What kind of results did you see from filler? I'm considering filler for upper lip lines but don't want anything too obvious. Not so scared about botox which I'm also considering but worried about lip fillers looking very obvious
I used to be very bothered by my upper lip lines and I've tried five different things.
Filler. For a couple of years, around 12 years ago, I used to have a tiny bit of filler injected to fill out the lines. It did fill out the files but it also slightly altered the appearance of my upper lip, making it look 'done'. I was surprised by that, given the very small amount being used. I think the filler used to last about 9 months. I stopped having it done because I didn't like the way it altered my mouth. It's possible that a different practitioner could achieve a better result with filler but I did go to a very experienced person (Dr Tracy Mountford who runs a very successful London practice).
Botox. I've been having Botox for over 20 years. On one occasion the aesthetic doctor I was then seeing suggested that the best solution for upper lip lines was Botox - presumably to stop me pursing my lip. Although I was concerned that it would affect the functioning of my mouth he assured me that it wouldn't. But it did. I can't quite remember how - I think it made me pronounce 'p' as 'b' or something like that. I only tried it that once. Another practitioner might get a better result but, again, I had gone to a very experienced doctor (who I won't name and shame).
Ultracel. Not sure exactly what this is but it uses ultrasound and radio frequency. I had this around 10 years ago, not specifically for upper lip lines but for lower face. It unintentionally created a wound to one side of my upper lip where I now have a small scar. Lovely. The treatment was very painful and expensive and I didn't see any improvement. So, yes, altogether a lovely experience.
Tretinoin. This is the thing that I think has worked the best. It takes, literally, years but after consistent use of tretinoin my upper lip lines are less pronounced than they were 10 years ago despite me being 10 years older.
Profhilo. As mentioned in the post above, I tried this recently and I think it has further helped. If you were to try this, I'd suggest that you find a practitioner who is happy to target Profhilo to the area(s) you think might benefit - otherwise they might inject it per the standard protocol (all over your lower face).
I haven't tried any of the 'resurfacing' skin treatments that are on offer - lasers, peels etc - but I suspect they might be the best thing for deep lines (mine were never that deep) although with a fair bit of downtime. Nor have I tried Morpheus 8 which seems to get good reviews.