The aging process, which causes the skin to sag, lose elasticity, and develop wrinkles, also affects the lips. Just like our faces, our lips lose volume as we age. This decrease in volume can cause the lips to lose some definition, form fine lines around the mouth, and appear less full.
Two popular treatments used to help deal with this loss in volume and restore the fullness of their lips are lip flips and lip fillers. But how do you decide which procedure is right for you? Read the breakdown below to get a more detailed picture.
The differences Between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler
Lip Flip
A lip flip is a treatment that involves the injection of 2.5 to 5 units per side of Botox or Dysport into the orbicularis muscle of the upper lip to give it a fuller look. This will relax the muscle and cause the upper lip to flip outward, making the lip appear plumper than it actually is.
Botox is a drug made from botulinum toxin used to medically treat certain facial neurological disorders and cosmetically remove wrinkles by partly paralyzing facial muscles. Injections can create temporary fullness to let your lips project a more youthful look.
Pros
- Naturally increases the volume of your lips
- Makes a thin upper lip appear fuller and may correct a gummy smile
- Less expensive than a lip filler
- Safe, less invasive, and widely used on a global level
- Can return to your normal day after the procedure
- Temporary and can be tried without much commitment
Cons
- Results won’t be seen until a week after your visit
- Constant maintenance required for continued effect
- Swelling and temporary numbness may be experienced
Lip Filler
The Lip filler procedure is performed by injecting a hyaluronic acid dermal filler such as Juvederm and Restylane into the lips to increase their volume and improve their appearance. Lip filler restores definition, resulting in plumper and fuller lips without losing their soft, natural appearance.
Pros
- Results seen immediately
- Consistent for up to one year
- Estheticians control increase in lip volume to meet desired look
- Lips get plumper in size and shape
- Body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, so the chance of an allergic reaction is minimal.
Cons
- Mild and short-term side effects, such as bumps, swelling, tenderness, redness, and bruising, may occur
- More costly than a lip flip
Which treatment is right for you?
If you want fuller, sexier lips with more volume, experts recommend lip fillers. However, the lip flip is the better choice if you prefer your lips’ current volume but want to add a slight projection and improvement in a more imperceptible manner.
Lip flips and lip fillers can be done simultaneously for various reasons, so you can always change your mind. However, it’s always best to consult your cosmetic provider to know which lip treatment is right for you.
Contact Us to Book a Free Consultation
It’s important to understand that treatment results vary with each individual. Before undergoing a lip flip or lip filler procedure, it’s best to discuss your expectations with your doctor to determine what will work best for you.
Contact Aesthetiq in Minnesota to schedule your consultation and help you determine your next steps.