Botox for Lip Lines

Anna Kremerov
Checked By Anna Kremerov

As you age, you may start to notice downturned lines on either side of your mouth appearing, these are called nasolabial folds but are also referred to as lip lines, laugh lines or smile lines. You may also have vertical lines running from your nose to your top lip – a common concern amongst both smokers and non-smokers.

Nasolabial folds are caused by repeated facial expressions over time, during which our facial muscles contract and we develop the common signs of ageing (facial wrinkles) such as crow's feet, frown lines, marionette lines, forehead lines and other lines and deep wrinkles. Botox treatments can make a significant difference, but the best results can be achieved with a combination of dermal fillers and Botox injections.

How Are Lip Lines Caused?

How Are Lip Lines Caused?

A number of factors can lead to lip lines.

Alongside general ageing and a loss of collagen and elastin, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and dehydration are all key contributors.

Women tend to be affected more than men due to a thinner dermal layer and less hair in the upper lip area.

Can You Get Rid of Lip Lines With Botox?

Lip lines can be successfully treated with Botox and other brands of botulinum toxin; an injectable product that has the power to smooth wrinkles.

Botox is an anti-wrinkle injection that will help to relax the muscle that surrounds the lips (orbicularis oris) and prevent excessive creasing when pursuing your lips.

When Should You Start Botox Injections for Lip Lines?

Age is not a factor for lip lines. While most patients are between the ages of 35 and 60, they can affect anyone. If your lines are fine at the moment, treatment could help them get worse.

On the other hand, if you have deep lip lines, then you may also benefit from dermal filler or laser therapy.

Under-18s are not allowed to undergo treatment for lip lines in the UK.

What Should I Expect From Botox for Smile Lines Treatment?

A topical anaesthetic is usually applied prior to this treatment and Botulinum toxin injections are strategically placed to reduce the appearance of the lines around your top lip.

Treatment is quick; usually less than 30 minutes, and doesn't hurt; you will simply feel a 'sharp scratch' when the needle goes in.

There may be some redness and swelling, which will calm down a few hours after treatment.

Results will take two weeks to become fully apparent and should last between three to six months.

What Should I Expect From Botox for Smile Lines Treatment?

How Much Does It Cost to Treat Lip Lines With Botox?

On average, Botox for smile lines treatment can cost anywhere from £200 upwards. The price usually depends on where in the country you're having treatment and how experienced your practitioner is.

Be safe when choosing a practitioner – it's worth paying a bit more to see someone with experience!

Are There Side Effects to Treating Lip Lines With Botox?

Side effects to Botox and other brands of botulinum toxin are rare, but can include:

  • Degree of lip incompetency (difficulty blowing balloons and sucking on a straw)

  • Slight numbness in the upper lip

  • Swelling

  • Allergic reaction

The most dangerous complications are double vision and difficulty breathing, but these are thankfully extremely rare.

If you experience any side effects or complications, contact your practitioner immediately.

Who Should You Trust to Treat Your Lip Lines?

Always look for a medical practitioner who can advise you on the best treatment approach. Sometimes dermal fillers or laser therapy may be more appropriate, depending on the severity of your lip lines.

We highly recommend that you only undergo Botox for smile lines treatment with a medically-qualified professional, who will have undergone training in anatomy and physiology, as well as be accountable to a regulatory body such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or General Dental Council (GDC).

They should also be able to advise you of the risks of injectable treatment for smile lines, what the procedure involves and be confident in handling complications if they arise.

Check out our handy guide for finding a trusted Botox for smile lines practitioner that you can trust.

Book a Botox Consultation Today.

As always, if you have any questions you can use our Botox Q&A where you can ask for more advice direct from a trusted, experienced medical practitioner.

Not sure Botox treatment is right for you? We have lots of Botox FAQs, Botox videos, Botox reviews, and Botox before and after images for you to do more research if you are not ready to speak to a medically trained Botox injector yet.
 
If you want to look for your nearest accredited and verified Botox clinic, your local Botox clinics are listed below. 

Skin and Sanctuary

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We are an exciting, caring & intelligent medical aesthetics team in Hackney. Supported by technology such as Visia Skin Analysis, innovative treatments like Prohfilo and the most effective of skincare...[READ MORE]


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Pallant Aesthetics Clinic

Pallant Aesthetics opened their doors July 2021 bringing high end aesthetic treatments by medical professionals to Havant. [READ MORE]


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Pelham House, 13 The Pallant, Havant, PO9 1BE

J Rodger Aesthetics

5 out of 5

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J.Rodger Aesthetics is under the care of Jennifer Rodger, registered nurse prescriber and qualified in aesthetics to advanced level. At J.Rodger Aesthetics patient safety is of key concern. Fully in...[READ MORE]


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2c Orbital Court, East Kilbride, G74 5PH

Melior Clinics Sevenoaks

5 out of 5

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Melior Clinics are experts in medical aesthetics, specialising in non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Their portfolio includes traditional and popular anti- wrinkle and rejuvenation procedures, such ...[READ MORE]


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47 Dartford Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3TE

The Wellfield Skin Clinic

5 out of 5

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The Wellfield Skin Clinic is a CQC registered skin clinic, located in Windsor, Berkshire. We specialise in treatments such as mole removal, dermal fillers, non-surgical rhinoplasty, skin tag removal...[READ MORE]


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Alma Medica, 47 Alma Road, Windsor, SL4 3HH

Dr Deborah McManners Medical Cosmetic Centre

5 out of 5

From 19 Review(s)

Dr Deborah McManners is a specialist skin and laser doctor, renowned for her expertise in aesthetic treatments including facial sculpting and laser skin and hair rejuvenation.[READ MORE]


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One Ashford Hospital, Kennington Road, Willesborough, TN24 0YS

The Aesthetic Clinic

5 out of 5

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The Aesthetic clinic provides a wide variety of non-surgical aesthetic treatments and procedures, personally tailored to the individuals needs and requests delivered by professionally registered a...[READ MORE]


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8 Church Walks, Ormskirk, L39 3QS

Cloud Nine Clinic

Cloud Nine offers professional, medically based, results driven treatments. Our premises, in the park area of Glasgow, provides a relaxing environment to clients. Our policy to employ only fully quali...[READ MORE]


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11 Somerset Place, Glasgow, G3 7JT

Maison Aesthetique

Maison Aesthetique is located in Totnes, Devon. Dr Rupal Fatania has been providing a variety on non-surgical aesthetic treatments for over ten years. The small and personable team pride themselves...[READ MORE]


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1 Castle Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NU