Using Botox for Lip Lines

Wrinkles and fine lines around the lip area are among the first signs of aging. People who want to get rid of these lip lines and the so-called marionette lines surrounding the mouth typically get Botox lip injections. It is a safe and popular cosmetic procedure that is FDA-approved for most facial wrinkle problems like Crow’s feet, nasolabial fold, and moderate to severe frown lines.

So how does Botox lip enhancement work to correct vertical lip lines and improve the overall facial look? Botox is a known anti-wrinkle treatment that relaxes the muscles that contract when the face or lips move. This procedure softens the skin texture and reduces wrinkles that show on the lip line. Botox is also used for a lip flip which improves gummy smile and adds lip volume to give the appearance of fuller lips.

What Causes Upper Lip Wrinkles 

Collagen is one of the essential proteins that makes up the entire human body. They provide support to skin cells and are the foundation for the elasticity and firmness of the skin. They also aid in the natural healing process of the skin tissues and help regenerate new cells.

When we age, the body naturally slows down collagen production which makes the face more prone to wrinkles and age spots. We also lose most of the fatty tissues and volume that adds definition and shape to the parts of the face.

The decrease in collagen levels also means that the skin is more susceptible to wounds and tearing. As we get older, it can mean that our body may heal at significantly slower rates than normal. This makes acne scars more prominent and promotes sagging and creases in the face.

Skin and lip aging may also be caused by certain external factors such as lifestyle habits and environment. Aside from loss of collagen, facial wrinkles may show because of the following:

• Overexposure to the sun – The ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause damage to the skin and promote signs of premature aging such as sun spots and static wrinkles. It also kills cells and speeds up breakdown of collagen which can result to skin dryness and chapped lips.  
• Smoking – Habitual smoking of cigarettes can also prompt lines to form around the mouth and the lip. The nicotine content also breaks down the essential fibers and collagen which leads to wrinkle formation.
• Stress – Stress and anxiety can also lead to aging of the skin. People who are stressed can experience an increase in hormone levels and excessive inflammation which accelerates development of lines and wrinkles. 

The factors mentioned above can lead to the formation of perioral wrinkles. Perioral wrinkles is the term coined by dermatologists to describe the deep lines that appear around the mouth and lips. These wrinkles can be further classified into sub-categories:   

• Smoker’s lines or lipstick lines – These are the vertical lines that appear directly on the upper lip. They can also form on the lower lip though they are less obvious than the upper lip line. These lip lines appear deeper and darker among older adults, and in some cases, they can extend from the upper lip towards the nose.
• Marionette lines – These are lines that form on the corners of the mouth and run down towards the sides of the chin. They can cause a sagging appearance of the skin and make a person look older and tired.
• Smile lines – These are lip lines that form around the mouth and are more noticeable when a person makes a facial expression such as laughing or smiling. It may also pertain to the creases that form around the eyes when a person smiles.

A Guide to Botox Treatment for Lip Lines

Botox cosmetic is one of the popular injectable treatments for relieving dynamic wrinkles and lines that develop from repeated facial movement. It is made of botulinum toxin which is a strong substance derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

A Botox injection works as a neuromodulator that blocks the release of neurotransmitters that are responsible for muscle contraction, so the facial muscle will relax and minimize the presence of wrinkles.

Today, Botox treatments are recognized as an alternative to lip lift plastic surgery and dermal filler injections for lip augmentation. Botox for the lips is not only effective for helping achieve fuller looking and plump lips, but also improves appearance of lip lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

• Procedure: When treating lip lines or performing a lip flip treatment, Botox must be injected into the orbicularis oris muscle just above the upper lip. This muscle is responsible for the movement of the lips and mouth. Meanwhile, for gummy smiles, Botox requires it to be placed into the middle area of the upper lip which is also known as Cupid’s bow. This is usually done in about 10 minutes.
• Units Needed: Botox injections are administered in small doses and must always be performed by an experienced provider. You will need about 10 Botox units to treat lip lines and achieve a lip flip. For gummy smiles, your plastic surgeon can inject around 2 to 4 Botox units.
• Cost: Lip flips can cost around $50 to $500, while Botox for gummy smiles can cost around $200 to $300.
• Side Effects: Most of the side effects of Botox are associated with minor swelling, bruising, and temporary redness at the injection site. Usually, these can all be remedied by using an ice pack over the treatment area or using Arnica gel to relieve bruising.
• Results: The effects of Botox may start to take effect within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. However, full results may only be visible at least two weeks after getting the injection. The results of Botox injections to the lip can last for 3 to 4 months.

