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. 

Thames Skin Clinic

5 out of 5

From 10 Review(s)

Welcome to Thames Skin Clinic the renowned, doctor-led, medical aesthetic clinic dedicated to achieving real results.[READ MORE]


Map Icon

1-3 Baylis Mews, 99 Amyand Park Road, Twickenham, TW1 3HQ

Dr Nadia Yousri OB&GY

5 out of 5

From 10 Review(s)

Doctor Nadia Yousri offers a full range of non-invasive sexual aesthetic procedures from Vampire PRP hair/face treatments to erectile dysfunction & vaginal rejuvenation treatments.[READ MORE]


Map Icon

64 Harley Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 7HB

London Beauty Clinic London

5 out of 5

From 10 Review(s)

Transform, revitalise and evolve. The newest technologies brought to you by industry experts at London Beauty Clinic. Innovative and consultation based approach to enhance your health and wellbein...[READ MORE]


Map Icon

1 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EJ

Look Lovely London

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

Look Lovely London is a Dr led advanced aesthetic & skin clinic in the heart of St John’s Wood, not far from Regents Park. Established over 13 years ago, we deliver safe & effective treatments.[READ MORE]


Map Icon

Bell Medics Limited TA Look Lovely London, 4 Wellington Road, NW8 9SP

Pure Perfection Clinic

5 out of 5

From 10 Review(s)

Award-Winning Pure Perfection Clinic. Established in 2008 and situated in the heart of Rossett, Pure Perfection Clinic is North Wales’ leading aesthetic treatment center.[READ MORE]


Map Icon

Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HW

Cosmetic Doctors

WRINKLE TREATMENT, FILLER, PROFHILO & SUNEKOS PROVIDED BY qualified DOCTORS. Our mission is to provide you with personalised, high- quality, cost-effective treatment plans delivered by qualified do...[READ MORE]


Map Icon

5 Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 2PR

Devonshire Skin Clinic

5 out of 5

From 8 Review(s)

The Devonshire Clinic is a private dermatology clinic in the centre of the Harley Street medical district in London. Our team of highly experienced dermatologists in London provide specialised tre...[READ MORE]


Map Icon

16 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 7AF

Beauty Within Medi Spa

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

Beauty within Medi Spa, is located in Cowbridge. It is ideally situated to serve the locations of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales. The clinic offers a variety of treatments including wr...[READ MORE]


Map Icon

10 High Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7AG

Helen Cleland Non Surgical Aesthetic Procedures

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

My clinics provide my patients with continued support every step of the way - from consultation through treatment and aftercare. I ensure that the right treatments are given to solve not only thei...[READ MORE]


Map Icon

23 St Georges Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 3DT