Wrinkle and other anti-aging options are increasingly becoming more accessible and abundant. Many over-the-counter aesthetic products exist, but people are turning towards more permanent and lasting solutions against aging. Both Botox and dermal fillers, like lip fillers, are long-lasting treatments specifically for wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Botox and dermal filler treatments are famous for their non-invasive, quick results. They are not only used to improve the appearance of the skin but also to smooth wrinkles and other imperfections. Both have similar goals, like improving your lips, but fundamentally, they are quite different.
If you have concerns about your lips and desire some aesthetic changes, which should you pick? Should you go for Botox or lip fillers? The answer isn’t clear if you are not familiar with their differences.
To give you a better idea of which treatment you should use, continue reading the article. First, we will start with one of the more popular treatments of the two, Botox.
What Is Botox?
Botox, also known as botulinum toxin type A or botox, is a drug that is injected into the skin to temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. While the treatment is known for aesthetics, it also has medical applications. It can also treat excessive sweating on the forehead, underarms, hands, or feet.
This treatment has been around since 1989 and was used to treat severe cases of facial spasms when people have suffered from Bell’s Palsy or cerebral palsy. However, it wasn’t until 2002 when Botox became popular for cosmetic purposes.
How Does It Work?
Botox works by blocking nerve impulses that cause muscles to contract, preventing wrinkles from forming. The effects of Botox last for about three to four months but can be extended by repeating the treatment. Patients need to understand the risks associated with Botox before undergoing treatment.
Botox paralyzes muscle by inhibiting acetylcholine release from nerve endings. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter used in the brain to control muscle movement. To put it simply, this is your body’s wiring system, transferring the instructions from the brain to the muscles.
How Botox Affects Your Lips
So once Botox is applied to your lips, it limits its movements, reducing the wrinkles caused by muscle contractions. No matter how hard you try to move these muscles, they won’t budge. Not to say your lips are paralyzed, but some contracting muscles that cause wrinkles are restricted, reducing wrinkles on the lips.
Lip Flip
On the other hand, perhaps you may want a lip flip with Botox. By injecting the corners of your mouth with Botox, it relaxes the muscles around your upper lip. This makes your lip “flip” upward for a tiny bit, appearing more prominent than typically.
Lip flip through Botox is an excellent way to make your lips appear fuller without adding more volume. You will see the Botox results within 24-48 hours, with its effects lasting about 8-12 weeks. The procedure is quick and easy, only about 10 minutes with minimal downtime.
After the procedure, you should be able to return to your daily routine without experiencing any hassles.
Fix Gummy Smile
While Botox can treat lip wrinkles and make lips appear larger, it can also be used to fix gummy smiles when facial muscles contract involuntarily. A gummy smile is when a smile shows not just your teeth but also your gums.
Some people don’t want an over-pronounced smile, so they may benefit from Botox’s effects by limiting muscle movement.
What Are Lips Fillers?
Lips fillers can increase your lips’ volume. They also help correct imperfections on your lips, such as wrinkles, lumps, and bumps.
Some lip fillers are temporary, while others are permanent. Temporary lip fillers last for about a month before they need to be replaced with a new one. Permanent lip fillers last for about six months before they need to be replaced with a new one again.
Lips fillers also have medical applications. They can help restore volume to the lips after losing it due to aging or other factors such as smoking. They can also be used as a temporary fix for dryness or lack of hydration in the lips.
How Does It Work?
Lip fillers use hyaluronic acid to plump up the lips. It is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, and it can be found in various foods like meat, dairy products, and vegetables.
Lip fillers work by injecting a small amount of hyaluronic acid into the lip area. It is injected through a syringe that contains a tiny needle. The needle pierces the skin and allows the liquid to flow into the place where it was needed. Once injected, it starts to dissolve and causes an increase in the volume of the lip area.
The effects of lip fillers last for about six months, with some lasting longer than others depending on how often they are used and how much they are used.
How Hyaluronic Acid Works
Hyaluronic acid is used in lip fillers because it has a water-binding capacity, ensuring that the filler is not absorbed into the body. The hyaluronic acid also hydrates the lips and decreases lip wrinkles and lines. Also, its water-binding properties attract water, so the lips volumize.
How Will Lip Fillers Affect The Lips?
Lip fillers can increase the size of the lips by up to 30% and create a more youthful appearance. Depending on the type of filler used, lip fillers can last one year before being replaced.
The main side effect is that lip fillers may cause swelling in areas that do not need to be filled with filler material. This swelling is usually temporary and will go away after a few days or weeks without treatment.
How much you want to volumize your lips is up to you; consult with your provider about it.
Which Is Better?
Now that you know how each of them works, you may wonder which one is the best for you? The answer depends on what you need.
Lip flip through Botox amplified and changes your lips’ natural contour. Botox is less invasive, and it works quicker than lip fillers. It’s also a cheaper option.
On the other hand, lip fillers last a long time, up to a year, while Botox only lasts 3-12 weeks. While its effects take time to develop, it’s worth it since it lasts a long time. Naturally, that makes it more expensive than Botox, but in the long run, it could be cheaper.