Botox injections generally have no downtime and patients can return to their activities as soon as they get out of the clinic. However, it’s still important to take extra care of the lips after the procedure to give Botox ample time to settle and take effect. Here are some aftercare tips you can follow:

• Avoid drinking through straws since this can cause unnecessary puckering of the lips and put pressure on the treated area.
• Avoid smoking for at least a week after the procedure to prevent risks of infection.
• Do not drink any alcoholic beverage or take blood thinners since they can promote bruising and swelling.
• Do not lie down with your face on the pillow. As much as possible, sleep on your back so your lips will not accidentally press against the pillow.
• Refrain from using makeup or putting on lip products. Using lip balms will require you to massage your lips and this may cause the Botox neurotoxin to spread to other areas.
• Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities or exercises for at least 2 days. Moving the body can increase blood flow and worsen swelling and bruising.

Botox Injection vs Other Cosmetic Treatments 

Before deciding on getting Botox treatment for smoker’s lines and upper lip wrinkles, you should first consult with a plastic surgeon. They will examine the severity of your facial and lip problem and come up with a treatment plan that uses the right cosmetic procedure. Depending on their assessment, they can recommend alternatives to Botox such as:

• Lip fillers – Dermal filler treatment uses substances made of collagen or hyaluronic acid to fill in the upper lip to improve lip lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers are recommended for restoring volume and defining the shape of the lip. Juvéderm and Restylane products are popularly used for injectable fillers.
• Chemical peel – A lip peel is done by applying chemical solutions (usually glycolic acid) on the lips. When it dries, the top layer of the dermis is removed to make way for the growth of new skin. This can help smooth out the lines and wrinkles in the upper lip.
• Laser resurfacing – Laser treatments work the same as chemical peels, but it involves using laser devices to reduce spots and fine lines. At the same time, lasers improve the texture and elasticity of the skin.
• Microneedling – This reduces the vertical lines on the lip by puncturing the skin on the upper and lower lip with tiny needles. This procedure will stimulate new collagen production to minimize the vertical lip lines and enhance the overall look of the lips.
• Lip threading – This treatment uses small threads to smoothen the smoker’s lines and wrinkles around the mouth. It’s also effective for giving your lips a plump look by elevating the Cupid’s bow area.

Benefits of Botox for Lip Lines  

People who want to correct vertical lip lines and wrinkles, as well as achieve a natural fuller lip look are generally good candidates for Botox injections. It also comes with several advantages over other cosmetic treatments such as:

• Provides subtle enhancement of the upper lip, especially if the lip line disappears when smiling.
• It looks all-natural and doesn’t appear as dramatic or bold as with fillers.
• It’s a quick and low-risk procedure that comes with no downtime.
• It can temporarily prevent formation of new wrinkles and lines as long as the muscle keeps relaxed.
• It’s cheaper compared to most cosmetic treatments like lip filler.

aNu Aesthetics: Your Trusted Provider for Botox and Other Cosmetic Solutions

Lip enhancement procedures like Botox are on the rise especially with more women looking to minimize the signs of lip aging and maintain their healthy and beautiful glow. At aNu Aesthetics, we guarantee that you will receive the best cosmetic treatment for your aesthetic goal.

As the premier aesthetics and wellness spa, aNu Aesthetics promotes beauty and self-care with our variety of cosmetic solutions and wellness services. Our clients are in the good hands of our board-certified physicians and staff who are committed to providing excellent patient care. Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to learn more about how we can help you.