If I get botox in my lip, can it mess up my smile?

Question

If I get .5ml of filler in my lip and botox to help with my uneven smile, will it cover up my teeth? I have heard the botox can give you a fake looking smile/a stuck feeling? How long does the botox make you look like this?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for your question.It's difficult to say without more information about where the botox is being injected (e.g. gummy smile vs. lip flip). Botox does result in muscle relaxation so theoretically, depending on the area treated, there might be a "stuck" feeling. Typically, when done properly, Botox should look natural.Hope this helps. Make sure to consult with an experienced, board-certified provider.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question. Botox is a very effective treatment for a gummy smile when it is administered by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist. To ensure a natural result, your doctor must be very precise in terms of both needle placement and dosing amount. If the dose of Botox is too high, then your smile can cover your teeth and it will look unnatural. If you select a qualified physician who is well-trained in Botox techniques, you should see a very good result.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. A gummy smile is improved with Botox to relax the upper lip muscle fibers of the levator labii superioris muscle. Tight, thin lips are enhanced with both Botox to weaken the inner ring of lip muscles and filler to volumize the lip. Both techniques require advanced skill and talent.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

There are a few different injection sites for toxin around the mouth. It is difficult to decipher what your goals are for your smile without an in person consultation. Carefully place botox by a trained healthcare practitioner, can improve a gummy smile, small upper lip, smokers/lipstick lines around the mouth, and a downturned corners of the mouth. Excellent results can be achieved with filler in conjunction to toxin. I would encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your treatment goals more specifically.

Peter N. Butler, MD, FACS · Answer

The key to a Botox lip flip is dosing.A small amount placed superficially in the muscle will give a subtle lip flip & provide a slight improvement in gum coverage. Too much Botox, Botox placed too deep, or Botox placed too high above the lip may result in oral incompetence and a "fake" looking smile.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

yes it can that is why having an experienced injector is really important. I always recommend at home dermarolling for the lips as well as lip hydrators and plumpers for antiaging of this area (see link to emeragecosmetics.com were we do free skincare consults daily).  I suggest seeing an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

On many occasions, Botox can be combined with fillers on the lips and the areas around it. In your case, more information is needed, and at least a picture of the area would guide us to offer you a solution. Botox around the lip area can improve the gummy smile, make a lip flip where the illusion of a bigger upper lip is created, and even correct the smoker's lines around your lips. Choose a board-certified physician that is experienced. They should combine the dermal filler with Botox and give you a look that you want to achieve, always maintaining a natural result.

Gwen Maxwell, MD · Answer

Typically, Botox is injected immediately above or below the lips to create a subtle "lip flip". This is often used in conjunction with filler. We only inject a small amount of Botox to prevent paralysis or a "frozen" feeling of the lips and mouth. If too much Botox is injected, you may experience slight lip paralysis, heaviness, difficulty chewing or using straws, or problems with pronouncing certain letters. This is all temporary and usually resolves between 2-3 months.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox in the lips can have unwanted effects on your smile.  It is important that you see only an experienced injector for this treatment.  Botox can take up to 14 days for final results and will wear off gradually over three to four months.

Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery - Alpharetta · Answer

You are correct; not everyone is a candidate for Botox above the lip, which is why it can produce unnatural results.  It can also happen if too much Botox is used.  The more product is used, the longer the effects last. This is where knowledge and experience are important, so the provider can make that determination for each individual patient. What works for some patients may not work for others. All the best!
Michelle Giglio, PA-C