I've heard that getting Botox just above the upper lip can help to "lift" the lip a bit to create a more prominent pout? (photo)

Question

I am happy with the size and volume of my lower lip, but my upper lip does not have as much prominence and almost completely disappears when I smile. I am not looking for a dramatically noticeable difference, (just a slight natural looking improvement) so was wondering if botox above the lip could be an option instead of lip fillers. Is there any merit behind this idea?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Nothing very good happens when botox is injected into the lips.  Sure, it will soften issues you may have but at the price of function.  Don't do this to yourself. You also don't need Nova threads in your lips. Your lips are wonderful.  A small lip filler treatment would enhance the lips - less is more.  Avoid the so-called smooth fillers for this service like Juvederm, Belotero, or Restylane silk.  These products are helpful for hapless injectors but they tend to drift after the fact and can cause the dreaded lip shelf.  I personally very much like Restylane for the lip edge.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

If you find an expert injector, Botox can give you a subtle upper-lip lift. However, Botox only lasts three to four months. It's also essential to find someone who has done this procedure before, as the lip must continue to be functional despite the fact that some of the muscles have been relaxed.
 
I would actually suggest using one of the hyaluronic acid fillers, as your upper lip is not quite at the ideal proportion that we like to see in relation to the lower lip (i.e., 2:3). The filler will also make your lip slightly more visible when you smile; Botox alone won't be able to accomplish that. I hope this helps.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The risk of placing Botox in the upper lip for "lift" may actually create the opposite effect. There are several elevator muscles that surround the circular shaped lip muscle (orbicularis oris) that can become paralyzed if the Botox reaches these muscles. It sounds like the kind of results that you are seeking would best be resolved with lip fillers. You mention that you want more prominence and pout.... both of these can easily be accomplished with well placed (and amount) of lip fillers to give a very natural appearance. A filler called Volbella is excellent for highlighting the lip border and anatomy.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Injecting Botox into upper lip can actually create more pout but one has to be very careful since too much Botox will actually dropo your lip and make it paralyzed
Another way to create more pout is a lift lip procedure - increasingly popular operation performed under local anesthesia. It actually permanently changes shape of your lip with minimal recovery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear adusenberry27,yes, Botox can lift your upper lip and create a more prominent pout. I would suggest you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, well-placed Botox can help turn the lip up slightly. PDO Nova threads can also be used to improve shape and provide lift. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question adusenberry27. Botox
is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial
expression. Botox can be used around the mouth to provide a subtle pout. Only a small dose is necessary. Too high a dose can interfere with eating and speaking. This is a good option for those who want a subtle enhancement without getting fillers. The next step would be a subtle filler such as Volbella. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Manjula Jegasothy, MD · Answer

Small amounts of Botox Cosmetic® injected into the skin above the lip to soften fine lines there (a.k.a "smoker's lines") have also been known to evert the lip as a happy side-effect when the treatment is performed by an experienced injector.However, I would not count on Botox Cosmetic® as a sure-fine method to evert the lip. A lip filler such as Volbella® will achieve this result much more consistently and effectively.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

I personally haven't been happy with the effects of botox around the lip and never recommend it in my practice except for gummy smiles. I think a little bit of filler in strategic places would give you the look you want.

Kory Kitagawa, MD · Answer

Yes, an expert Botox injector can very carefully select injection sites that will relax some of your lip muscles so that your upper lift will lift a bit &hellip; but you must be careful. This is not a job for someone who has not been thoroughly trained in muscular and neural anatomy. Plus, the injector must have great skill and a light touch. If you want to lift your lip with Botox, spend some time finding a truly expert board-certified dermatologist who can show you results you like.

I've heard that getting Botox just above the upper lip can help to "lift" the lip a bit to create a more prominent pout? (photo)

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