Botox For Smoker’s Lines: How Many Units Do You Actually Need? (And Everything Else You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask)

Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Let’s be real: nobody loves those little vertical lines that show up above the upper lip, lovingly referred to as “smoker’s lines.” (Even if you’ve never smoked a day in your life, somehow they still show up. Rude.) Whether it’s from years of puffing away, sipping from straws, or just your face doing face things, these tiny etched-in lines can make lipstick bleed and add years to your look. Enter: Botox. You know this baby can make these smokers lines disappear. But here’s the million-dollar question you’re probably Googling at 11 p.m.: How many units of Botox for smoker’s lines?Let’s break it down:

First Off, What Are Smoker’s Lines?

Smoker’s lines (also called perioral lines or “lipstick lines”) are those fine, vertical wrinkles that form just above your upper lip. They tend to be more common in people over 40, but can show up earlier if:

• You’re a smoker or used to be one
• You frequently use straws or pursed lips often
• Your skin is naturally thinner or drier
• You have a strong muscle movement in that area

These fine lines form from repetitive muscle motion (hello, orbicularis oris muscle) and collagen loss over time. Botox works by relaxing the muscle causing the movement, inhibiting facial expressions and making the lines softer and less noticeable.

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

So, How Many Units Of Botox For Smoker’s Lines?

Most people need between 4-6 units of Botox total to treat smoker’s lines. That’s 2-4 units on each area. As a rule of thumb, 4 units maximum should be injected on the treatments areas on each lip. Sounds like a small amount, right? You’re right. This is a very delicate area, and your injector will usually start conservatively to avoid freezing your mouth into an awkward semi-smile or affecting your ability to talk, eat, or drink from a cup like a normal human being.

Why not use a higher number of Botox units, I hear you ask? Because you don’t want to completely freeze your lip movements! You use the muscles around your mouth all the time. – for talking, smiling, eating, kissing, sipping, breathing… you name it. Too much Botox here can make your upper lip feel heavy, stiff, or weirdly “droopy.” And who the heck wants that? Not me, and I’m guessing not you too. The goal here isn’t to erase every single line (that’s what fillers or lasers might help with). It’s to soften movement so the lines don’t deepen over time.

4 to 6 units gives you the best Botox results without unwanted side effects. 

What Influences How Many Units YOU Personally Need?

Botox isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to smoker’s lines. Here’s what determines the number of units you get:

1. How deep the lines are: Finer, superficial lines? You’ll likely need fewer units. Deeper lines etched in at the corners of your lips? Might need more units, or a combo approach with filler.
2. Your muscle strength: If your orbicularis oris muscle is very active (think: you purse your lips a lot, even without realizing it!), you may need more units to calm it down.
3. Your lip shape and anatomy: Smaller lips may need a gentler hand. Full lips can take a bit more product. A skilled injector will assess your facial balance to decide. Choose wisely!
4. Your age and skin quality: Thinner, more mature skin tends to show lines more visibly. If you’ve got sun damage, smoker’s lines may be more prominent and persistent.
5. First time or not: First-timers often start with a lower dose to see how they respond. If you’ve had Botox treatments before and tolerated them well, your injector might up the units slightly for better results.

How Long Does It Take For Botox To Work On Smoker’s Lines?

This may not be want you want to hear. We’re all sold Botox as a miracle treatment that works overnight. In reality, Botox injections typically take 3 to 7 days to start working and you can see full results around 14 days. You might notice your lip movement feels slightly different before you actually see major improvement on those vertical lip lines. That’s totally normal.

How Long Do Results Last?

Let’s be honest. NO one wants to invest in cosmetic procedures and see results evaporate within a week. How long can you count on those dynamic wrinkles being gone? On average, the effects Botox in this area lasts about 3 to 4 months. Some people metabolize it faster (especially if you work out a lot or have a high metabolism), while others enjoy results for 5 months or longer. Most injectors recommend re-treating every 3-4 months to maintain results and prevent the lines from re-etching into the skin.

What To Expect In Your Treatment

– You’ll sit upright on a treatment bed, with the backrest slightly elevated.
– The injection sites will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
– A few tiny injections will be placed just above the upper lip, near the vermillion border (the red edge of the lip).
– The product is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle, the one responsible for the movement that causes smoker’s lines.
– In some cases, the injections may cause a slight lip eversion, making the upper lip appear a little fuller.
– The entire injection process takes around 30 seconds.
– Light pressure is applied afterward to reduce the chance of bruising.

No numbing is usually needed, and most people describe the discomfort as minimal and brief.

Related: How To Find The Right Botox Practitioner

Alternative Cosmetic Treatments for Smoker’s Lines (Compared to Botox)

Is Botox For Smoker’s Lip Lines Painful?

The area around the lips can be sensitive, so yes, it might feel a little pinchy. But it’s very quick. Most injectors use a tiny insulin-sized needle, and the whole process takes maybe 2–3 minutes. Some offer numbing cream if you’re nervous (or a total wimp like me), but honestly? It’s over before you know it.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Most people do great, but here’s the honest rundown:

Common minor side effects:

• Tiny red dots at the injection site (gone within hours)
• Mild swelling or tenderness
• Slight asymmetry (if one side settles faster than the other)

Rare side effects:

• Difficulty using a straw or pronouncing certain words
• Drooping of the upper lip (usually resolves in a couple weeks)
• Weird smile -again, temporary, but annoying

How to avoid side effects? See an injection specialist in Botox around the mouth. It’s not the same as doing forehead lines or crow’s feet. Precision matters here, big time.

Can Botox Make Smoker’s Lines Worse If I Stop?

Nope. That’s a myth. If you stop getting Botox, your muscles will simply go back to doing what they did before. Your lines will gradually return over time, but they won’t get worse because you stopped. In fact, if you’ve been using Botox consistently, chances are those pesky vertical lines will still be softer than before you ever started.

Who Shouldn’t Get Botox Here?

It’s not a fit for everyone. You might want to hold off this subtle enhancement if:

• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (just a precaution)
• You have a known allergy to botulinum toxin
• You have a neuromuscular disorder
• You’re hoping for dramatic results from Botox alone (in that case, combine it with filler or lasers)

The Bottom Line: Should You Get Botox For Smoker’s Lines?

If those tiny upper lip wrinkles are bothering you (whether they’re making your lipstick bleed, aging your face, or just bugging you every time you look in the mirror), Botox is one of the best treatment options to start with. It’s quick, relatively inexpensive, and when done right, looks incredibly natural.

Just remember:

• Start slow
• Don’t expect a miracle overnight
• Pair it with good skincare and/or filler if needed
• Always go to an experienced injector who knows what they’re doing around the mouth

Because you deserve to look in the mirror and love what you see, no matter what your lips have been through.