Would Botox or filler help minimize horizontal lines in the upper lip area when smiling? (photo)

Question

When I smile, this deep horizontal line develops above my lip in the mustache area. I’m wondering what kind of treatment botox or filler maybe can help reduce the line

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have found that this particular condition have two components and each needs to be treated in order to achieve the most optimal results. Since this appears with smiling, there is an obvious dynamic muscular component. So, a couple of tiny droplets of Botox properly injected can help to diminish its appearance and accentuation with smiling. Since the horizontal indentation is so prominent, it can additionally be filled judiciously with an appropriate malleable, cohesive, low viscosity HA filler. Once again, care needs to be taken not to overfill so that there is not a bulge of the area when at rest.  You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist Botox & filler expert. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

To address the deep horizontal line above your lip in the mustache area, a dermal filler might be more suitable than Botox. Fillers like hyaluronic acid can help add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or lines. Botox is typically used for dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, whereas fillers work by plumping up the skin.

Best of luck !

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

In some cases of line formation in the upper lip area can be helped with Botox. In some cases fillers must be used. You need to be evaluated in person to determine exactly what is causing this as in muscle activity or just folding of the skin. The photograph of you smiling alone, does not help in making the determination of the cause. See a Plastic surgeon in person and I hope this helps, and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s not a good idea to treat problems related to contraction of facial muscles. Doing so has a high propensity of causing undesirable side effects when those muscles are not contracted.
Facial aesthetics are usually done based on expressive neutral faces.
I don’t think fillers or Botox are going to correct this issue without creating undesirable potential side effects of bulk or muscle weakness
Somethings are better left alone.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Would Botox or filler help minimize horizontal lines in the upper lip area when smiling? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dynamic issues

Answer: Dynamic issues

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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

Would Botox or filler help minimize horizontal lines in the upper lip area when smiling? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dynamic issues

Answer: Dynamic issues

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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