Can you get Botox in your lips? The short answer is yes, but it’s not really in your lips.
I learned from Elizabeth Simon Hogan, an aesthetic and medical dermatology physical associate at Sanctuary Medical Center, that it’s different from getting lip fillers but with the same desired outcome.
If you are in the Boca Raton area and you want to save 10%, just click here.
Can you get Botox in your Lips?
Elizabeth, who I call Liz, told me Botox in the lips is actually a really great procedure for people who want to get lip filler but are questioning what it’s going to look like. You can have just a few units of Botox injected into the lip area. It relaxes the lip muscle causing the lip muscle to gently roll out enough so that your lip looks plumper.
If you get Botox in your lips, also known as a lip flip, you will need to wait one to two weeks to appreciate the final result. While filler is instant, seeing the effects of Botox injections takes quite a few days because it needs to slowly settle.
Also, Botox in your lips also helps with fine lines and wrinkles around the lips. Botox is also going to relax your muscle enough so those fine lip lines and mouth wrinkles will soften.
Don’t worry, you’re still going to be able to move your mouth, speak, use a straw, brush your teeth, and do all of those things that you would normally do in your daily life. Your facial muscles, and orbicularis oris muscle specifically, will work just fine! (Orbicularis oris is a complex circular muscle that surrounds the orifice of the mouth and forms the majority of the lips.)
How Long Does a Botox Lip Flip Last?
Botox in your lips lasts about three months. Filler, on the other hand, lasts at least double that time.
So why not just use filler for lip injections? Well, getting Botox in your lips instead of filler is a way to get your feet wet and see if it’s something that you would like to try with filler later. It’s great if it’s your first time toying with changing the shape of your lips. Think of it as a baby step.
The best thing to do is get a consultation. Have someone like Liz look at your lips and see what your smile is like to see what you’re a good candidate for – Botox, filler, or both!
Where do you put Botox in the Lips?
Liz told me that Botox is a completely different injection site than filler. The Botox injection for the lip flip is above the lip line. There are multiple ways of injecting filler, but it’s usually inside the top lip and lower lip to generate the appearance of fuller lips or more plump lips. But with Botox, it’s a different technique because it’s a totally different product.
More specifically, Botox is a botulinum toxin which is a substance that is a neurotoxin that relaxes the muscles. So, it’s injected into the round muscle around the lip. It relaxes it enough so it turns your lip out.
The only side effects I’ve felt are a little swelling (which isn’t bad considering what you’re getting done), and slight pain at the injection site while you’re getting your Botox treatment or lip enhancement with filler. Luckily, at Sanctuary Medical Center, they apply numbing cream to my face and use different tools to distract me, so I feel very comfortable.
Can you Fix a Gummy Smile with Botox in the Lips?
There’s another popular treatment in the lip area with Botox that you can use to eliminate what some consider a “gummy smile”. Gummy smiles are just what they sound like – when you have a lot of gums show when you smile.
Liz told me she can use Botox in similar areas to where she uses it for the lip flip. Instead, the goal is to relax the lip over the teeth so we’re not seeing as much of the gum.
It’s another really great way to use the injectible because a smile that shows gums is something that bothers people, but with very little Botox, it’s very easy to fix.
Click here to see an example of how Botox corrected a woman’s smile at Sanctuary Medical Center.
How Much is Botox for Lips?
Like dermal fillers, the cost depends on how many units you get. Again, filler is more expensive than Botox. The cost is going to depend on where you go.
For Botox, I’ve paid anywhere between $10-$15 a unit. How many units do you need? Keep reading.
How Many Units of Botox do you Need for a Lip Flip?
When it comes to your lips, everyone is different depending on what their goal is and what they’re starting with. Some people can get as little as two units, while others may need eight.
If you want Botox for smile lines, a gummy smile, etc., then the number of units you’ll need will most likely increase.
This is such a popular procedure. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or want to fill in your cupid’s bow, make sure you’re seeing an experienced injector at a dermatologist’s office or even a plastic surgeon at his or her practice.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Lip Filler?
To be honest, I like the swelling after lip filler and am disappointed when it goes down. For me, it only lasted around three days. Remember, this is lip filler, not Botox. There is a difference.
How Many Syringes for Lip Filler?
This depends on your current lip size and shape and your goal lip size and shape. My sister and I have never had more than one syringe for both the top and bottom.
For all my aesthetic needs and cosmetic treatments, I recommend Sanctuary Medical Center in Boca Raton, Florida. You can save 10% on all injectibles by mentioning my name at your free consultation.
While you’re there, it doesn’t hurt to get small injections in some other places, like the corners of the mouth, frown lines (or nasolabial folds), or crow’s feet. Loss of volume anywhere else?
Again, for best results, ensure you’re getting your Botox lip flip treatment, and ensure the doctor or practitioner you’re seeing has had specific training in lip filler treatment and has done quite a few already. I like to stalk their Instagram account for before and after pictures.
Speaking of… when you get your lip flip procedure, send me a before and after picture with your full results of your new full lips on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay (because I’m a sucker for transformational pictures).
