Orbicularis oris muscle: function and relation to the lips

The orbicularis oris is the muscle that encircles the mouth, inside the lips. It works as a sphincter: it closes the lips, pushes the mouth forward (as when whistling or puckering) and takes part in speech, sucking and eating. Several other facial muscles insert into it, which makes it a convergence point for the expression of the lower third.

Why does it matter in HOF?

Repeated contraction of the orbicularis oris over the years marks the skin above the upper lip with vertical lines, known as lip lines (perioral wrinkles). In people who smoke, play wind instruments or purse their mouth a lot, these lines tend to appear earlier.

The tone of this muscle also influences the shape of the lips: the exposure of the vermilion, the eversion of the upper lip and the outline. That is why lip assessment usually looks at the mouth at rest and in motion, including while talking and smiling.

Which options usually involve this area?

Depending on the case, the professional may consider lip filler with hyaluronic acid, treatment of perioral lines and, in selected situations, low-dose botulinum toxin in the perioral muscles. Excessive blocking can affect speech, the ability to drink through a straw and lip competence, so the indication is individual and defined by the qualified professional, after assessment.

The lip area is supplied by the labial arteries, branches of the facial artery. When hyaluronic acid is used, hyaluronidase must be available.

In Harmy

The Lips marking point accepts the planned volume in ml, and the projection shows the effect without changing the expression in the photo.

Also called: orbicularis oris, muscle of the lips.