Botox vs. Fillers for Lips: Which is the Right Treatment for You

As an aesthetic doctor, I'm often asked about the differences between Botox and fillers, especially when it comes to enhancing the lips. Both treatments are popular options for achieving a more youthful and full-looking pout, but they work in different ways. In this blog post, we'll focus on and explore the key differences between our two most popular lip treatments, Botox and fillers for the lips, so you can make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you.

What Are Botox and Lip Fillers? A Quick Overview of Each Treatment

Botox, or onabotulinumtoxinA, a.k.a anti-wrinkle injection, is a neuromodulator that works by temporarily paralysing the muscles in the treated area. Depending on where the injection points are placed around the lip you can subtly enhance the lip. 

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injectable gels that are used to add volume and enhance the shape of the lips. These fillers, which are typically made of hyaluronic acid, are strategically injected into the lips to achieve a more pronounced, plump lip.

How Botox Works on the Lips: Treatment Areas and Benefits

By relaxing the muscles around the mouth, Botox creates a more even and balanced lip appearance, reducing signs of ageing and giving you a more youthful, refreshed look. When injected near the lip border, it relaxes the upper lip muscles, causing the lip to roll out for a fuller look—a technique known as a "lip flip." For a "gummy smile," Botox is injected further from the border to reduce gum visibility. Botox is also often used to smooth vertical lip lines, also called perioral lines or "smoker's lines."

One of the key benefits of Botox for the lips is that it doesn't add any volume or fullness to the lips themselves. Instead, it works by targeting the underlying muscle movement that can contribute to a thin or aged appearance. This can be a great option for patients who are looking to smooth out lines and wrinkles around the mouth, or subtle increase in volume appearance.

Dermal Fillers for Lips Explained: How Dermal Fillers Add Volume and Definition

Unlike Botox, which works by temporarily paralysing the muscles, fillers work by physically adding volume and structure to the lips. This can be particularly helpful for patients who have experienced a loss of lip volume due to ageing, or who simply want a fuller, more hydrated pout. 

Dermal fillers can also correct uneven lips and address concerns like thin or dry lips. One of the key benefits of dermal fillers for the lips is the immediate, visible results they can provide. Patients often see a noticeable difference in the size and shape of their lips immediately after the procedure, which can be a great confidence booster.

Botox vs Lip Fillers: Which Treatment Is Best for Wrinkles Around the Lips?

At Dr. Toro Aesthetics, we prefer Botox for reducing lines around the lips to maintain a natural look without adding volume. However, if the lines are due to volume loss or if relaxing the muscles affects the patient's vocation, lip fillers may be the better option.

Achieving Fuller Lips: Botox vs Fillers for Lip Enhancement

For a subtle volume increase, Botox might be the best option. For a more pronounced increase or to restore age-related volume loss, lip fillers are recommended. Sometimes, a combination of both provides the best results.

Longevity of Botox and Lip Fillers: How Long Do They Last?

The results of Botox typically last for 3-4 months, after which the treatment will need to be repeated to maintain the desired effect. Lip filler results typically last between 6-9 months, depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s metabolism.

What to Expect During a Botox or Lip Filler Treatment

Botox around the lip is a quick procedure of approximately 10 minutes with minimal downtime and discomfort.

Lip Fillers contain a numbing agent, and the procedure takes 15-30 minutes with some mild swelling and occasional bruising that subsides within days. At Dr Toro Aesthetics we employ techniques to minimise our patients downtime further more.

Botox vs Fillers for Lips: Which Treatment is Right for Your Age and Skin Type?

This is a tricky question as both can be right for you at any age and for any skin type. It all depends on your concern and aesthetic goals.

Cost Comparison: Botox vs Dermal Fillers for Lip Enhancement

Costs will vary from person to person as it’s dependent on their anatomy structure but an average cost of a lip flip would be £175 which lasts 3-4 months and an average cost of a lip filler treatment would be £300 which lasts 6-9 months.

How to Choose Between Botox and Lip Fillers: Consultations and Expert Advice

When it comes to choosing between Botox and fillers for the lips, the decision ultimately comes down to your specific goals and preferences. Both treatments can be highly effective in enhancing the appearance of the lips, but they work in different ways and may be better suited to different types of lip concerns.

If you're primarily focused on smoothing out lines and wrinkles around the mouth, or subtle volume then Botox may be the better option for you. 

On the other hand, if you're looking to add slightly more volume and enhance the overall shape and fullness of your lips, dermal fillers may be the way to go. Fillers can be used to create a more pronounced, youthful-looking pout, which can be especially beneficial for patients who have experienced a loss of lip volume due to ageing.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified aesthetic practitioner, so they can assess your individual concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to help you achieve the beautiful, perfect look you desire.

If you have any questions or would like to explore further options we have for lip treatments, we welcome you to book a consultation at our clinic. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan that helps you look and feel your best.