When we’re looking to improve the appearance of our lips, it’s normal to come across different options and not know exactly which one to choose. Two of the most popular are the lip flip with botulinum toxin and lip fillers with hyaluronic acid.
Although both treatments can enhance the area around the mouth and improve the appearance of the lips, they do not work in the same way nor do they offer the same results. One makes the upper lip appear slightly more exposed, while the other adds volume, definition, and structure.
Understanding the differences between a lip flip and lip fillers is essential for choosing the procedure that best suits your facial features and the results you want to achieve.
What is a lip flip with botulinum toxin?
A lip flip is a subtle procedure that improves the appearance of the upper lip without adding volume.
The procedure involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific points in the orbicularis oris muscle. By slightly relaxing thesemuscle fibers, the edge of the upper lip turns outward and becomes more visible, especially when smiling.
Unlike fillers, a lip flip does not physically increase the size of the lips. Its effect is to reveal a larger portion of the lip that is already there.
Who is it intended for?
It may be a good option for patients who:
- They want a subtle, natural change.
- They feel that their upper lip disappears or is hidden when they smile.
- They want to improve the shape of their lip without using fillers.
- They have a mild gummy smile, depending on the medical evaluation.
How long does a lip flip last?
Results begin to appear gradually in the days following treatment and typically last between two and three months, although this may vary depending on each patient’s response.
Are there risks associated with a lip flip?
When botulinum toxin is injected in excessive amounts or at the wrong sites, it can temporarily affect certain mouth movements, such as drinking through a straw, pronouncing certain sounds, or whistling.
That is why it is important for the procedure to be performed by trained medical personnel with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. During your consultation, you can also look at before-and-after photos of lip flip procedures to understand just how subtle the results can be.
What are hyaluronic acid lip fillers?
Lip fillers are a treatment designed to increase or restore volume, improve hydration, and define the shape of the lips through the application of hyaluronic acid.
This gel integrates into the tissue to provide support and improve the shape of the lip in accordance with the proportions of the face.
Depending on the technique and each patient’s needs, the filler can be used to:
- Increase lip volume.
- Correct asymmetries.
- Define the Cupid’s bow.
- Improve the lip contour.
- Restore volume lost over time.
- Give lips a more hydrated and firmer appearance.
Who is it recommended for?
Hyaluronic acid fillers may be ideal for patients with thin, poorly defined, asymmetrical lips, or lips that have lost volume and structure.
It is also an option for those seeking a more noticeable change than that achieved with a lip flip, without losing the face’s natural harmony.
How long do lip fillers last?
Results are visible immediately after the procedure, although swelling may occur during the first few days. Once the product has settled and the swelling subsides, the final result becomes apparent.
The duration may vary depending on the product used, each patient’s metabolism, and their habits, but it generally lasts between nine and twelve months.
Which treatment should you choose?
The choice depends mainly on what you want to change.
If you want your upper lip to show slightly more when you smile but don’t want to increase its volume, a lip flip may be a good option.
If you want lips with more volume, definition, projection, or hydration, hyaluronic acid fillers are probably your best option.
A botched lip filler procedure can cause a lot of self-consciousness, especially since it’s in such a visible and expressive part of the face. But a bad result doesn’t have to be permanent, nor does it have to force you to get used to a look you don’t recognize as your own.
Correction is also part of aesthetic medicine. Sometimes, the best result isn’t achieved by adding more product, but by pausing, removing the excess, and allowing the tissue to regain its balance.