Beauty for All
Walks of Life

Basics of Upper Lip Shortening Botox

What is the philtrum and its role?

The philtrum is the groove running from the bottom of your nose to your upper lip. It plays an important role in giving a three-dimensional appearance to the central part of your face. As we age, it tends to flatten out.

The Basics of Botox

Botox is made from botulinum toxin, which reduces the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, effectively relaxing muscles and limiting their movement. The toxin has been historically used for various purposes, even in hunting.

Benefits and Risks of Upper Lip Shortening Botox

Upper lip shortening Botox works by applying Botox to the surface of the orbicularis oris muscle, which lifts and spreads the outer part of the lips. This makes the lips appear fuller, and the philtrum appears shorter. However, since the muscle's movement is weakened, it may become more difficult to close the mouth or use a straw.

Procedure Flow and Preparation

What to Discuss During the Consultation

During the consultation, discuss with your doctor how you would like to alter the shape of your lips. The procedure will mainly focus on lifting the outer lips, as altering the center of the lips is more difficult. In some cases, hyaluronic acid may be used in addition, depending on the desired shape.

Things to Keep in Mind on the Day of the Procedure

There are no specific precautions to take before the procedure.

Pain Management and Anesthesia

You will feel two small pricks during the procedure. Most people do not require anesthesia, but if you are anxious, topical anesthesia cream or tape can be used.

Effect of Upper Lip Shortening Botox

When Will I See Results?

You’ll start noticing results within 3 days to 1 week after the injection. The effects last around 3 to 4 months.

Ideal Philtrum Length and Botox Effect

An ideal proportion is 1:2, with the length from the mouth to the nose being one part and the length from the mouth to the chin being two parts. Botox for upper lip shortening helps create the appearance of a shorter distance from the mouth to the nose.

Risks and Side Effects

Common Side Effects and Their Solutions

After the procedure, you might find it difficult to close your mouth properly. For example, when brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth, water might spill out. Additionally, using a straw or slurping noodles could become more difficult. To mitigate this, the doctor might reduce the number of units used or inject at a shallower depth. However, the more effective the treatment, the more noticeable the side effects will be.

Signs of Possible Complications

If you haven’t clearly communicated your desired outcome with your doctor, you might not get the results you were hoping for.

Infection and Bruising Prevention

Botox doesn’t cause infections. Since the injections are shallow, bruising is rare.

Aftercare and Downtime

Post-Procedure Care and How to Spend Your Day

You can go about your usual activities after the procedure.

Downtime and Symptoms

There is no downtime after the procedure.

Makeup and Daily Life Impact

You can apply makeup once any bleeding has stopped. There should be minimal impact on your daily activities.

Yoshiko Kuno