxed, you may need to fill in that space. The lips almost always require a filler to accomplish the goal of "plumping". We utilize Juviderm, Restylane, Cosmoplast and... more
David A. Dreyfuss, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox is an option, but not the "best"

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... more
Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox does not add volume or fill lines and wrinkles

Botox relaxes dynamic muscle movement, working only against the relationship of muscle and nerve communication. Botox is used for cosmetic purposes largely in the upper 1/3 of the face (forehead, around the eyes, between the brow) and is often used to reduce the muscle activity around the mouth area to improve vertical lines above the lip, raise the corners of the mouth, and is even used in the neck to soften and smooth the appearance. Botox goes hand in hand with almost all procedures and... more
Patrick S. Carney, MD

Minneapolis Dermatologist
+1

Botox can help with smoker's wrinkles

Botox paralyzes muscle. Fillers (restylane and juvederm) as well fat are good fillers for the lips. Botox can be used around the lips to reduce the vertical wrinkles that smokers get.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox isn't for you

Botox(r) is a medication which paralyzes muscles. This is very useful to treat fine lines and wrinkles. For plumping of the lips, you would need some type of facial filler, fat, or implant. There are several which are covered under different threads including Juvederm, Restylane, and others. Note that lip plumbing is an off label use of these fillers. This means that although it can be a safe application of the filler, studies have not been done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the... more
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

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