SPA MEDICAL BLOGS

When to Consider Lip Filler vs. Lip Flip

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Thursday, February 25th, 2021

by Mary-Kate Hunnicutt, PA-C

So you want something done to your lips, but you don’t know where to start? From adding volume, to providing support and structure, there are many things to consider when it comes to treating your lips with injectable products. Luckily, we have two great options for you: lip filler and lip flip! Based on your specific needs, our providers will guide you through the process and recommend a treatment that works best for you.

But in the meantime, let’s learn about the difference between a lip filler treatment and a lip flip treatment.

Lip filler is becoming increasingly popular and acceptable because providers, like myself and Terri Harper, FNP-C at Spa Medical, want to keep you looking natural and refreshed! Lip filler is a gel like substance that is injected into the lips. Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in your body. There are also many other places filler can be injected such as the cheeks to restore volume loss as you age, the chin to create a more balanced profile, the jawline to add definition, and underneath the eyes to camouflage tear trough depression we all get with aging. Filler can be injected to help hydrate the lips by filling in fine lines and wrinkles. It is also a great option if you are looking to add more volume to your lips. There are several different types of filler, so its best to come see us for a free consultation to determine which is best for you. A lip filler treatment usually takes about 30-45 minutes. Prior to injecting filler, we use a highly concentrated and effective numbing cream to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. The fillers we use also contains lidocaine, so the lip tissue gets even more numb as we inject. There is little to no downtime with filler; just a little swelling and risk of bruising. One of the benefits of this treatment is that results are immediate and will last 6-18 months depending on the filler used.

So now that we know what a lip filler treatment involves, let’s move on to a lip flip treatment.

A lip flip is when a small amount of Botox is injected into the muscle above your lips, relaxing the upper lip to create an enhanced cupid’s bow. What’s a cupid’s bow? In aesthetics, we use this to describe a lip shape where the upper lip curves to create two distinct points that mimic the shape of an “M”. So by using Botox to relax that upper lip, it will create a more defined lip without adding volume. As a reminder, Botox is a neuromodulator used to treat dynamic rhytids, also known as expression lines. It works by blocking acetylcholine release from the nerves that cause the muscle to contract and move. When Botox is injected directly into the targeted muscle, it allows for that muscle to relax. This eventually smooths out the lines. A lip flip procedure takes about 10-15 minutes with no downtime. This treatment is slightly shorter than a lip filler treatment because the area treated does not need to numb for as long a period of time. The most common areas treated with Botox are forehead lines, frown lines, and crows feet. It typically takes about 5-7 days to take effect and lasts about 3-4 months. Although, the results of a lip flip tend to kick in a little faster in about 3-5 days. This treatment uses only a small amount of Botox, about 4-5 units. Another added benefit of the lip flip is that it will prevent lip rhytids, those pesky vertical lip lines, we get as we age.

So which treatment is right for you? The best way to know is to schedule a free consultation with our aesthetic providers so we can craft a treatment plan suited to your specific needs. However, here are a few final things to consider. We have seen the lip flip become much more popular as a great place to start if you want something more subtle and are not ready to proceed with filler. A lot of my younger patients love to start out with a subtle lip flip before proceeding with lip filler. It’s also a great treatment to add in between your lip filler appointments. On the other hand, for patients that are looking for structure or volume around the lips and mouth, we typically recommend lip filler.

Whether you have questions about our fillers, the treatment process, or would like to share your unique aesthetic concerns, we would love to meet you. Give us a call at 478-743-2299 to book your consult!

Spa Medical® is located in downtown Macon, Ga and offers surgical and non-surgical anti-aging procedures to help you look as young as you feel.