Lip flips and lip fillers are two of the most popular injectable treatments and, although similar, each comes with its own unique benefits. If you are looking for a boost of lip volume while still maintaining a natural appearance, read through this guide to help you decide if a lip flip, lip fillers, or a combination of both could be the best choice for your individual needs.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is an injectable treatment that uses a neuromodulator such as BOTOX® or Dysport® to slightly curl the upper lip upward, creating a fuller appearance without adding volume. To achieve this, a small amount of BOTOX, Dysport, or other neuromodulator — typically around four to six units — is injected near the corners and at the center of the upper lip. This relaxes the targeted muscles in this area, allowing for a subtle upward flip of the upper lip.
It should only take a few minutes for your provider to perform your lip flip and there is no downtime after your appointment. However, it is best to skip strenuous exercise for the rest of the day and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your lips for the next few days.
It can take a few days for your lip flip results to become visible and up to two weeks to see your final outcome.
Who Is a Lip Flip Best For?
A lip flip is best for anyone looking for a subtly fuller lip while maintaining a very natural appearance. A lip flip is also an excellent option for anyone who wants to improve a “gummy smile” so that more of your upper lip is visible when you smile. Lip flips can also address slight lip asymmetry.
However, if you would like a more dramatic boost of volume or lip reshaping, lip fillers or a combination lip flip with fillers may be the best option for you.
Lip Flip Benefits and Drawbacks
Lip flips can offer a number of unique benefits, though they are not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of lip flips to help you decide.
Pros of lip flips
- Lip flips can achieve subtle, natural-looking changes to your lips without adding volume.
- Lip flips can treat a gummy smile, a thin upper lip, and lip asymmetry while creating a fuller appearance.
- Fine lines around the mouth can be treated at the same time as your lip flip.
- Lip flips tend to cost less than lip fillers, since such a small amount of product is used.
Cons of lip flips
- Lip flips won’t add volume to your lips and won’t change your bottom lip.
- Lip flips can’t be reversed, unlike hyaluronic acid lip fillers, which can be dissolved.
- Lip flips generally do not last as long as lip fillers.
What Is Lip Filler?
Lip filler uses injectable hyaluronic acid fillers to add volume to the upper and/or lower lips to create a fuller look. Fillers can also reshape the lips, correct asymmetry, and smooth away fine lines and wrinkles near the mouth.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occuring sugar that is known for its ability to bind to and retain up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. This property allows HA to add natural-looking volume to your lips, while also “filling in” lines and wrinkles from the inside out.
Hyaluronic acid lip fillers can last for 6 to 12 months and only take about 10 to 15 minutes to inject. One to two syringes of lip filler is typically needed, although the exact amount for your treatment will depend on your specific goals.
Like with lip flips, lip fillers do not require downtime and can take up to two weeks to fully set. However, you should be able to see noticeable results directly after your appointment.
Who Is Lip Filler Best For?
Lip filler is best for anyone who is looking to add volume to their upper and/or lower lips. Lip filler can also help to create a more symmetrical appearance and can slightly reshape the lips. If you are looking for a subtler outcome or would like to address cosmetic concerns such as a gummy smile, a lip flip may be the best option for you.
Lip Filler Benefits and Drawbacks
Lip fillers offer a number of benefits, though can also come with a few drawbacks:
Pros of lip filler
- Lip fillers add volume to your lips and can address both the upper and lower lip.
- Lip fillers can treat wrinkles and add volume to your cheeks at the same time.
- Lip fillers usually last longer than lip flips.
- Lip fillers using hyaluronic acid can be reversed if needed.
Cons of lip filler
- Lip fillers tend to be more expensive than a lip flip, as more product is used for fillers.
- Lip fillers take slightly longer to administer than a lip flip.
Can You Combine a Lip Flip with Filler?
Yes! A lip flip can be combined with lip fillers if you are looking for the best of both worlds: a more prominent upper lip, especially when you smile, and a boost of volume to balance both your upper and lower lips. Combining treatments can also be more cost-effective than scheduling two separate appointments. If you are interested in both a lip flip and lip fillers, one of our skilled injectable experts can discuss your specific goals and help you decide if a combination treatment could be right for you.
Choosing the Right Injectable Lip Treatment for You
While lip flips and lip fillers can both give your lips a fuller, smooth appearance, the right lip treatment for you will depend on your specific goals and your natural lip anatomy. If you are interested in an injectable lip treatment but aren’t sure which could be best for you, call our Delray Beach office at 561-463-5948 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our highly experienced providers.
