Dr. Saber’s Blog

Botox for Lip Enhancement? Why It Might Be Better Than Fillers

Even people with no cosmetic procedure experience have heard about Botox. Most commonly sold under the brand names Botox or Dysport, botulinum toxin is widely used by cosmetic surgeons and medspa injectors to eliminate wrinkles and signs of aging.

But did you know it can also be used for lip augmentation?

What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that temporarily causes muscle paralysis, and it can create beneficial cosmetic and medical effects when used in small amounts. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Botox can be used for appearance, but it is also approved as a legitimate treatment for some health conditions.

Botox blocks nerve signals, forcing facial muscles to relax. Relaxing the muscles smooths out fine lines, crow’s feet, and vertical lip lines. And the best part is Botox is temporary. So if you change your mind, the effect will wear off in a few months (depending on the injection). Some people even elect to only get Botox injections for special events.

Patients who seek Botox for cosmetic reasons benefit from improved self-confidence and mental wellness.

What is a Botox lip flip?

Usually, if people want fuller lips, they use a dermal filler such as Juvederm or Restylane. These cosmetic injectables literally add lip volume. However, a Botox lip flip can provide natural-looking lip augmentation by subtly enhancing the shape of your lips.

A lip flip is a non-surgical procedure that gives your lips the illusion of fullness and better shape definition. This procedure gives you more control over the appearance of your upper lip and overall lip shape while still producing a subtle shift. And because Botox injections are non-surgical, there is no downtime required!

To achieve a “lip flip” your cosmetic surgeon will inject Botox around the upper lip and to the side of the lips. No injection is made to the lower lip, but the relaxed orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle around your lips) allows the corners of the lips to flip upward. This slight change in lip shape makes thin lips look fuller and adds a more youthful appearance.

Lip fillers vs lip flip

You might wonder, what’s the difference between a lip flip and lip fillers? Lip fillers are commonly used as part of facial rejuvenation plans. However, the added volume from hyaluronic acid fillers provides a more drastic increase in lip fullness than the more subtle lip flip.

During your consultation, Dr. Saber will discuss your goals and decide which technique will achieve your desired results.

Gummy smile before and after

Can Botox treat a gummy smile?

A “gummy smile” is when a person’s smile shows off more of their gums than they’d like. Botox lip injections can help decrease the effect of a gummy smile.

With a relaxed upper lip from Botox, your upper lip won’t tighten as much as it used to when you smile. Thus, the effect of a “gummy smile” is decreased. With Botox treatment, you can subtly change your appearance and feel more confident about your smile!

How long does Botox last in lips?

There are different kinds of botulinum toxin and Botox procedures. Therefore, the duration of your botulinum toxin treatment will depend on which brand you use (and how many units are injected).

So how long does a lip flip last? The effects typically last anywhere from 3 to 4 months. Lip fillers can take longer to reach full effect and also last longer. However, units of Botox can be cheaper than units of dermal fillers; so, it’s not unreasonable to get your Botox lip flip redone as needed.

What are the side effects of Botox?

Botox side effects are rare and are usually minor, especially when your Botox and filler injections are being performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Saber. The most common side effects are numbness, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site which go away quickly. Some people may struggle with spitting, pronouncing words, or whistling after a lip flip as they adjust to their more relaxed lip muscles.

If you experience any less common, more severe side effects such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever, or flu-like symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

Who should get Botox treatment?

Botox treatment can be beneficial to many individuals. When we think of Botox procedures, we often (wrongly) assume that these toxins are only used for cosmetic or beauty purposes.

Botox for Lip Enhancement

Although many people undergo Botox treatments for beauty modification reasons, others do so for medical or health concerns. Botox can be used to treat an array of issues, such as hyperhidrosis, overactive bladder, or chronic migraines. Patients who seek Botox for cosmetic reasons benefit from improved self-confidence and mental wellness.

During your consultation, Dr. Saber will go over your appearance goals, set realistic expectations, and recommend the best procedure or technique for you.

Why choose Saber Plastic Surgery for Botox?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, is an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified Los Angeles plastic surgeon. In addition to plastic surgery, she is also highly skilled in the application of Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectable cosmetic treatments.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients of all ages and from all walks of life have praised not only their outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to all types of appearance and health-related matters.

To request a consultation, call 818-818-2939 or click here to schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber takes her patients’ safety very seriously. Her facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are required in our office at all times during the coronavirus pandemic.

The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA, for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA | Book a Free Consult
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
    💌 info@saberplasticsurgery.com

    ✨ Our patient is 4 weeks post Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction.

Her scars are a bit fresh. Overtime they will heal and become less visible. ✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
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    Cheers to a weekend without rain! 🥳
    ✨ Our patient is 3 months post-op from our Tummy Tuck and Fat Transfer for her Breast Lift procedure. 

She wanted to avoid implants, so we opted in for the subtle augmentation. 
We are absolutely thrilled with her results✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

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🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
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#tummytuck #breastaugmentation #beforeandafter #breastlift #beauty #cosmeticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #breastsurgery #losangeles #facelift #breastimplants  #lipinjections #botox #bbl #filler #saline #chinlipo #liposuction #defined #consultation  #proce dure
    ✨ Our beautiful patient came in for our Otoplasty procedure. Her after photo is only 3 weeks Post-Op. We are absolutely thrilled with her results!✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!

____________________________
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⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
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🔸 saberplasticsurgery.com
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    Happy Saturday 🫶🏼

  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

    4.8
    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020