Will Botox Help Smile Lines? What You Need to Know

Smile lines are one of the most common cosmetic concerns we hear about at My Skin. Whether they show up as fine creases around the corners of your mouth or deeper folds running from your nose to your lips, these lines can make you look older than you feel — even when you're not smiling at all.

So the big question is: will Botox help smile lines? The short answer is — it depends on the type of smile lines you have. This guide breaks down exactly how Botox works, which smile lines it can and can't treat, and what other options may give you better results.

What Are Smile Lines?

"Smile lines" is a broad term that typically refers to two different types of facial lines:

Nasolabial Folds are the deeper creases that run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. These are sometimes called "parenthesis lines" or "laugh lines." They develop over time as a result of volume loss, repeated facial movement, and the natural effects of gravity and aging.

Perioral Lines are the fine lines that form directly around the lips — sometimes called "lip lines" or "lipstick lines." These appear from repeated muscle movement around the mouth and are worsened by sun exposure and smoking.

Understanding which type of smile line you're dealing with is the first step in finding the right treatment. This is exactly why a personalized consultation at My Skin is so important — no two faces are the same, and neither are the treatment plans we create.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to specific facial muscles. When those muscles can't contract as forcefully, the overlying skin smooths out and wrinkles soften. Results typically take 7 to 14 days to fully appear and last around 3 to 4 months on average.

At My Skin, we also offer Jeuveau and Dysport — two additional botulinum toxin options that work similarly to Botox and may be a better fit depending on your individual needs and goals.

Will Botox Help Smile Lines?

This is where things get nuanced. Botox is highly effective for dynamic wrinkles — lines caused by repeated muscle movement. However, not all smile lines fall into this category.

Where Botox Can Help:

For fine perioral lines and the muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward (called the DAO, or depressor anguli oris), Botox can make a meaningful difference. At My Skin, our anti-wrinkle injection treatments specifically include DAO injections to lift the corners of the mouth and soften the downward pull that deepens smile-adjacent lines over time. We also treat chin dimpling and lip lines with Botox — both of which contribute to the appearance of aging around the mouth.

Where Botox Has Limitations:

Deep nasolabial folds are primarily caused by volume loss and gravitational changes in the face — not muscle movement. Because Botox works by relaxing muscles rather than adding volume, it won't significantly improve deep nasolabial folds on its own. In these cases, a different approach is needed.

What Works Better for Deep Nasolabial Folds?

For deeper smile lines caused by volume loss, dermal fillers are generally the more effective treatment. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected directly into the nasolabial fold area to restore lost volume, smooth the crease, and create a more youthful, lifted appearance. Results typically last 6 to 12 months or longer depending on the product used.

Sculptra is another excellent option for deeper facial volume loss. Unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra works by stimulating your body's own collagen production over time, gradually improving skin thickness and structure. Results build gradually over several months and can last up to two years — making it one of the longest-lasting options for overall facial rejuvenation, including the smile line area.

Many patients achieve the best results with a combination approach — Botox to relax the muscles contributing to fine lines around the mouth, and filler or Sculptra to restore volume in the deeper fold areas. This is what's sometimes called a "liquid facelift," and it's one of the cosmetic dermatology specialties at My Skin.

The Best Candidates for Botox Around the Smile Area

Botox around the mouth area works best for patients who:

• Have fine dynamic lines around the lips or corners of the mouth

• Notice the corners of their mouth pulling downward at rest

• Want to soften chin dimpling or "orange peel" texture on the chin

• Are looking to complement filler treatments for a more complete result

• Want to prevent deeper lines from forming with early preventative treatment

Botox is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with certain neuromuscular conditions, or those with unrealistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve. A thorough consultation with Leah Michel, APRN FNP-BC will help determine if Botox is appropriate for your individual situation.

Complementary Treatments That Enhance Results

At My Skin, smile line treatment rarely needs to stop at just one option. Depending on your skin, you may benefit from combining Botox or filler with:

Microneedling — Microneedling stimulates collagen production and improves overall skin texture and tone, making the skin around the mouth firmer and more resilient over time.

