These days, full, kissable lips are all the rage. And while lip fillers might be the most popular way to puff up your pout, many people don’t realize there are other options. Today we’re going to talk about lip flips.
So what is a lip flip? It’s a super easy treatment where a few units of Botox are injected into the upper lip of a patient. This causes the upper lip to relax and “flip” outward, so it appears more full. The whole process takes about two minutes, so you’ll be in and out of the office in 15 minutes.
How Is a Lip Flip Different from Filler?
A lip flip involves the use of BOTOX/dysport/Xeomin (neuromodulator, or wrinkle relaxer brands). They soften the motion of the orbicularis oris muscle above the upper lip, which causes the attractive flip. As mentioned above, an appointment lasts about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, lip filler treatment involves injecting a dermal filler (a gel made of hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane) into the vermilion (lips) to add volume and fullness, or along the border to define the shape.
Lip filler can hydrate your lips, eliminating lines with a very natural, subtle, sexy look. It can also reshape and add volume. An appointment for lip filler typically lasts around 45 minutes.
Pros and Cons of a Lip Flip
Here are some of the factors you’ll want to consider when deciding if a lip flip is for you.
Pros:
- The lip flip amplifies the natural shape of your lips for an all-natural effect.
- It’s an excellent option if you’re not quite ready for filler.
- It’s a less-invasive option for lip enhancement.
- It’s not as expensive as lip filler.
- There’s no downtime after the injections.
- The lip flip can compensate for a gummy smile.
Cons:
- The lip flip doesn’t last as long as filler. It lasts about 4-6 weeks maximum.
- There’s a delay in results. Complete results can be seen about a week after your visit.
- You can experience short-term numbness and swelling.
Pros and Cons of Lip Filler
When choosing between lip filler and a lip flip, here are some of the factors to weigh about fillers.
Pros:
- Filler can last up to a year, significantly longer than a lip flip.
- Filler increases volume, perfects the shape, and smooths “smoker’s lines” (aka the vertical lines around your lips).
- Lip fullness and symmetry can be customized to balance each patient’s individual facial anatomy.
- You see results right away.
- Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body so it’s perfectly safe.
Read More: Lip Injections: What to Expect Before, During and After the Procedure
Cons:
- Lip filler is more expensive than a lip flip.
- Side effects may range from tenderness to bumps, swelling, bruising, and redness.
- Swelling may be moderate and last between 1-3 days.
- An appointment for lip filler takes 30-45 minutes.
- A topical anesthetic OR lidocaine is recommended to ease any discomfort.
- Pretreatment of antiviral medication is necessary if you’re prone to cold sores.
Read more: Restylane™ Kysse is Here! The First Filler Designed Just for Lips
Clarity’s Unique Approach
If you’re wondering how to decide which provider is right for you, here are a few ways to distinguish who has the experience and skill you’re looking for.
- View their before and after photos. See if the results they display on other patients are similar to what you’re looking for.
- Ask for a referral from friends or anyone who has lips you love.
- Follow the provider’s Instagram and Facebook pages to check for consistency in results and positive reviews.
- Check their credentials.
- Look at Yelp and Google for reviews that speak to their experience.
At Clarity, our providers are experts when it comes to both lip flips and lip fillers, so you can decide which procedure is right for you.
For lip flips, we offer 3 different brands of neuromodulators, or wrinkle relaxers – BOTOX/dysport/Xeomin – each varying slightly, as well as several dermal filler options such as Restylane, Restylane Kysse, and Restylane Refyne, each with a slightly different molecular size and consistency, which leads to distinctive results.
Read More: The 5 Best Ways to Get Spectacular Lips
Having these options available allows our experienced team of Kati, PA-C, and Heather, RN, to select the appropriate product for your individual needs.
Whether you go with a lip flip or a lip filler, you’ll be sure to leave Clarity with a stunning smile and the perfect pout. Schedule your consultation today!
Please note, results may vary. Your treatment options will be clearly reviewed with our medical professionals during your complimentary consultation.
