Am I good candidate for a Botox lip lift? (Photos)

Question

Ideally I'd like to avoid filler because of migration concerns and because my upper lip protrudes more than I'd like. My main concern is that when I laugh, my smile is extremely gummy (see last pic) and when I just smile, there is still a little gum show. I want something that will make my top lip fuller/more visible, hide my gums when I smile, and shorten my upper lip. I also feel like the width of my mouth at rest is really short. Is a Botox lip flip the way to go? Other suggestions?

Peter Kally, MD, FACS · Answer

There are two parts to your question. To address the smile height (or gummy smile), this can be treated with appropriately placed botox injections by your oculofacial plastic surgeon or other botox injector. Increasing upper lip fullness or lip-flip can also be addressed with botox placement in an entirely different area, or in some instances with subtle dermal filler injection to augment the upper lip. Your surgeon can provide a full evaluation and detail the treatment options to fit your goals.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. A gummy smile is often caused by excess movement in the muscles of the upper lip which reveals the teeth and gum line. A conservative amount of Botox can target those precise muscles to significantly reduce the appearance of the gums. 
The results from Botox generally last for 3-4 months, at which time the formula can be readministered to maintain the desired results. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified injector who can suggest the best option to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

In my opinion, it is just one of those overhyped things that took on a life of its own. It is basically a fiction. I suspect that there is someone out there with just the right lip anatomy who actually did get a lip flip from botox. However it must be a one in a million thing because almost every example of a "lip flip" is botox plus filler, or maybe just filler. Why does the lip flip persist? It is human nature to jump on things that sound like a good story. Don't waste your money chasing this. No one is going to get it done for you. Your lips are wonderful. You really don't need to do anything to them. Lip fillers are often so very over done. A great treatment is one that you really can't tell it has been done. The big problem is that so many injectors do not really understand what they are doing. The tend to use runny fillers that do not hold where placed. I find that Restylane continues to be the best of the lip edge fillers because it holds where it is placed.

Geeta Yadav, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Botox can be used to relax the muscle of the upper lip, reducing its ability to lift and minimizing a gummy smile. While effective, this treatment is only a temporary solution and tends to last around two to three months at most. It’s also an off-label use for Botox, so be sure to undergo this treatment with an experienced provider.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear happyplaces22,

Thank your for sharing your photos. You have gorgeous lips and when you smile, you radiate the happiness within! You have a normal upper lip length. I do see significant upper lip shortening, a gummy smile and normal vermillion rotation when you smile. 
Consider consultation with a Botox expert.
Proper use of a injectable muscle relaxer will weaken the upper lip circular muscle and lifter muscles to reduce gum show and lengthen the lip without losing the rotational, pout you have.
I wish you  the best!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for Botox.  This treatment will improve a gummy smile.  Final results are seen about two weeks after treatment and the results will fade gradually over three to four months.  See an expert injector near you to learn more.

Am I good candidate for a Botox lip lift? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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