Can the puckering effect, noticeable indentations when speaking and eating, be lessened with Botox?

Question

I am a 50 year-old female and am very self-concious about the aging look around my mouth. I also have wrinkles as well. I understand that lines and wrinkles cannot be treated with Botox, but can the the mouth movement that accentuates the indentations when puckering, eating, et cetera be treated?

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox can soften the dynamic wrinkles that occur when you pucker your lips.  Botox in the upper lip can also evert the lip, which makes the lip appear fuller, even though we have not increased its volume.  Many people, especially young people, love the results.In older patients, we need to be more cautious since Botox can flatten the philtrum and length the upper cutaneous lip.  This is an effect that we want to avoid, since the aging cutaneous lip is already too thin and long.  We tend to use very minor dosing in the upper lip.  My typical starting dose is 2 units.  I will increase to as much as 8 units, if the patient tells me that they are not having any side effects (eg difficulty articulating) and they want a stronger result.

Kristin M. Baird, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be helpful to soften the lines around the mouth that are more prominent during animation. In addition to Botox I would recommend filler for these lines to smooth out the skin and give support under the lines. The filler will also enhance the effect and duration of the Botox. The newer filler, Restylane Silk, has shown very nice results with these lip lines. I would recommend consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is experienced in aesthetic injectables around the mouth area since this is a more advanced area for Botox/filler. Best wishes.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Candylady50,Thanks for your question.The best way to think about aging around the mouth is to envision a beachball all filled with air.  As you let out the air, the beachball collapses and has folds and wrinkles.  It is this loss of volume that we see as aging around the mouth.  Botox can help soften the dynamic component of mouth motion, but you still need to restore volume and improve the skin.  Injectable filler material and fat grafting can revolumize the mouth.  The skin can be treated with laser resurfacing, IPL, ultherapy, microneedling, RF energy devices, etc.An evaluation by an expert in the management of the aging face is necessary to determine what path would help you best.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist for an evaluation. there are many treatment options that you will likely need in combination for the best outcome.  This is not a single treatment for improvement, but more a long term plan.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

While it is not an FDA-approved use, small doses of Botox can lessen lines and puckering around the lips.  Too much can cause problems with eating and talking, as well as drooling so make sure you go to a cosmetic dermatologist or a plastic surgeon (if the plastic surgeon does a lot of Botox treatments him or herself) and is experienced treating lips.

Can the puckering effect, noticeable indentations when speaking and eating, be lessened with Botox?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lines Around mouth -- treat with fillers and lasers (clear + brilliant), Eclipse Micropen, and Venus Legacy

Answer: Lines Around mouth -- treat with fillers and lasers (clear + brilliant), Eclipse Micropen, and Venus Legacy

Answer: Botox can help lip lines and puckers

Answer: Botox can help lip lines and puckers

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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Can the puckering effect, noticeable indentations when speaking and eating, be lessened with Botox?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lines Around mouth -- treat with fillers and lasers (clear + brilliant), Eclipse Micropen, and Venus Legacy

Answer: Lines Around mouth -- treat with fillers and lasers (clear + brilliant), Eclipse Micropen, and Venus Legacy

Answer: Botox can help lip lines and puckers

Answer: Botox can help lip lines and puckers

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.