Botox for the Lips

Why Use Botox for the Lips?

It's generally agreed that fuller, smoother lips appear more youthful and sensuous and the beauty industry is awash with products and procedures to back up the theory. Clostridium botulinum is a better known as botox and has been on the market for around 15 years as a quick fix method for removing wrinkles. A small dose of botox is injected into the muscles beneath the area to be treated, relaxing the muscles, smoothing out wrinkles and the result is a much more youthful appearance. There may be various reasons why wrinkles, sometimes called 'smoker's lines' form around the mouth but the result is the same, a puckered, purse-string effect to the lips that is very aging. Although botox cannot plump the lip it can loosen the puckered appearance by relaxing the muscles that are causing the effect leaving the lips and surrounding area smoothed out and, therefore, fuller.

Botox for Lips Versus Other Treatments

There are so many other products and procedures for lip enhancement on the market that it begs the question as to why anyone would need to use botox. Its use in treating lips is certainly not as widespread as its use for crow's feet, frown lines and neck creases. However, botox for lips does have a few advantages over some of the other lip treatments available. For a start it works fast and with fewer chances of side-effects. Other treatments can produce redness and even rashes. Excess swelling may also be experienced before the lips settle down to the right size and shape.

How is Botox Applied to the Lips?

The muscles chosen to receive the botox are crucial to acquiring the desired effect as the muscles left contracted and those relaxed will be responsible for the final shape and appearance of the lips. The procedure itself should only take about 10 minutes and most patients say they felt nothing more than a minor sting. The result is immediately visible with no need to take time out for swelling or discolouration to fade. The effect of botox is not permanent but its benefits usually last up to about 4 months before another treatment is required. It has been reported that a positive effect of using botox regularly is that the muscles injected begin to relax naturally, resulting in the treatment lasting longer.

The Cost of Botox for the Lips

As with all cosmetic treatments, the cost of botox for the lips differs depending on the clinic used and the number of doses needed but can fall between £300 and £750. Some clinics offer discounts if you book a lip botox with other treatments but the cheapest price doesn't necessarily mean the best deal. The success of the treatment, like any other, depends on the practitioner's expertise and knowledge of which muscles to relax to get the result you're looking for. Comparing clinics that are offering the treatment and checking their credentials before proceeding is always a must.