cosmetic procedures that will boost your confidence

Botox Injections Or Lip Fillers? How To Get A Fuller Pout

Should you get Botox injections, a lip filler, or both? You want fuller lips. But you're not sure which cosmetic treatment is the best way to give you the perfect pout. Take a look at what you need to know about some of the most popular procedures and your options.

What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable that blocks the nerve signals to the muscles of the face. This stops muscle contractions and allows the muscles to relax. As the muscles relax, the skin smooths. The primary use of cosmetic botulinum injections is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But it can also change the look of other facial features.

How Can Botulinum Injections Change Your Smile?

If botulinum treatments reduce wrinkles, how can they change your pout? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), botulinum toxin is used to smooth crow's feet, forehead furrows, frown lines, bunny lines, and lip lines. But that's not all. The ASPS notes that it can also soften the jawline and correct a gummy smile.

A gummy smile is exactly what the name says. When the upper lip contracts or curls upwards too much, it reveals more of the gum line. Not only can this make your gums visible, but it may also make your upper lip appear smaller or less lush. Botulinum injections can relax the upper lip and correct this issue. While this won't plump your pout, it can make your lips appear fuller or more shapely.

What Are Lip Filler Injections?

Unlike Botox, lip fillers won't smooth the muscles under the skin. Instead, this type of treatment (also as the name says) fills the facial area. When used in the lips, fillers add volume and can create fullness. This can also make the upper lip drop down farther and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.

Can You Use Botulinum and Filler Injections At the Same Time?

The answer to this question depends on your aesthetic goals, the treatment areas, your overall health, and your dermatologist or cosmetic provider's recommendations. Some people use botulinum toxin type A to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the lips and fillers to create a fuller pout. This combination can freshen your face without the need for invasive cosmetic surgery (such as a facelift).

If you're not sure whether you should choose botulinum therapy, fillers, or both, talk to your provider about the best option for your individual needs. Botulinum injections won't last for as long as dermal fillers. This means you may need to reevaluate a combination treatment or schedule repeat injections a few months after your initial treatment.

Contact a local provider to learn more about Botox injections and lip fillers.