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. 

Change Aesthetics

Change Aesthetics is a Doctor led medical aesthetic clinic where artistry and medicine combine. Our philosophy is that by listening and building long-lasting relationships, we will deliver great resu...[READ MORE]


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4b Regent Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HW

Wellface Esher

5 out of 5

From 53 Review(s)

Wellface Esher is a facial aesthetics clinic run by Dr Yasmin Tayeb, specialising in anti-wrinkle treatments, lip fillers, Profhilo, PRP, Secret RF fat dissolving and more. Based in Esher, Surrey.[READ MORE]


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Health Village Esher, 13 – 17 Church Street, Esher, KT10 8QS

One Medical

5 out of 5

From 3 Review(s)

One Medical is a leading medical and surgical clinic based in St Albans, committed to providing you with the highest quality healthcare. We offer a wide range of services that cater to your health...[READ MORE]


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152 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1PQ

Signature Clinic

5 out of 5

From 2 Review(s)

Signature Clinic in Glasgow offers a wide range of treatments including Cosmetic Surgery, Hair Loss Treatments, Non Surgical treatments and Aesthetic beauty treatments.[READ MORE]


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79 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 2AW

Aesthetics by Dr Lorraine Kemp Ltd

5 out of 5

From 4 Review(s)

I am committed to professional development and regularly attend conferences and courses to keep my techniques as up to date as possible, to achieve the best cosmetic results with the safest techni...[READ MORE]


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Creative Space Kent, Monkshill Farm, Monkshill Farm Road, Faversham, ME13 9EH

Aesthetics by Silvie

5 out of 5

From 7 Review(s)

Aesthetics by Silvie is a Medical Cosmetics service in Twickenham provided by Silviya Ivanova (MSc in SCPHN, BSc Adult Nursing, BSc Midwifery, Post Grad Cert in Independent Prescribing). A ...[READ MORE]


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8 Second Cross Road, Ash House, Twickenham, TW2 5RF

Persona Medical Aesthetics Skin and Laser Clinic

5 out of 5

From 11 Review(s)

Persona Medical Aesthetics & Minor skin surgery clinic are based in Bexleyheath. We are regulated by CQC and are accredited with SAVE FACE. Specialist in all areas of non surgical anti ageing. [READ MORE]


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300 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 8AH

Dr Home Aesthetics

5 out of 5

From 2 Review(s)

Dr Home ensures she provides a thorough consultation, to find out what her clients hopes and expectations are, whilst giving an honest assessment of outcomes, to tailor treatment to their goal. Her ai...[READ MORE]


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Market Studios, 18-23 Greenwich Market, Durnford Street, London, SE10 9HZ

Jacqui Mac Aesthetics Ilkley

5 out of 5

From 6 Review(s)

At Jacqui Mac Aesthetics, we are passionate about beneficence, focusing on holistic transformations and increasingly utilising a multi-disciplinary team. We believe in restoring and enriching you...[READ MORE]


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58 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9PA