Botox is a well-known form of cosmetic procedure for smoothing lines and wrinkles of the forehead and around the eyes, helping patients to enjoy smoother skin and a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. However, Botox has also been found to be valuable in transforming another important facial feature – the lips.
Lip augmentation is a very popular cosmetic procedure, with the number of patients opting for this minimally-invasive treatment estimated to have more than trebled in the last five years. Soft, full and feminine pouts are on the wish list of countless females, and thanks to injectable procedures, they are more obtainable than ever. Whilst most lip augmentations are performed using fillers to add volume to the lips, Botox offers a unique alternative that is proving just as effective.
How Does Botox Increase Lip Volume?
Botox is not a filler and so will not make lips actually increase in size. Instead, it is a neurotoxin that is able to paralyze muscles so that they can no longer move. When Botox is injected into the lip area it can relax the muscles around the upper lip, causing it to curl up and look fuller and plumper than before. Many people refer to this as the ‘lip flip’.
Whilst you might be concerned about the movement of your lips if the muscles are paralyzed, studies have shown that only small amounts of Botox need to be used to create the effect, so patients can maintain enough movement to use their mouth as normal. This is usually around just 10 units or less of Botox.
What Happens During A Botox To Boost Lip Volume Procedure?
A Botox lip-boosting procedure is performed in the same way as that of most injectables. You may be given some local anesthetic to numb the area and then the Botox will be strategically injected into sections of the orbicularis oris – the muscles that controls movement of the mouth. These sections are the sides of the upper and lower lips which will relax the muscle fibers enough to flip the lip outwards.
The entire process takes just a few minutes and you will start to see results straight away. There is no downtime, and you can return to work or other activities immediately.
How Long Do The Effects Of Botox To Increase Lip Volume Last?
Since very small amounts of Botox have to be used to retain lip function, the effects of using Botox to increase lip volume usually last up to three months before further treatment is required. However, the length of results can vary between patients.
If you are hoping to boost the volume of your lips but feel that fillers aren’t for you, a Botox lip flip could be the solution you are looking for. To find out more, or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with our offices where our experienced cosmetic team will be delighted to assist you.