For fuller lips than when they were 20, many people resort to botox injections. But is it really effective? We take a look.

Luscious lips are all the rage. They're the ultimate beauty symbol, the height of glamour right now. Influencers, film stars, singers or models, once they reach a certain age they all fall for botox injections to increase lip volume. It's not uncommon to see your favorite star on the web or on the front page of a magazine with fresh, plump lips overnight. Of course, it's no miracle: when you go from a normal mouth to Angelina Jolie's smile, it's because you've had an aesthetic procedure, either hyaluronic acid or botox injections. Sometimes subtle, just enough to redefine a contour or smooth out the area wrinkled by time, the operation can also be unsuccessful when poorly managed or carried out under dubious conditions.

What is botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a sometimes controversial substance used to smooth out expression lines or age lines on the face by blocking muscle contraction, without the need for cosmetic surgery (e.g. facelifts). It is a particularly popular technique for people wishing to remove wrinkles that have already set in. When botox is chosen for the lips, it is mainly used to fill in the wrinkles that appear around the lips, smoothing the area and shaping its contour. This is a meticulous operation, requiring precise dosing to avoid the dreaded "cul-de-poule" effect!

La différence entre l'acide hyaluronique et le botox

While botox blocks the muscle to limit its action and prevent wrinkles around the lips, hyaluronic acid injection fills in a sagging area. Both solutions are equally effective for the lips, but botox is more radical for a rejuvenating effect. Hyaluronic acid and botox have roughly the same longevity in terms of maintenance.

Why inject botox into the lips?

Botox injections in the lips are especially recommended for people over a certain age, since their primary purpose is to rejuvenate! Botox injections should therefore be considered from the moment the lips start to sag and expression lines around the mouth become more numerous and pronounced. If you're just looking to plump up the lips and give them a fuller appearance, you're better off turning to hyaluronic acid injections. Botox is also a good aesthetic solution for people who wish to reshape an asymmetrical mouth, or who are bothered by the aesthetic appearance of a gingival smile (strong prominence of the gums when smiling) or an upper lip that is too small, revealing the teeth even when the mouth is at rest.

What happens during an injection session?

As with any aesthetic procedure, a session of botox injections into the lips requires preparation. A consultation is always advisable before taking the plunge. It's an opportunity for the doctor and patient to discuss the expectations of one and the possibilities of the other. It's important to get in touch with an accredited specialist: a botox injection session is always carried out in a doctor's surgery and under local anaesthetic! As with hyaluronic acid, the session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, enabling the patient to resume a normal life without social exclusion immediately after the operation.

Please note that botox injections are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

How long does botox last?

A botox injection in the lips lasts between 3 and 6 months, so it's definitely a temporary solution, and the operation must be repeated if permanent results are desired. Obviously, in this case, a follow-up with the same clinic is advisable! Professionals recommend allowing at least three months to elapse before having another injection. Intense injections can cause the body to develop resistance to the product, rendering it totally ineffective.

For those who want to multiply the effect of botox and take care of their lips at the same time, there's always the option of using a lip plumping balm! Applied daily, like ROSEGOLD's ROSELIPS lip balm, it provides deep hydration and preserves the rejuvenating effect of botox.

What are the risks of botox injections for the lips?

As with any external action on the body, botox injections can present a risk. The operation must be carried out by a professional in aesthetic medicine, in a sterilized environment and following the general protocol recommended for this practice. It's not uncommon to hear sad stories of botox injections being botched by charlatans... Always check practitioner reviews and, if possible, choose a reputable clinic. The average price for a botox injection is around €400, but this varies according to individual needs and the quantity of product used. It's best to get a quote before deciding.