Botox for smokers lines around the mouth
Smoker's lines, also known as perioral rhytides or "pucker lines," are fine wrinkles that radiate from the upper or lower lip's red border. These lines become more noticeable when the mouth is puckered, due to the contraction of the Orbicularis Oris muscle, which encircles the mouth like a purse string.
Understanding the Muscles Involved
The Orbicularis Oris muscle is responsible for the puckering movement that accentuates smoker's lines. Relaxing this muscle with Botox can help smooth out these fine lines.
Botox Treatment for Smoker's Lines
Injection Technique
The patient is seated comfortably with the backrest elevated.
The treatment area is thoroughly cleaned.
The skin over the Orbicularis Oris muscle is marked with a skin marker to guide the injections.
Botox injections are placed close to the red border (vermillion border) of the lips, targeting the areas where smoker's lines are most prominent.
The injections may also slightly evert the lip border, giving the lips a slightly fuller appearance.
The injections are administered quickly, taking about 30 seconds.
Light pressure is applied to the treated area to minimize bruising.
The skin marker marks are wiped off.
Botox Dosage for Smoker's Lines:
For women: 1-2 units per injection spot
For men: 1-3 units per injection spot
Aftercare Instructions
Minor bruising may occur but can be easily concealed with makeup and usually resolves within a few days.
The effects of Botox typically start to appear within 3-10 days and can last between 2 to 7 months, depending on the dosage and the patient's metabolism. Some patients may metabolize Botox faster than others.
First-time patients may be asked to return after 2-3 weeks for a follow-up and possible additional treatment if needed.
Most patients choose to repeat the treatment once or twice a year.