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. 

Chamonix Clinic

5 out of 5

From 5 Review(s)

Chamonix clinic is owned and run by nurse Linda Mather and offers a range of treatments including colonic hydrotherapy, treatments for lines and wrinkles, vampire facelift, dermal fillers and other co...[READ MORE]


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17 Wellington Road, Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9HB

Rejuvenate Clinic

Based in Perth, Scotland, we are a medical aesthetic clinic providing treatments and services of the highest quality. Our main priority is enhancing your natural beauty, helping you to achieve a t...[READ MORE]


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The Lodge, 4 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EP

Chiltern Medical Clinic Reading

5 out of 5

From 4 Review(s)

The Chiltern Medical Clinic is based in both Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire and Reading, Berkshire. the clinic offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments. [READ MORE]


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60 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AF

Saleh Aesthetic Clinic

5 out of 5

From 1 Review(s)

If you are looking for an aesthetic clinic to provide a range of non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments then welcome to the Saleh Aesthetic Clinic. Headed by Dr Roy Saleh our team is committed to...[READ MORE]


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The Cheadle Institute, 1 Cheadle Green, Cheadle, SK8 2BD

Elite Aesthetics

5 out of 5

From 25 Review(s)

Elite Aesthetics, located in Greenhithe, Kent offers specialist non-surgical aesthetic treatments led by Dr Shirin Lakhani.[READ MORE]


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32 Grove House, Wainwright Avenue, Greenhithe, DA9 9XN

Sk1n Aesthetics Clinic

Sk1n Aesthetics clinic is a bespoke skin rejuvenation nurse prescriber led service where the individual needs of the client is paramount. A free consultation will assess needs and expectations to ...[READ MORE]


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Yew Cottage, Park Road, Banstead Village, SM7 3BY

Stratford Dermatherapy Clinic

Dr Hugo & James Kitchen's clinic has a well-deserved reputation as the leading provider of cosmetic and aesthetic treatments in Warwickshire. Founded in 1988 Stratford Dermatherapy Clinic is based...[READ MORE]


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6 Mansell Street, Stratford-upon-avon, CV37 6NR

Ashylla Aesthetics

5 out of 5

From 4 Review(s)

Welcome to Ashylla Aesthetics in Hall Green. Ashylla Aesthetics is run by two medical doctors, Dr Naura and Dr Ozzy. Our aim is to help you feel more comfortable in your own body.[READ MORE]


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B28 Therapy Rooms, 194 Robin Hood Ln, Birmingham , B28 0LG

Surrey Skincare

5 out of 5

From 4 Review(s)

GP led aesthetic & dermatology clinic based in West Byfleet Health Centre, within a purpose built medical building. Our highly qualified GPs and practitioner offer a one stop clinic. Plus the renown...[READ MORE]


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West Byfleet Health Centre (2nd Floor, Purple Area), Madeira Road, West Byfleet, KT14 6DH