Many healthcare professionals now use injectable fillers to fill in fine lines and wrinkles and provide a fuller looking lip. A solution containing hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and a new product Volbella designed specifically for lip lines, is injected directly into the lips and the surrounding area.
Using a retinol or retinoid cream can help, too. "Retinol slowly thickens the deeper layers of the skin, while thinning out the superficial layers," says Levine. "This softens fine marionette lines, making the skin look more youthful."
One of the most common choices for minimizing the appearance of vertical lip lines is an hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, like Juvederm or Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of your skin's connective tissue.
The biggest difference between Restylane and Juvederm is their texture. Restylane is granular and more cohesive while Juvederm has a smoother texture. These texture differences give both fillers different strengths. The smoothness of Juvederm makes it better at addressing finer lines and wrinkles in tight facial areas.
Botox temporarily relaxes the part of the muscle over the upper lip, causing the lip to roll slightly upward so it appears more voluminous and defined. This muscle relaxation can also help smooth vertical lines around the lips.
Compared to Botox, dermal fillers are just as effective. More importantly, the results last longer. However, the duration of the effects of dermal fillers still varies mostly on the type of filler. Some may last as long as Botox, while other types of fillers can last for more than a year.
Best for lines that are not yet visible while the mouth is at rest, these injectable toxins can prevent smoker's lines from becoming etched into the skin. In the case of deep lines, Botox injections can soften their appearance but will not eliminate them completely.
Fillers for Smoker's Lines
Dermal fillers, such as Restylane, Volbella, and Versa, can be used to soften lip lines with great results. They can be done before or after the treatments described above, and in my opinion, give the best “instant gratification” of the modalities on this list.
Injections of lip fillers performed by a trained medical practitioner can improve the appearance of fine lines of the lips. By applying lip fillers in micro amounts around the outside of the lines can significantly reduce the appearance of lip lines by reducing the movement of the muscles.
Lip fillers typically last 12 to 18 months. However, it depends on your age and how fast your body breaks down calories into energy (metabolism). Younger people tend to burn calories faster, so lip fillers don't last as long.
Dermal fillers offer the most effective non-surgical method for treating smoker's lines and it usually only requires a very small volume of the product injected into precise locations along the lines and lip border.
Dermapen® microneedling is used for the treatment of lip lines and smoker's lines due to its ability to stimulate new collagen formation and tighten the skin. Results are seen immediately and the skin feels and looks tighter. More importantly, the skin will continue to improve over the 6-8 weeks after each treatment.
How Many Units of Botox for Smokers Lines? Generally, around 8-20 units of Botox are used to address smoker lines. Around 1-3 units of Botox is used per injection spot, which totals to generally around 15 units.
While both treatments are considered effective, Juvéderm works quicker and lasts longer. Botox can take a few days to take effect and the results wear off after a few months. You will need follow-up treatments to maintain your results, no matter which treatment you choose.
There's no rule against getting both lip fillers and a lip flip! In fact, this two-pronged approach is growing in popularity. You can get a dermal filler in the lower lip and a lip flip above, or maybe you want to add on a lip flip to lip fillers injected a few months ago to enhance the shape and extend the results.
Botox has the advantage of being around longer, making it a trusted brand. This means that most patients interested in injectables would opt for Botox. However, Xeomin is just as effective at reducing wrinkles in areas like eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes.
Cost: Juvéderm costs an average of $600, while Restylane costs can range between $300 and $650 per injection. Costs aren't covered by insurance.
The differences for Restylane Lyft vs Voluma? Restylane Lyft is FDA approved for 15-18 months of lift while Voluma is FDA approved for 20-24 months of lift. Voluma is the softer agent and I like using this in individuals with thin skin or with individuals who need a mild lift (younger patients).
The most popular options, she said, are Restylane and Juvaderm. They last about six months and offer a very natural look. Vollure is the newest product on the market. It's the most long-lasting and doesn't swell, offering an even more natural lifted look.