You can opt for only lip filler, or use Botox and lip fillers for a dramatic plumping effect. If you choose to combine procedures, your doctor will likely use Botox to create the lip flip and the fillerhyaluronic acid (Restylane or Juvederm) to add plumpness.
While filler is commonly used to address concerns related to the lips, Botox is necessary to treat more complex issues such as vertical lips lines that result from movement as opposed to simple volume loss.
Most patients notice the effects within a few days of treatment, with full results in about one week. The effects of Botox for lips lasts up to three to four months.
Botox lip injections work by relaxing the muscles in the upper lip area so they'll curl upward to achieve a plump look. When the treatment is stopped, the effects of Botox fade away and the muscles return to their normal state which can lose your pout and cause lip wrinkles and fine lines to slowly reappear.
Botox units for lips depends on what is being addressed. For lip lines, 6-8 units of Botox is average. For a lip flip, aka, using Botox to roll the upper lip back for a plumper appearance, uses around 8-10 units of Botox.
During a lip flip procedure, your healthcare provider injects Botox into parts of your upper lip. After about a week, the injections make your lip look fuller or “poutier” without adding any volume to your lip. Lip flips generally look more natural than lip fillers.
How much do Botox and fillers cost? Fillers are also the more expensive of the two injectables. Dr. Henry says, "Botox typically ranges from $250 to $600 per area, while fillers can range in price from typically $600 to $1,250 depending on the location, geography of the practice, and product used."
Light, soft, hyaluronic acid fillers, like Restylane®, give the lips the most natural and attractive look.
Kylie prefers Juvederm, a brand of filler that's owned by Allergan. While there are different types of Juvederm fillers, Kylie's team goes for Juvederm Ultra Plus.
The upper lip should be slightly larger than the lower lip with a gentle curve that peaks at what's called cupid's bow. The hinge of the upper lip comes in the form of the central philtrum that separates the two sides. Your upper teeth should also overlap the lower teeth by one millimeter.
The superior labial artery is larger than the inferior artery and runs along the inferior “wet” border. It has 2-3 branches towards nose including the alar branch and nasal septal. Avoid injecting the wet/dry border on the lower and upper lip.
You can expect results to last around 4 months, but don't be surprised if you notice a long term decrease in wrinkles. The relaxation of those muscles allows them to weaken and resist movement even between treatments. If you're looking to lift the brow area, Botox can help without going under the knife.
The best and most commonly recommended lip fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane. These fillers produce consistent and predictable results, have a very low risk of side effects and have no downtime after your treatment.
The cost for Botox Cosmetic injectable powder for injection 50 units is around $378 for a supply of 1 powder for injection, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans.
If you already have a decent amount of volume in your lips but would like to alter the shape, a lip flip might be the better choice. If you want added volume and longer-lasting results, then lip fillers may be what you're looking for.
The lip flip enhances the existing shape of your upper lip, letting the vermillion border roll outward very slightly. This result is subtle — especially when you are not smiling — and may be disappointing if you are hoping for a noticeable change in your lip shape or size.
Botox is used to smooth wrinkles and injections can be done around the mouth to reduce the appearance of smile lines. Botulinum toxin (aka Botox) is injected in small amounts around the mouth to freeze and relax the muscles.
One alternative to temporary lip fillers for lip augmentation is to use implants, which is a more permanent option. During your lip consultation, your doctor will determine what size lip implant would be best. The Permalip implant insertion is an in-office procedure.
Unless you go to extremes with lip fillers or choose a very unskilled injector, your lips won't be permanently stretched. This means that if you choose to stop having lip filling injections, your lips will likely return to their normal proportions.
And yes, using too much lip filler product can permanently stretch lip skin. If this occurs, it is possible to perform surgery to remove excess skin from the lips.
Cons of Lip Fillers:
Swelling: This is the most common. Swelling can last for as little as a couple of hours or up to 10 days in rare occurrences. Irregularities and scarring: These are rare but possible and, in some cases, can lead to lip asymmetry that will last until the effects of the filler wear off.
So to conclude, when done by an expert and a certified doctor, lip injections would hardly disappoint or ruin your lips.