PRP Injections — Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses growth factors from your own blood to accelerate skin renewal, improve elasticity, and complement the effects of Botox and filler.

Medical-Grade Skincare — Supporting your treatments at home with the right products matters. Explore the skincare products available at My Skin to help protect and maintain your results between appointments.

What to Expect at Your Botox Appointment at My Skin

Botox appointments at My Skin are quick, straightforward, and require no downtime. Here's what a typical visit looks like:

Our provider will begin by reviewing your concerns and facial anatomy to map out precise injection points. The injections themselves take just 15 to 30 minutes and are administered with fine needles for minimal discomfort. Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after leaving the office.

You may experience mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, but these effects typically resolve within a few days. Full results become visible within 7 to 14 days. We recommend scheduling a follow-up to assess your results and make any adjustments.

Whether you visit our St. Petersburg location in Downtown St. Pete's Plaza Tower or our Bradenton office, you'll receive personalized, expert care at every step.

How Long Do Results Last?

Botox results around the smile area typically last 3 to 4 months. Patients who come in for regular maintenance appointments often find that their results last longer over time, as consistent treatment can train the muscles to contract less forcefully. If you're combining Botox with dermal fillers, those results can last 6 to 12 months or more depending on the product used.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can Botox remove nasolabial folds completely? Botox alone cannot remove deep nasolabial folds because they are primarily caused by volume loss, not muscle movement. Dermal fillers or Sculptra are much more effective for this area. Botox can be used alongside these treatments to soften surrounding fine lines for a more complete result.

• Will Botox around the mouth affect my smile? When administered by an experienced, skilled provider, Botox around the mouth should not affect your smile or natural expressions. Precision is everything — which is why choosing a knowledgeable provider like the team at My Skin is so important.

• How many units of Botox are needed for smile lines? The number of units varies depending on the area being treated and the strength of the muscles involved. DAO injections (for downturned mouth corners) typically require fewer units than forehead or frown line treatments. Your provider will give you a specific recommendation during your consultation.

• Is Botox or filler better for smile lines? It depends on the type of smile lines you have. Botox is better for fine dynamic lines and muscle-related drooping around the mouth. Filler is better for deeper nasolabial folds and volume loss. Many patients benefit from both used together.

• How soon will I see results from Botox? Most patients begin to notice results within 3 to 5 days, with full results visible at 7 to 14 days after treatment.

Why Choose My Skin for Smile Line Treatment?

My Skin is a trusted medical and cosmetic dermatology practice serving St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Florida. Founded by Leah Michel, APRN FNP-BC, My Skin offers 30-minute appointments designed to give every patient the time and attention they deserve. Leah's dermatology expertise means your treatment plan is always rooted in skin science — not just aesthetics.

In addition to Botox and anti-wrinkle injections, My Skin offers a full range of cosmetic dermatology services including lip fillers, dermal fillers, Sculptra, microneedling, chemical peels, LED light therapy, and more — all customized to your unique needs and goals.

Book Your Smile Line Consultation Today

Our team at My Skin will evaluate your unique facial anatomy and recommend the best combination of treatments for your smile lines — whether that's Botox, filler, Sculptra, or all three.

Whether you're dealing with fine lines around the mouth, downturned corners, or deeper nasolabial folds, My Skin has a solution tailored to you. Let us help you find the right combination of treatments to refresh your appearance and restore your confidence.

Request Your Appointment Online

St. Pete: (727) 295-7223 | Bradenton: (941) 330-5805 | appointments@myskinbyleah.com

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results from Botox and cosmetic treatments vary depending on factors such as the areas treated, the amount of product used, your facial anatomy, metabolism, and overall health. All cosmetic procedures carry potential risks and side effects. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing any aesthetic treatment to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs and medical history. My Skin's services are performed by licensed medical professionals; however, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation.