How to get rid of weird looking smile lines? Botox? Photo)

Question

Dear Experts, I noticed two pretty deep smile lines next to my mouth. They even start forming a little fat pad when i smile. I feel it looks weird. Can botox help with this or what do you recommend? I just dont want to risk not being able to smile when using botox. Im also not a fan of filler. I hope there are alternatives. Thank you in advance! Best regards, Jessica

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend fillers to soften the nasolabial folds themselves and also lift around the mouth and cheeks to build underlying anatomical support. In our practice we combine Sculptra with other fillers "layered" on top and lasers, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage, Fractora, and Renuvion (J Plasma), thread lifting,  and peels to get the most conservative, natural look. I suggest seeing a facial sculpting expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer

William Lao, MD · Answer

Deep smile lines are best treatment by some kind of filling still, injectable fillers like hyluronic acid are the safest and reversible if results are not satisfactory. the other more longer lasting options are fat grafting but that requires a small trip to the OR. Botulinum toxin can also help but only to a certain degrees and like you said if too much dosage the facial expression can appear stiff. The best is still to see a board certified plastic surgeon to examine your face in person and discuss the best options for you.

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

They are normal lines that form at the junction of the muscles that encircle your mouth and those the depress your lower lip. You would be better off augmenting whether with filler, fat, or dermis, but you could try botox in the depressor anguli oris, which may help soften the lower one. If you did botox around the mouth itself, that is when you would get functional issues.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description and photo you would have the best correction for your concerns with filler such as Restylane or Juvederm.  Botox would not be helpful in reducing these lines and could impact your smile.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with an expert injector to learn more about the treatment.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Hi Jessica,
Botox, which I have been injecting for the past thirty years, is not recommended for use in this area as its effects would likely distort the smile.  The appropriate use of a resilient HA filler, however, could quite effectively diminish the problem. I'm not sure why you are not a fan of fillers, but HA fillers, can quite easily be dissolved should the need ever arise. One caveat: make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and ask to see his/her personal before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Hope this helps and best of luck.

How to get rid of weird looking smile lines? Botox? Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Smile concerns

Answer: Smile concerns

Answer: Filler Works Best For "Parallel Laugh Lines" On The Sides Of The Mouth

Answer: Filler Works Best For "Parallel Laugh Lines" On The Sides Of The Mouth

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How to get rid of weird looking smile lines? Botox? Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Smile concerns

Answer: Smile concerns

Answer: Filler Works Best For "Parallel Laugh Lines" On The Sides Of The Mouth

Answer: Filler Works Best For "Parallel Laugh Lines" On The Sides Of The Mouth

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.