How is Restylane More Effective for Upper Lip Lines?

Treatment of this area and condition is considered challenging in that the muscle that is responsible for these lines is very strong is the purse string-like action that it creates.  Although smooth gel fillers combined with Dysport or Botox are good options, most practitioners will agree that a combination approach of more than one or two modalities is the best treatment plan.  For example, injection treatments combined with ablative/fractionated treatments will lend to a better outcome if the lines are more than superficial.

Our patients generally do not use Botox or Dysport as a stand alone treatment since the duration is quite short in this area.  However, when combined with filler and/or lasers, Botox and Dysport will complement the treatment plan.

Both Restylane and Juvederm are excellent products in this area but technique is the most important factor.

Restylane is great for treating the lines of the upper lip, but you can also use Juvéderm or Perlane.  Restylane and Juvéderm are ideal because they have a very soft and natural look and feel and therefore are good for filling the fine lines of the upper lip.  The Fraxel or fractional CO2 are lasers also are effective for treating the fine lines of the upper lip.  Depending on the severity of the lines you may be a candidate for both laser and fillers.

Improving upper lip lines, or perioral wrinkles, can be done with a combination of methods.  Restylane, Juvederm, or Perlane may be used to enhance the outline of the lips as well as be injected into the lip lines themselves.  Botox or Dysport may be used to soften them, although caution must be exercised in this area.  Neurotoxins work by stopping movement, so a very small amount needs to be used.  Lasers, such as the Fraxel Re:Store 1927 or Active/Deep FX (fractionated CO2) can help with finer lines from sun damage and aging.  See a board-certified dermatologist for a consultation. 

When it comes to Restylane or Juvederm for the upper lip, the injector is much more important than the choice of filler. I have used both fillers, with equally great results in this area. For an even more effective treatment of upper lip lines, I often use both Botox (or Dysport) and a filler. This can go a long way in eliminating these unwanted lines.

Restylane is a softer product than Juvederm -- scientifically this is because there are less cross links in the Restylane molecule.  Therefore, many dermatologists and plastic surgeons prefer Restylane because it gives a softer, more natural look for those fine upper lip lines.

Juvederm is appropriate as well. However stay away from Radiesse as it is too firm for the area.

A few units of botox also soften those upper lip lines.