Botox is widely known for smoothing wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, but in recent years, its use around the mouth—especially the upper lip—has become increasingly popular. Many people are curious about how Botox affects the upper lip before and after treatment, what kind of changes they can realistically expect, and whether the results look natural or obvious.
Unlike lip fillers, Botox does not add volume to the lips. Instead, it works by relaxing specific muscles around the mouth. This subtle muscle relaxation can enhance the appearance of the upper lip in several ways, including reducing fine lines, improving lip position, and even creating the appearance of a slightly fuller lip without injections of filler.
Understanding how Botox works on the upper lip, and what changes happen before and after treatment, is essential for setting realistic expectations and achieving satisfying results.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Upper Lip
The upper lip is a complex area made up of delicate skin, muscle fibers, and connective tissue. One of the key muscles involved is the orbicularis oris, which surrounds the mouth and controls lip movement. This muscle is responsible for actions like puckering, smiling, speaking, and sipping through a straw.
Over time, repetitive movement of this muscle can lead to:
- Fine vertical lip lines (often called “smoker’s lines”)
- A downward pull on the upper lip
- Excess gum visibility when smiling (gummy smile)
- A thinner or inward-rolled upper lip appearance
Botox works by relaxing targeted portions of this muscle, allowing the upper lip to sit in a more favorable position.
What the Upper Lip Looks Like Before Botox Treatment
botox before and after lips, many people notice one or more of the following concerns with their upper lip:
- Vertical lines above the lip that become more visible when talking or puckering
- The upper lip curling inward when smiling
- Excessive gum exposure when smiling
- A tight or tense appearance around the mouth
- An aging or harsh look caused by repeated muscle movement
These changes often happen gradually and are influenced by genetics, aging, sun exposure, smoking, and natural facial expressions.
Before treatment, the upper lip may also appear thinner, especially during smiling, even if the natural lip shape is well-defined.
How Botox Works on the Upper Lip
Botox affects the upper lip by temporarily relaxing specific muscle fibers rather than freezing the entire mouth. When injected correctly and conservatively, Botox softens muscle movement while preserving natural expression.
The goal is not to stop lip movement but to reduce excessive contraction that causes unwanted aesthetic concerns.
Common areas where Botox may be placed for upper lip improvement include:
- The muscle above the lip to reduce vertical lip lines
- The upper lip border for a Botox lip flip
- Specific points to reduce a gummy smile
Each treatment is customized based on facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Upper Lip Botox Before and After: What Changes Can You Expect?
A Subtle Lip Flip Effect
One of the most noticeable changes after Botox is a gentle outward roll of the upper lip, commonly known as a Botox lip flip. This happens because the muscle pulling the lip inward is relaxed, allowing the lip to turn slightly outward.
Before treatment, the upper lip may disappear when smiling.
After treatment, more of the pink lip becomes visible—without adding volume.
Reduction in Upper Lip Lines
Botox can soften vertical lines above the upper lip by reducing repetitive muscle movement.
Before treatment, these lines may deepen with expression.
After treatment, they appear smoother and less defined, especially when the face is at rest.
It’s important to note that deep, static lines may not disappear completely but can look significantly softer.
Improved Smile Appearance
For individuals with a gummy smile, Botox can reduce how much the upper lip lifts when smiling.
Before treatment, the gums may be highly visible.
After treatment, the upper lip sits slightly lower, creating a more balanced smile.
This change is subtle but can make a significant difference in confidence.
A More Relaxed, Youthful Look
Before Botox, tension around the mouth can make the face look stern or aged.
After Botox, the upper lip area often appears more relaxed, smoother, and refreshed.
The face still moves naturally, but harsh muscle contractions are softened.
What Botox Does NOT Do to the Upper Lip
It’s important to clarify what Botox cannot do:
- It does not add volume like lip fillers
- It does not permanently change lip shape
- It does not stretch the lips
- It does not make lips dramatically larger
If volume or plumpness is the primary goal, fillers—not Botox—are typically recommended.
Timeline: Before, Immediately After, and Final Results
Immediately After Treatment
Right after Botox injections, the lips usually look the same as before. Some people may experience:
- Mild redness
- Slight swelling at injection points
- Temporary tenderness
These effects usually resolve within a few hours.
3–5 Days After
The Botox begins to take effect. Muscle movement gradually softens, but changes are still subtle.
10–14 Days After
This is when full results are visible. The upper lip appears more relaxed, lip lines are softened, and smile balance improves.
How Natural Do Upper Lip Botox Results Look?
When done correctly, upper lip Botox results look very natural. Most people around you won’t notice that you’ve had Botox—they’ll simply think you look refreshed or that your smile looks nicer.
Natural results depend on:
- Conservative dosing
- Precise injection placement
- Injector experience
- Individual muscle strength
Over-treatment can cause stiffness or difficulty pronouncing certain words, which is why subtlety is essential.
Botox vs Fillers for the Upper Lip
Botox and fillers serve different purposes:
- Botox relaxes muscle movement
- Fillers add volume and shape
Many patients choose Botox for subtle enhancement and fillers for plumpness. In some cases, both are combined for optimal results—but always in moderation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Lip Botox?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have visible lip lines caused by muscle movement
- Feel your upper lip disappears when you smile
- Have a gummy smile
- Want subtle enhancement without fillers
A consultation with a qualified professional is essential to determine suitability.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
When performed correctly, upper lip Botox is generally safe. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary weakness in lip movement
- Slight asymmetry
- Mild difficulty with whistling or sipping
These effects are temporary and usually resolve as Botox wears off.
How Long Do Results Last?
Upper lip Botox results typically last 2 to 4 months. Because the lip area moves frequently, Botox may wear off slightly faster than in other areas.
Regular, well-spaced treatments help maintain consistent, natural results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Botox affect the upper lip before and after treatment?
Before treatment, the upper lip may appear tight, thin, or pull upward excessively when smiling. After Botox, muscle relaxation allows the lip to sit more naturally, reducing lines, improving smile balance, and sometimes creating a subtle lip flip without added volume.
Does Botox make the upper lip bigger?
No. Botox does not add volume. It may make the upper lip appear slightly more visible by relaxing the muscle that pulls it inward.
Is upper lip Botox painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The needles used are very fine, and the procedure is quick.
Can Botox fix deep upper lip wrinkles?
Botox can soften dynamic wrinkles caused by movement. Deep static lines may require additional treatments such as fillers or skin resurfacing.
How long does upper lip Botox take to work?
Initial effects appear within 3–5 days, with full results visible after 10–14 days.
Will Botox affect my speech or smile?
When done conservatively, Botox should not affect speech or natural facial expression. Over-treatment increases the risk of temporary movement issues.
How often should upper lip Botox be repeated?
Most people repeat treatment every 3–4 months, depending on muscle activity and desired results.
Final Thoughts
Botox can have a subtle yet powerful effect on the upper lip before and after treatment. Rather than creating dramatic changes, it refines the natural movement of the lip, softens lines, improves smile balance, and enhances overall facial harmony.
When performed by an experienced professional and approached with realistic expectations, upper lip Botox offers elegant, natural-looking results that enhance confidence without drawing attention to the treatment itself.
If your goal is a softer, more relaxed upper lip appearance—Botox may be the perfect solution.
