Which Injectable Treatment Is Better for Lips: Botox or Juvéderm?

Women are most troubled by deep facial wrinkles, fine lines, and vertical lip lines that form as they age. It’s no wonder why they’re scheduling visits to plastic surgeons to seek facial rejuvenation treatments so they can keep their youthful appearance. And among the available cosmetic solutions, Botox cosmetic and Juvederm fillers are a cult favorite for wrinkle correction.

So which among Botox and Juvéderm lip filler treatment is better for lip enhancement? Botox is a neurotoxin that works by relaxing the upper lip muscle so it will naturally curl outward for a fuller lip look. Meanwhile, Juvéderm is an injectable dermal filler that is specially designed to restore lost lip volume and improve lip shape. Choosing the right treatment will depend on your desired goal and how long you want the results to last.

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The Difference Between Botox and Juvéderm

The most important thing to consider when deciding between Botox and Juvéderm is their classification as a cosmetic solution. Botox treatments are best known as a muscle and wrinkle relaxer, while Juvéderm is a dermal filler treatment that treats wrinkles and lines by adding volume beneath the skin. They also have key differences in their substance, mechanism of actions, possible side effects, and longevity of results:  

The active ingredient in a Botox injection is the botulinum toxin which is a strong neuromodulator that stops muscle contraction by blocking the release of nerve signals to the muscle. When the facial muscle is relaxed, the wrinkles disappear and the skin gains back its smooth and soft texture.

Botox works best for dynamic wrinkles which develop from repeated facial muscle movement when a person laughs, squints, or furrows their eyebrows.  The common types of dynamic wrinkles that Botox treats are:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Glabellar lines
• Crow’s feet
• Upper lip wrinkles
• Vertical lip lines

Meanwhile, Juvéderm is a type of injectable filler that uses hyaluronic acid-based substances to correct lines and creases that have formed due to volume loss (also known static wrinkles). Nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and smile lines are the common examples of wrinkles that can be treated with facial filler injection.

Juvéderm injectables can be further identified into different products and types. They each feature different formulation and concentration of the hyaluronic acid substance and can target various types of skin problems. The products are:

• Juvéderm Voluma XC – Used as a cheek filler
• Juvéderm XC, Juvéderm Vollure XC – Used for treating volume loss and lines and wrinkles that surrounds the nose and mouth area
• Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Volbella XC – Used for adding volume for a better lip pout and treating lip line problems

An alternative for Juvéderm cosmetic filler is Restylane products. The only difference between the two filler injectables is that Juvéderm has a gel-like consistency which makes them diffuse easily when inserted into the skin, while Restylane is firmer and tends to stay in the treated area. Juvéderm can also provide immediate results while Restylane may need at least a few days to take effect.

Using Botox vs Juvederm for Lips

Aside from being a wrinkle treatment, Botox and Juvéderm are also tried-and-tested methods for a lip injection. Both options are safe and effective as long as they are performed by an expert plastic surgeon. To better understand how they work for lip treatments, here’s a comparison of their procedure, intended results, recovery, and cost:

1. Procedure

Botox: The treatment for lips using Botox is called Botox lip flip. During a lip flip procedure, your injector will carefully place the botulinum toxin injection into the orbicularis oris muscle above the upper lip. This muscle is responsible for moving the mouth and the lips. When they are relaxed, the top lip will open outwards to make the lips more pronounced.

Your surgeon will typically administer up to 10 units of Botox injection for a lip flip treatment. It can take no more than 10 minutes to perform a Botox lip injection.

Juvéderm: Before getting any HA fillers, your injector may apply numbing cream to minimize the pain of the injection. They may use a fine needle or blunt-tipped cannula to insert the lip filler beneath the skin. This process requires skill and precision to avoid accidentally piercing a blood vessel.

When performed successfully, a Juvederm injection can provide immediate results with minimal side effects. Since the lip is considered a small treatment area, the Juvéderm procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes. 

2. Recovery

Botox: There’s little downtime when it comes to Botox treatments. After a procedure, most patients can return to their normal activities. However, you are advised to be careful especially after lip injections to avoid prolonging bruising and swelling at the site. You should also avoid drinking through straws and constant puckering of the lip to avoid any discomfort.

Juvéderm: A lip filler will need time to settle in the treated area so as much as possible you should refrain from touching or massaging the face after a procedure. You should also avoid high temperature areas like tanning beds and hot saunas while you recover.  

3. Onset of results

Botox: It can take at least two weeks for the full effects of Botox to kick in and you can enjoy the results for at least 3 to 4 months. When the toxin has worn off, you can choose to get a new set of injections or top up the effects of Botox with a filler. 

Juvéderm: The results of Juvéderm can be seen immediately after a procedure. Likewise, its effects can last from 6 to 12 months which is longer than most dermal filler types.

4. Cost

Botox: Generally, Botox treatments are priced per unit and for a lip flip, you can expect to pay between $50 to $500 depending on how many injections you will need.

Juvéderm: The average cost for Juvéderm filler procedure is $750 according to self-reviews and it can range about $500 to $1000 for a lip treatment. This price can still vary per location and the area that you are targeting to treat.  

Which Is Better for Achieving Fuller Lips? 

If you want to restore the plumpness of your lips, a Juvéderm filler treatment is the best option for you. It is effective for enhancing thin lips that have lost their structure due to deterioration of volume over time.

The volumizing effect of Juvéderm can highlight a fuller, dramatic pout and improve the issue of sagging skin that causes wrinkles in the mouth and lip area. At the same time, the hyaluronic acid substance that was used can stimulate collagen production to make your skin look vibrant and radiant again.

Meanwhile, Botox treatment can provide a temporary subtle enhancement to the upper lip area, flipping it upward to achieve a fuller look. It also reduces the lip wrinkles and smoker’s lines that have become more obvious with age. Patients with a gummy smile issue can also benefit from getting Botox lip injections.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy and Plump Lips

You can prolong the effects of Botox and Juvéderm injections by giving your lips extra care and nourishment. The following tips can help protect your lips and skin from premature aging:

• Hydrate your lips with a moisturizing lip balm.
• Enhance your look with a lip liner or lip plumper product.
• Wear protective sunscreen products and use a lipstick that has an SPF component.
• Exfoliate regularly with a lip scrub to peel off dry skin and keep your lips shiny.
• Limit usage of straws to avoid too much puckering of the lips.

Botox and Filler Treatments for Lip Augmentation at aNu Aesthetics

With the number of available plastic surgery treatments today, it can be mind-boggling to decide which procedure you’ll get for your needs. The first step to your cosmetic journey should always be consulting with an expert practitioner who will help determine whether Botox or Juvéderm is the right fit for your face and lip concerns.

At aNu Aesthetics, we are committed to giving you the best products and services that will help you attain optimal beauty and wellness. Our board-certified doctors offer treatment plans that are personalized according to your desired goals. Contact us now for a consultation or inquire more about our services.  

Say Goodbye To Your Wrinkles and Fine Lines

With just a few simple injections, our providers can erase your wrinkles and fine lines in no time with Botox. Call us today to book your appointment.

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