Botox injections can relax the muscles around the mouth, softening the appearance of lipstick lines.
What are Lipstick Lines?
Lipstick lines, also known as vertical lip lines or smokers lines, are thin wrinkles that form around the mouth.
Botox is commonly used to treat lipstick lines because it can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing the muscles around the mouth.
I don’t smoke. How can I have smokers lines?
“Smokers lines” is a lay term often used to describe the vertical lines above the upper lip that develop in individuals who smoke or used to smoke. However, those lines can occur due to other reasons like repetitive lip movements and natural aging. So while “smokers lines” is a common term people use, know that these lines can have various causes and may not be exclusive to smokers.
What are some disadvantages of Botox treatment for lipstick lines?
- Your lips may feel slightly different when you talk, especially for the first few weeks. This is usually mild, and most people don’t seem to mind. Your lips will still have sensation, so they will not feel numb.
- It will be harder for you to drink with a straw, and you won’t be able to whistle as easily.
- The results will be mild and temporary. Most people get this done during the same visit they receive Botox for other areas of the face.
- Etched-in lines will not disappear, though they may soften slightly. Our goal is to slow down the worsening of those lines by stopping them from creasing so easily.
- A very delicate, soft hyaluronic acid filler might work better and last longer for these vertical lip lines, especially when used in combination with Botox.
Left (before), Right (2 weeks after treatment). This is an actual patient of Dr. Lum.