Can Botox Be Used to Widen the Smile?

Question

I was wondering whether it is possible to use botox to change the shape of the nasal labial fold lines so that the smile widens. I have quite a small smile for a wide face and so was wondering if this is possible.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Widening your smile wouldn't be possible with Botox. I suggest you see a board certified plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable treatment for you.

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

Firstly, Botox cannot be injected into the nasolabial folds. Botox works by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. The nasolabial folds are caused by downward migration of the cheek skin which in turn causes a depression along that line. Nasolabial folds have to be filled with volume (Juvederm, Restaylane, etc...) I have not heard of anybody "widening" a smile, but there are a pair of muscles on the lower outside part of the lip called the DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris). These muscles can be injected (Off Label use of Botox), and subsequently the corners of the mouth will rise a little bit giving the lips a more youthful look.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Botox is useful to help lift the corners of the mouth by injecting the DAO muscle and improve a gummy smile by injecting the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle. However, widening the smile is not possible to my knowledge. You can make the mouth slightly smaller by injecting the risorius muscle, but I haven't done this and its probably not a good idea. Steve Weiner, MD, Facial Plastic Surgeon, Destin, Florida.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Botox may be used by a properly trained board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to modify the smile based upon injections placed strategically into certain muscle groups on the face.

Can Botox Be Used to Widen the Smile?

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