Should the orbicularis oris muscle be relaxed or tightened to raise upper lip?

Question

I've read that paralyzing the Orbicularis Oris muscle just above the upper lip can subtly flip the lip upward; yet it can also cause the muscle to "drop" and make your upper lip longer and flatter. I have also read that your upper lip can droop over time due to muscle elongation. I use microcurrent on my face and don't want to inadvertently lengthen my philtrum. Or would using microcurrent actually tighten that muscle and lift my lips subtly over time? I'm so confused!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

botox isn't the best for lip lifting, it flattens the lips. its only good for gummy smile. lip lift surgery would be needed for lifting. I suggest hydration and plumping daily with emeragecosmetics lip essentials kit, lucy and co plumper, and NUDESKIN lip butter.  please post photos and get a consultation. Best, Dr. Emer.

Kathleen Griffin, MD · Answer

There is evidence that relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle with a small amount of neurotoxin placed at the vermillion border can evert the lip a few mm. and increase the "pink show" of your lip, and effectively decrease the length from your nose to your lip. The effect in any given patient patient is variable, and one just has to give it a try to see. It will only last a couple of months if you do not like it. It will not result in a longer, flatter lip. Your lip will just return to its pre-neurotoxin state. On the other hand, there is no solid scientific evidence that microcurrent treatments actually accomplish anything at all, even though you are "feeling" something when the current is applied.

Harold L. Kent, MD (retired) · Answer

Botox will paralyze the orbicularis oris muscle near where it is injected. Our experience is that the effect is very subtle. We inject anywhere from 4 to 10 units above the pink part of the upper lip--usually about 1 cm medial to the lateral border of the lip and about 1 cm lateral to the philtrum column on each side. Generally this would be expected to let the upper lip turn outward slightly to give a fuller appearance. Small doses for this can make it difficult to whistle or use a straw to drink. A larger dose can mean that the patient needs to be careful when drinking from a cup or glass. With Botox, if the results aren't what you want, the effect will go away within a few months and you can try something else.

Should the orbicularis oris muscle be relaxed or tightened to raise upper lip?

Answers (3)

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.

Should the orbicularis oris muscle be relaxed or tightened to raise upper lip?

Answers (3)

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.