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. 

Revital Lab

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

The Revital Lab is a doctor led clinic, based in Esher, Surrey that specialises in medical aesthetics and wellness treatments. We offer a bespoke holistic approach to optimise both skincare and lo...[READ MORE]


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13 Church St, Esher, KT10 8QS

The Dorchester Clinic

5 out of 5

From 10 Review(s)

Here at The Dorchester Clinic in Market Bosworth, we offer the latest in aesthetic treatments. Our professional, reliable service delivers virtually pain-free, desirable results every time. Our trea...[READ MORE]


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Based At Bosworth Dental Practice, 41 Station Road, Market Bosworth, CV13 0LT

Skin Excellence Clinics West Horrington

5 out of 5

From 15 Review(s)

Dr Ian Strawford, founder of Skin Excellence Clinics has been providing the highest quality, safest, non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the South and South West for over 11 years.[READ MORE]


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The Cheese Yard, West Horrington, Nr Wells, Somerset, BA5 3ED

Ace Aesthetics

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

Your SKIN confidence is our main priority, that is why we take the time to understand your needs and create a bespoke treatment plan that is perfect for you. From subtle enhancements to personalised...[READ MORE]


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3a Castle Yard, Richmond, TW10 6TF

Stay Young Aesthetics

Stay Young was established over10 years and has gone from a small business working out of one clinic to a business that is expanding year on year mainly through word of mouth. I am a qualified gen...[READ MORE]


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167a High Street, Kent, Strood, ME2 4TH

Zenith Cosmetic Clinic

4 out of 5

From 6 Review(s)

Zenith Cosmetic Clinic offers surgical, non-surgical, dental and cosmetic aesthetic treatments including Weight Loss, Skin, Anti-ageing and Cosmetic Dentistry. They are located in Nottingham and Lond...[READ MORE]


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6 Clinton Terrace, Derby Road, Nottingham, NG7 1LY

Balance Aesthetics

5 out of 5

From 2 Review(s)

We strive to be known as the non-surgical clinic that provides the utmost of high standard treatments, at a reasonable price point for all. We offer a range of treatments, from skincare products to ...[READ MORE]


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7 Wyre Grange Lodge Lane, Singleton, Poulton-le-fylde, FY6 8NP

23MD

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

23MD is a specialised cosmetic and medical clinic in Chelsea. We believe in a synergistic approach to aesthetics and wellness, providing our clients with effective, medically-proven treatments and tec...[READ MORE]


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23 Elystan Street, Chelsea, London, SW33NT

Melior Clinics Huntingdon

5 out of 5

From 10 Review(s)

Melior Clinics are experts in facial aesthetics, anti-ageing and skin care, specialising in non-surgical cosmetic treatments.[READ MORE]


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10 St Peters Road, Huntingdon, PE29 7AA