Bulge above upper lip - can Botox fix? (Photos)

This seems to be a subcutaneous fat issue. I recommend seeing an internist or dermatologist to evaluate this.

Hello,

Thank you for your question, asymmetries like a bulge above the upper lip can be both puzzling and frustrating, especially when they appear on only one side.

A small bulge above the upper lip on one side could be due to several possible causes:

Muscle hypertrophy or asymmetry of the orbicularis or surrounding muscles

Volume loss or fat pad shift that makes one side appear fuller

Scar tissue or past trauma/injection effects

A benign cyst or salivary gland prominence

Less commonly, vascular or nerve-related causes

Can Botox Fix It?
If the bulge is due to muscle overactivity or imbalance, Botox may help by relaxing the overactive muscle fibers, thus creating a more symmetrical appearance. This approach is commonly used in cases of lip asymmetry, gummy smile correction, or muscle-induced dimpling.

However, Botox would not be effective if the bulge is due to:

Structural fat pad differences

Scar tissue or cysts

Volume deficits on the other side

Next Steps
A proper in-person or virtual evaluation is essential to:

Palpate the area

Assess muscle activity

Rule out other structural or soft tissue causes

From there, we can determine whether Botox, dermal fillers, or another treatment (such as microneedling or minor surgical correction) would provide the most natural and effective result.

Hello,This issue will not be corrected by Botox, as Botox is designed to treat dynamic wrinkles and muscle-related concerns.

The bump you're seeing by the side of your lip may be a results of too much filler injected to the NLF or the lips which can easily be corrected with hyaluronidase. If you've never had fillers it could be a result of volume loss, in which case a bit of filler injected to the area should be a huge help. Last but not list, to keep up with skin tightening is key to healthy skin, and I recommend IPL, Morpheus of the combination of both.
Best from Boston!

It's hard to know what is causing the contour above your lip. If you had filler near that area it may be migrated filler which can be dissolved. It could be a natural occurrence for you. Botox will not fix it as Botox works on lines and wrinkles caused from muscle activity, which this is not.

If the bulge along your upper lip is caused by filler migration or uneven distribution of the filler, Botox would not be effective in resolving the issue. Here's what you can consider:
1. Filler Migration or Buildup:After lip filler injections, sometimes the product can migrate or settle unevenly, causing lumps or bulges, especially if the filler was injected too superficially or too much was placed in one area. This is a known issue and can happen over time, particularly with hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane or Juvederm.
2. How to Fix It:Massage: If the bulge is mild and recent, gentle massage can sometimes help redistribute the filler and smooth out unevenness. However, this should only be done if your injector has advised you to do so.
Hyaluronidase: If the filler is still hyaluronic acid-based and the bulge persists or is noticeable, hyaluronidase (an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid fillers) can be used to dissolve the excess product and restore a more even lip shape. This is a quick, safe procedure that can resolve the issue.
Re-evaluation by Your Injector: It’s crucial to return to the professional who performed the filler treatment (or another experienced injector) to assess the situation. They can evaluate the bulge and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s massage, dissolving the filler, or adjusting the volume.
3. Botox's Role:Botox won't resolve filler-related issues because it doesn't affect the filler itself—Botox works by relaxing muscles, not by altering the structure of hyaluronic acid or other injectable materials. If your bulge is related to overfilled muscles or uneven filler distribution, Botox would not be the appropriate solution.

Hi, I wonder if you sleep on that side of your face? Could be a static line from sleep position. Botox typically doesn't do much on static lines. If the line changes with your facial expressions it might be amenable to trying botox, but it is not really a place we usually use botox. I bet a tiny bit of filler or possibly microneedling might be another treatment option to consider, so it is worth getting a consultation to see if you are a good candidate.