Smoker lines—also known as perioral lines—are the fine vertical wrinkles that form around the mouth, especially above the upper lip. While they are commonly associated with smoking, these lines can also appear due to aging, sun exposure, repeated lip movements, and loss of collagen.
One of the most common questions people ask before starting treatment is:
“How long does it take to see results when treating smoker lines?”
The answer depends on which treatment is used, the severity of the lines, and individual skin factors. Some treatments offer quick improvement, while others work gradually over weeks or months. In this article, we’ll explain realistic timelines for the most common smoker line treatments so you know exactly what to expect.
Why Smoker Line Results Are Not Instant
How to get rid of smoker lines form over many years due to repeated muscle movement and gradual skin thinning. Because of this, most treatments focus on either:
- Relaxing the muscles that cause the lines
- Restoring lost volume
- Improving skin texture and collagen
Very few treatments erase smoker lines overnight. Instead, results usually appear in stages, with gradual improvement over time.
Timeline of Results by Treatment Type
Botox for Smoker Lines
Botox is commonly used to relax the muscle around the mouth (orbicularis oris), reducing repetitive puckering that deepens lines.
When results appear:
- 3–5 days: Early softening of lines
- 7–10 days: Visible improvement
- 10–14 days: Full results
Botox results are subtle but effective for dynamic smoker lines—lines that appear or worsen with lip movement.
How long results last:
Approximately 2–3 months, as the mouth is a very active area.
Dermal Fillers for Smoker Lines
Fillers work by adding volume beneath the skin, helping to smooth deeper, static lines.
When results appear:
- Immediately: Lines look softer right after treatment
- 1–2 weeks: Final results after swelling settles
Fillers are especially effective for deep smoker lines that are visible even when the face is at rest.
How long results last:
Usually 6–12 months, depending on the filler used.
Laser Treatments
Laser resurfacing improves smoker lines by stimulating collagen and improving skin texture.
When results appear:
- 2–4 weeks: Initial improvement
- 2–3 months: Continued collagen production
- 3–6 months: Optimal results
Laser treatments are ideal for improving overall skin quality and fine lines.
Microneedling (With or Without RF)
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production.
When results appear:
- 2–3 weeks: Subtle improvement
- 6–12 weeks: Noticeable smoothing
- After multiple sessions: Best results
Microneedling works gradually and is often combined with other treatments.
Skincare Products
Medical-grade skincare with retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can help soften smoker lines over time.
When results appear:
- 6–12 weeks: Mild improvement
- 3–6 months: Visible texture improvement
Skincare alone cannot remove deep smoker lines, but it plays a supportive role.
Combination Treatments: Faster and Better Results
For many people, the best results come from combining treatments, such as:
- Botox + fillers
- Botox + laser
- Microneedling + skincare
Combination approaches address both muscle movement and skin quality, often leading to faster and more noticeable improvement.
Factors That Affect How Quickly You See Results
Severity of Lines
Deeper lines take longer and often require multiple treatments.
Age and Skin Quality
Younger skin with better collagen responds faster.
Lifestyle Habits
Smoking, sun exposure, and dehydration can slow results.
Consistency
Repeated treatments often lead to better and longer-lasting outcomes.
What Realistic Improvement Looks Like
Treating smoker lines is about softening, not completely erasing, wrinkles—especially if they are deep and long-standing.
After treatment, most patients notice:
- Smoother skin around the mouth
- Reduced lipstick bleeding into lines
- A more youthful, relaxed appearance
Subtle improvement that looks natural is usually the goal.
When Should You Reassess Your Results?
- Botox: 10–14 days
- Fillers: 1–2 weeks
- Laser or microneedling: 2–3 months
If results are not meeting expectations, your provider may recommend adjustments or combination treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to see results when treating smoker lines?
It depends on the treatment. Botox takes 7–14 days, fillers show results immediately, and collagen-stimulating treatments take weeks to months.
Is there any treatment that works instantly?
Dermal fillers provide immediate improvement, though final results appear after swelling settles.
Why do smoker line treatments take time to show results?
Many treatments rely on muscle relaxation or collagen production, which happens gradually.
Can smoker lines be treated permanently?
No treatment is permanent, but regular maintenance can keep lines significantly softer long-term.
How soon can before-and-after photos be taken?
For Botox, after photos are best taken at 10–14 days. For fillers, 1–2 weeks is ideal.
Does smoking slow down results?
Yes. Smoking reduces collagen and increases muscle movement, which can delay and shorten results.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to see results when treating smoker lines?
The answer ranges from a few days to several months, depending on the treatment method and your individual skin needs.
The key to successful smoker line treatment is patience, realistic expectations, and a personalized treatment plan. When done correctly—often with a combination of treatments—the results can be subtle, natural, and very rewarding.
Celibre Medical , Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, Dysport Injections | IPL. We offer the safest and most effective laser and cosmetic injection treatments available, only using the most current FDA-approved procedures. By delivering superior results and the highest patient-care level, we have become a trusted name in the laser dermatology and cosmetic injection industry.
