Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul
Lip Wrinkles
Vertical lines above the lip and creases in the lip itself treated with micro-dose Botox, fine filler and precise resurfacing.
Skin Concerns · Apgujeong, Seoul
Lip Wrinkles
Vertical lines above the lip and creases in the lip itself treated with micro-dose Botox, fine filler and precise resurfacing.
Quick answer
Every plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 skin diagnosis by a board-certified dermatologist, so the dose, device settings and session count are set for your skin rather than a template. Meet our doctors or ask about your own skin .
At a glance
| Procedure time | 15–45 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Topical numbing cream; dental block for resurfacing if needed |
| Downtime | None (Botox) to 5–7 days (laser resurfacing) |
| Sessions | Botox every 3–4 months; filler yearly; resurfacing 1–2 sessions |
| Results last | 3 months to 2 years depending on the method |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Overview
What are lip wrinkles?
Lip wrinkles take two forms. The first is the set of fine vertical lines that run upward from the border of the upper lip, and sometimes downward from the lower lip, often called smoker's lines or lipstick lines because colour bleeds into them. The second is creasing and crinkling of the lip surface itself as the lips thin and lose their cushion. Both are driven by the orbicularis oris, the circular muscle that purses the lips for speaking, drinking through a straw, whistling and smoking, and both are accelerated by the loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid with age, by UV exposure on an area people rarely protect, and by smoking, which constricts blood supply and repeats the pursing motion hundreds of times a day. Genetics also play a role: some patients in their thirties with no smoking history have pronounced lines, while others in their sixties have few.
The perioral area is unforgiving of heavy-handed treatment. Too much Botox weakens speech and drinking; too much filler produces a stiff, projecting lip. A dermatologist therefore separates the components, dynamic muscle, volume loss and surface texture, and treats each with the lightest effective approach.
How lip wrinkles are treated at Oaro
At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, micro-doses of Botox (Nabota) are placed along the lip border to reduce pursing without affecting function. Fine vertical lines are softened with small amounts of a soft hyaluronic acid filler laid along each line, and a thinned lip border or deflated lip is restored with lip filler so the skin above is no longer gathered. Surface texture is rebuilt with Rejuran, and etched lines that remain are resurfaced with Erbium Fraxel or CO2 laser resurfacing, which smooths the skin by stimulating new collagen. The dermatologist in Seoul sequences these so that muscle relaxation, volume and texture each support the others.
Why patients choose Oaro
- Diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist, not a technician
- Genuine devices and products: Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Helios Pico, Rejuran, Juvelook
- One treatment plan, written down, with aftercare and follow-up
- Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals
Common goals for lip wrinkles
Stop lipstick bleeding
Soften the vertical lines so colour stays on the lip.
Smooth the lip surface
Rehydrate and plump the lips so creases are less visible.
Restore a defined border
Support the lip edge subtly so the skin above is not gathered.
Keep speech and expression natural
Use micro-dosing and soft products so the mouth moves normally.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
Your dermatologist examines the lips at rest and while pursing, assesses volume and texture with imaging, and asks about smoking, straw use and previous treatment.
2. Treatment
Botox micro-injections take a few minutes and settle over two weeks. Filler and Rejuran are placed after numbing cream in a 20–30 minute visit, with mild swelling for two to three days. Erbium or CO2 resurfacing, if needed, is a single 30–45 minute session after numbing, followed by about a week of fine crusting.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
You receive written aftercare, a care notebook and a two-week review. Book a consultation to plan your treatment.
Cost guide
Lip wrinkle treatment cost in Seoul
Pricing depends on which components are treated. Many patients begin with Botox and a small amount of filler, adding resurfacing for etched lines.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Botox (Nabota), lip lines | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| Hyaluronic acid filler, lip lines (0.5–1 ml) | 250,000 – 600,000 |
| Rejuran, perioral area (per session) | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Erbium Fraxel, perioral (per session) | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| CO2 laser resurfacing, perioral | 300,000 – 700,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Avoid straws, whistling and pursing exercises for 24 hours after Botox.
- After filler, keep lips cool and avoid pressure, hot drinks and kissing for a day.
- After resurfacing, apply the prescribed ointment and keep the area moist until the crusts shed.
- Use a lip balm with SPF daily; this is the most neglected area for sun protection.
- If you smoke, stopping will protect the result more than any product.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider, Thermage FLX Master Certified, and full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Filler Society.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What causes lip wrinkles if I have never smoked?
Pursing movements, sun exposure, genetics and natural collagen loss can produce lip lines without smoking.
Does Botox for lip lines affect speaking or drinking?
Not at micro-doses placed correctly; your dermatologist uses the smallest effective amount.
Can filler fix vertical lip lines?
Fine lines can be softened with a soft filler, but deep etched lines usually also need resurfacing.
Is laser resurfacing around the mouth painful?
Numbing cream or a small dental block makes it comfortable; the skin is tender for a few days afterward.
How long do results last?
Botox three to four months, filler nine to twelve months, and resurfacing results last one to two years with sun protection.
Explore related care
Often considered together
- Skin Concerns — browse every concern we treat
- Lip Filler — restoring border and volume
- Lip Augmentation — shaping and fullness
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing — for etched lines
- Rejuran Healer — texture repair around the mouth
- Contact & Booking — book a consultation
Private 1:1 consultation
Plan your treatment with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Tell us what you would like to change, and we will examine your skin, explain the options and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients.