Can Botox Be Used As Lip Filler?

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Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical, minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments on the market today. It treats several areas on the face and body, with the most popular being correcting fine lines, minimizing wrinkles and scarring.

What is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox derives from botulinum toxin, a type of neurotoxin. It’s used to block nerve signals going towards muscle tissue, which creates a ‘freezing’ effect on the treated area. This temporary paralyzation of the muscles is what makes the area smoother and unable to create any wrinkles or fine lines through movement.

For years, Botox has been used to treat multiple areas on the face. It’s most commonly used to minimize the appearance of frown lines around the lips, crow’s feet near the under-eye area as well as forehead lines. Botox is not commonly used directly on the lip area for any volume enhancement as the neurotoxin blocks receptors from reaching the muscle, meaning it will most likely freeze the area around the mouth.

However, recent developments show that Botox can be used as a form of lip filler to achieve the same results as a dermal filler.

The Botox Lip Flip

The Lip Flip is a cosmetic procedure that involves using Botox on the muscle around the lip to help ‘flip’ it forward – hence the name. It is painless, minimally invasive, and is one of the shortest lip-enhancing techniques on the market. Typically, a procedure lasts anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes.

The amount injected to produce a Botox Lip Flip varies from person to person as every lip area is different, however, no more than 10 units of Botox are usually administered during the procedure. This is to prevent any freezing of the mouth completely. Usually, the corners of the mouth and the cupid’s bow are the main injection spots.

Once injected, the muscles around the area relax and then contract, creating a curling effect. It is crucial to know that this does not add any volume to the lips, rather it only amplifies the lip area by pulling it forward, which can have a much more natural-looking final result. However, dermal fillers and Botox can be used together for a plumper and well-defined lip.

The results from the procedure can last anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks, after which the Botox dissolves and the lip returns to its natural state. For more long-term results, maintenance treatments are recommended.

The Botox Lip Flip varies in price depending on how many units a person requires. 

Can Botox Be Used on Other Areas of the Lips?

Aside from the Lip Flip, Botox can be used in several other areas of the mouth to help enhance, tighten, smooth out or stretch certain parts of the lips. Since Botox is mainly used to correct fine lines and wrinkles, getting an injection on the corners of the lips or around the smile lines can help smooth out the area and create a younger appearance.

Moreover, Botox can be used to correct or treat other parts around the mouth. These include:

  • Temporarily ‘freezing’ the sides of the mouth and the upper cheek area to minimize the appearance of marionette lines;
  • Elevating the corners of the mouth to correct a frown;
  • Minimize the appearance of a gummy smile.

Risks and Side Effects

Every procedure, non-surgical or otherwise, carries potential side effects. When it comes to Botox treatments, these side effects are all mild and aside from any allergic reactions or underlying health conditions do not pose any serious health risks. The most common side effects from getting any Botox treatment around the lip area include swelling, mild bruising, numbness, tenderness. Otherwise, some people can experience headaches and nausea.

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Consultation

Speaking with a professional is the most important step before deciding to get a Botox treatment on the lips. You should be aware that some clinics and providers are not accredited for these types of procedures. Dr. Carol Eisenstat at Line Eraser MD has extensive experience with non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

Book an appointment and find what best suits your needs!

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