Using Botox to Smooth Lip Lines Without Adding Volume

It’s common to use dermal fillers to treat the fine vertical lines that often form above and below the lips, but dermal fillers also plump up the lips, creating the appearance of swollen lips. While that may be desired by some, it is often seen as an undesired side-effect. Botox can also be used to treat these fine lines, in a way that does not result in unwanted added lip volume.

The body’s production of elastin and collagen declines naturally as we age, resulting in our skin becoming thinner and less resilient. Over time, repetitive stress caused by contraction of the muscles surrounding the mouth can cause thin vertical lines to develop and eventually become etched into the skin. Excessive sun exposure and other factors like smoking can also accelerate this process.

These fine vertical lines are ideal candidates for treatment using Botox, as they are directly linked to movement of adjacent facial muscles. Botox is able to address the primary cause of the problem, by reducing the ability of these muscles to contract. Botox is actually the best way to tackle these lines, as it does so while not adding extra bulk to the lips. In the hands of a skilled practitioner Botox can be used to very effectively resolve the problem, without unwanted side-effects.

Botox is a highly refined and purified version of the botulinum toxin, which is able to reduce the ability of muscles to contract by blocking the nerve impulses that trigger them. Botox provides a temporary way to reduce the repetitive muscular movements that over time can cause skin lines to develop; it can be used to reduce the visibility of lines that have already started to develop, or proactively, to prevent lines from developing in the future.

In addition to treating vertical lines without also adding unwanted bulk to the lips, judicious use of Botox can smooth the skin surface and soften the appearance of lines without changing the size, shape, or appearance of the lips. There are times when a patient also desires to enhance the profile of their lips –  in these cases Botox can also be used to perform the “lip flip” procedure.

The Lip Flip procedure typically involves injecting Botox along the upper edge of the lips. This causes associated muscles to relax, and results in the upper lip rolling outwards slightly, increasing lip definition and enhancing its appearance. Similarly to its use for fine line reduction, it does so without increasing the volume of the lips; this helps to avoid unnaturally plump lips, a common result of over enthusiastic application of dermal fillers.

Achieving the best results while at the same time ensuring that your lips look natural requires considerable skill and experience on the part of your practitioner. You should not assume that every person claiming to perform these procedures will achieve the same results. We recommend that you take the time to find the right practitioner, in this case a Doctor who specializes in these procedures, and who demonstrates that they will take the time to tailor the procedure to your particular medical and aesthetic needs.

We suggest that you prioritize achieving subtle and natural looking results, and avoid trying to over-correct any problems. It’s important to ensure that the minimum amount of Botox is applied; this will ensure that you retain the ability to display the full range of normal facial expressions, and avoid having a frozen or unnatural appearance.

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified with extensive experience in administering Botox, and in tailoring treatments according to each patient’s needs. We invite you to contact us for more information on this or any of the other non-invasive cosmetic procedures we offer. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.