If you suffer from unwanted lines and wrinkles around your lips or mouth, Botox may be the way to go. With extensive knowledge of the muscles in your face, cosmetic surgeons can use Botox to make this area look smoother and plumper. But what happens after you receive a Botox injection? At Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD, we are here to answer your questions about Botox around mouth, which may be used in conjunction with lip fillers for optimal results.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Today many people turn to lip fillers to enhance their appearance. Many of these lip fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a substance that is already naturally in your body, and many beauty products. Hyaluronic acid is found in many skincare products, including creams. However, as a cream, it does not penetrate the outer layer of the skin. Therefore, it cannot produce the results many people desire.
To overcome this, hyaluronic acid was turned into a product that could be injected into the lips to reduce wrinkles and lines on and around the lips. Since it is a natural substance, the acid is easily accepted by the body and broken down over a period of several months. Since it is broken down, hyaluronic acid needs to be re-administered periodically. Since most lip fillers use hyaluronic acid, they work similarly. First, the lip fillers are injected into the lips. Then, the hyaluronic acid attracts water, making the lips appear plumper.
What Is Botox?
Botox is an injectable substance containing botulinum toxin that is used in many cosmetic treatments. When injected in small amounts, Botox can weaken the muscles around the mouth and other areas for three to six months. During this time, the muscles relax, making wrinkles and lines diminish until the toxin wears off. With each injection, wrinkles and lines will continue to diminish, although treatments should be performed on a regular basis for optimal results.
Is It Safe?
Botox injections are safe when performed by a licensed professional. This is because all licensed professionals are required to follow the safety guidelines established by the FDA. Although the use of Botox around mouth is off-label, it is considered commonplace by many cosmetic professionals.
What Can It Help with Botox around Mouth?
Botox injections are great because they can minimize certain lines and wrinkles which form on and around the lips and mouth. This includes lines and wrinkles formed by laughing, smiling, frowning, kissing, smoking, and aging. Botox can also elevate the corners of your mouth and correct a gummy smile. Some people use Botox injections to enhance the upper lip, also known as a Botox lip flip.
Can Botox Around Mouth Help a Gummy Smile?
Botox is also a popular way to help plump your lips to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. A gummy smile is one where the gums above your upper teeth are visible when you smile. It may go with an upper lip that vanishes as you smile. However, a Botox technique similar to the lip flip can reduce a gummy smile.
What Is a Botox Lip Flip?
The lip flip uses Botox to enhance the upper lip. A few injections in the muscle just above your upper lip will relax the muscle, causing the upper lip to roll out and become more noticeable. It is a great alternative to fillers for patients who are looking to enhance the shape of their upper lip in a more subtle way.
How Does the Botox Lip Flip Work?
Botox injections work to enhance the lips through a series of injections made in the muscle just above the upper lip. The toxin will then relax the muscle, causing the lip to roll outward and appear more voluminous and defined. This will also cause lines and wrinkles on and around the lips to diminish. The effects of Botox can take a few days to kick in, and it may take up to a week before the muscle is fully relaxed. The muscle can stay relaxed for three to four months.
Cost of Botox Around Mouth
When thinking about cost, it is important to remember that you will have to return for a Botox injection every three or four months to maintain your look. However, Botox is a very cost-effective option for people looking for subtle facial enhancement.
Choosing Botox Lip Flip or Filler
Please keep in mind that the lip flip is not a substitute for lip fillers. Some individuals may find that Botox works better for them, while fillers are better for other conditions. We can help you understand whether to go with Botox or fillers for your needs.
How Can I Get Natural-Looking Results?
While it may sound simple to perform, it is important that you receive this treatment from a licensed professional. Making sure that you have the highest quality professional administering your treatment will make your results look much more natural. If you have it performed by an inexperienced provider, you risk having too much Botox administered and being unable to use your facial muscles properly.
What Happens During a Consultation?
A consultation is one of the most important steps towards receiving your treatment. This is when you get to check out the clinic and note the clean and safe environment your treatment will be performed in. It is also a great time to look at some before-and-after pictures to make sure that you will be happy with your results. You want to make sure that your provider can achieve your desired look.
During the consultation, make sure you express exactly what you are hoping for. Your provider will then examine the shape and fullness of your facial features. You will leave your consultation with an idea of what will be done.
The Amount of Botox Needed
Based on your desired results, we will decide the amount of Botox you need. The Botox will then be distributed through a series of shots, typically nearing ten per session. Since everyone’s features are different, we will decide how much Botox you need in your consultation.
Preparing for Your Treatment
In the week leading up to your treatment, you will want to not take aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, fish oil, vitamin E, and multivitamins. It is also wise to avoid alcohol the week before your treatment. If you are prone to cold sores, take prevention medication two days before your treatment to prevent flare-ups. Aside from this, the only preparation necessary is to perfect your selfies.
The Treatment
A Botox session is typically quick, with treatments lasting under twenty minutes. This is often considered a lunchtime procedure because it is so quick and easy.
What Is a Botox Injection Like?
At Adoro Medical Spa, we strive to make sure that your Botox injection is performed in a comfortable and relaxed environment. We offer options to make sure you are as comfortable as possible for your treatment.
Is Numbing Cream Used?
You will be able to use a numbing cream before your injections. After about five minutes, the area will become numb enough that the procedure can be performed.
Expected Results
You will want to give the treatment area a little time after the treatment to adjust to the Botox. One treatment will typically give you noticeable results.
What Do Botox Treatments Feel Like?
After the numbing cream wears off, the area should not feel any different. You will be able to resume your normal activities with no impairments. Some people may notice that their lips feel firm right after their treatment. You will see results immediately, although your lips will continue to improve for a few days after your treatment. Applying an ice pack to your lips periodically during this time could make your results appear faster. By the day after your procedure, you will look in the mirror and see a noticeable plumper smile.
Confidence
Perhaps the best thing about how Botox can make you feel is confident. If you had self-image issues before your treatment, you will notice that getting Botox lips increases your confidence. In today’s society, there is a lot of focus on lips as people watch you talk, eat, and drink. Therefore, having full and shapely lips can make you feel prettier and more relaxed.
What Is the Expected Downtime?
There is practically no downtime after this treatment. The numbing agent will start wearing off about thirty minutes after your treatment. You can resume your daily schedule immediately after this, although avoid any big plans for a few days. For maximum comfort, many people will want to ice the area immediately after the treatment.
When Can I Exercise?
You should avoid strenuous exercise for about 24 hours after your treatment. Specifically, you will want to make sure you do not perform activities that increase blood flow to your face. This includes things such as facials and headstands.
Determining Candidacy
People who decide to get Botox are looking to increase their features or minimize certain types of lines and wrinkles. Botox is great at getting rid of lines and wrinkles on and around your mouth and in many other areas. If you are looking for a temporary fix that does not require surgery, this treatment could be for you. You may be a candidate if you feel that your upper lip looks invisible when you smile. If you want fuller-looking lips, treatment with dermal fillers may be better for you. However, it all depends on the unique case.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Are you ready to reduce lines and wrinkles on and around your mouth? If so, contact us at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD today.
