Lip Flip vs Filler: Is There Really a Difference?
Many people are unhappy with the shape or fullness of their lips. Fortunately, multiple solutions make getting the lip shape you desire easy. Whether you were born with thin lips or they’ve started to lose volume in recent years, you can alter their shape with minimally-invasive treatments. Two of the most popular options include Botox lip injections (also known as a lip flip procedure) and lip filler products.
Both options offer impressive results and can help you finally get the full, pouty lips you’ve always wanted. But they achieve the same end goal in different ways. Though people often confuse the two treatments, they are not the same. Learning as much as possible about the differences between each procedure is important. Once you do, you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you. Here are a few things to know about lip flip vs. lip filler.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip procedure involves injecting Botox or some other type of neuromodulator right above the upper lip. A surgeon injects the Botox into the muscle located above the upper lip. This muscle is called the orbicularis oris.
When Botox is injected into the orbicularis oris, it causes the muscle to relax. As it does, the upper lip responds by rolling slightly upward. This exposes more of the darker underside of the lip and creates the appearance of increased fullness.
A Botox lip flip is a great solution for anyone who wants the appearance of a fuller lip without injecting anything into the lip itself. It’s also a good solution for people who show a lot of gum tissue when they smile. The lip flip procedure prevents the upper lip from curling as much when you smile. As a result, it can reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
What Is Lip Filler?
One of the biggest differences between a lip flip vs lip filler is that the former is just an illusion. The latter actually plumps the lips by injecting them with a substance. Hyaluronic acid is the most popular filler used for this purpose. This dermal filler is injected into the lips to shape them and make them fuller. Juvéderm lip filler is a popular option because it’s typically well-accepted by the body.
Lip Flip Benefits
When deciding between a lip flip vs filler, you should know that both options result in an improved lip appearance. However, a lip flip may be ideal for anyone who wants a lip-plumping alternative to dermal fillers. Here are some additional benefits a lip flip can offer:
- Instantly visible results
- Extensive trials and clinical studies proving efficacy and safety
- Minimal recovery time
- Most popular injectable for cosmetic improvements
- Cost-effective
- Improved appearance of lip fullness
If you’re looking for a subtle improvement to your smile, a lip flip may be ideal. It provides less intense or noticeable results than lip fillers. But it can still improve the appearance of your mouth, especially when you smile.
Lip Filler Benefits
Only the upper lip is impacted by a lip flip, whereas both lips can be shaped and augmented with lip fillers. Here are some additional benefits of lip fillers:
- Improves lip symmetry
- Boost self-esteem
- Reduces wrinkles around the mouth
- Helps the lips look fuller and plumper
- Provides immediate results
- Can be customized for each person
- Is a minimally invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery
- Restores volume loss related to age
Additionally, Juvéderm lip filler is shown to provide long-lasting results. In one study, the results of lip filler injections lasted for up to 12 months.
Lip Flip vs Lip Filler: The Procedure & Experience
To help you decide whether a lip flip vs lip filler is right for you, it’s wise to learn the details about each procedure. Before your lip flip, you will need to stay away from blood thinners and alcohol. These substances can contribute to swelling and other undesirable side effects.
One of the major differences between a Botox lip flip vs Juvéderm lip filler procedure is the preparation of the treatment site. Before a lip filler, you’ll receive a numbing agent to help minimize any discomfort. With a lip flip, on the other hand, a numbing agent usually isn’t required. That’s because the procedure is minimally uncomfortable. Many people describe the sensation as similar to popping a pimple on your lip.
During your procedure, Botox will be injected into the corners and center of the upper portion of your upper lip. This treatment only takes about 10 minutes, and you should be able to resume normal activities right away. Your upper lip may look swollen and feel numb or tingly immediately after your procedure. To help reduce these side effects, avoid massaging or rubbing your lips. You should also sleep on your back for several days to keep your lips from pressing against your pillow.
Now let’s discuss the lip filler procedure and experience. Before your lip filler procedure, you’ll receive a topical anesthetic to help numb the treatment area. Then, your provider will inject lip filler into the desired areas of your lips using a thin needle. Usually, lip fillers are injected into the corners of the mouth, edges of the lips, and the Cupid’s bow in the center of the upper lip.
With the help of the topical anesthetic, you should feel minimal pain throughout your lip filler procedure. Some people describe it as a pinching sensation. The entire procedure can take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours.
Lip Flip vs Lip Filler: Side Effects & Risks
Lip Flip Side Effects
As with any cosmetic procedure, a lip flip may cause some side effects. However, these are usually minor and may include:
- Minor bruising
- Temporary swelling
- Drooling or difficulty forming some words
- Trouble drinking from a glass or straw
- Drooping that’s usually limited to one side of the mouth
Many of the above symptoms can be caused by over-injection of Botox, which can make the lips become too relaxed. The symptoms should disappear as the effects of the Botox injections wear off. Rarely, Botox injections can cause concerning side effects such as blurred vision, trouble swallowing, and difficulty breathing. In case any of these unusual symptoms happen to you, see your doctor immediately.
Lip Filler Side Effects
Most side effects from lip fillers are mild and temporary. Usually, you can manage symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications. You may also be able to minimize side effects by following your lip filler provider’s aftercare instructions carefully. Some known side effects of lip fillers include:
- Localized redness
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising at the injection site
- Localized tenderness
Serious side effects are possible, but rare. They include discoloration of the treated area and scarring. Allergic reactions are also possible and may include swelling of the throat, blistered or peeling skin, tightness in the chest, and trouble swallowing or breathing. If you develop any serious reactions, seek emergency medical care.
Schedule Your Lip Enhancing Procedure Now in El Paso
It can be hard to decide between a lip flip vs lip filler. The good news is that both treatments offer visible results that can boost your confidence. Here at Azul Medspa, we offer both lip flip and lip filler treatment options in El Paso, Texas. We’re happy to discuss the pros and cons of each option with you. Our goal is to help you determine which treatment is the best fit for your cosmetic goals. Contact us at Medspa West (915) 584-2985 or Medspa East (915) 317-5212 to schedule a consultation.
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