Lips that are full and pouty-looking became a “thing” when Kylie Jenner admitted to having lip fillers when she was 17. As a matter of fact, shortly after that, the demand for lip fillers skyrocketed, reaching about 20,000 procedures that year. Beautiful full lips have been around for years, but somehow Kylie suddenly made them “cool.”
Not everyone is blessed with the lips they desire, but through the advancements in cosmetic procedures, you can have the ideal lip shape too. Best of all, you do not have to be a celebrity, and there is no surgery required! Let’s look at lip flip vs lip filler, two procedures that can give you the smile of a movie star.
Botox and Dermal Filler for Lip Enhancement
Lip fillers and lip flips are two non-surgical procedures for lip enhancement. Both of these procedures are done through injections, but they work differently and provide different results. Sometimes they are used together to create the desired look.
Botox, which is used for the lip flip, has been FDA-approved for ages 18 and up; however, according to the FDA, you need to be at least 21 before you should attempt lip fillers.
In 2015, when the Kylie Jenner lip filler scandal hit, there was much backlash because of her age, and since she was a minor, her parents had to give their consent in writing. Many thought that at that age, she may not be physiologically ready to make a decision that led to altering her appearance.
As far as cosmetic procedures go, lip fillers do not create permanent changes and will eventually wear off. If for some reason someone does not like the way lip fillers look, they have two choices, they can have a procedure done that dissolves the fillers or they can wait about 12 to 18 months, and their lips will revert to their pre-filler state without any lasting effects.
The Botox lip flip also only provides a temporary enhancement, and the effects are much more subtle. This is a great trial run for those who are not sure how much enhancement they want or if they are going to like the results. A lip flip is less involved and does not last as long.
What Is The Difference Between Lip Filler vs Lip Flip
Lip fillers are specifically formulated dermal fillers made from a soft type of gel that is injected into the lips to fill them out. Since it is made from hyaluronic acid (a substance that is found in the body naturally), it would be a very rare occurrence for anyone to have an adverse reaction.
The hyaluronic acid in the filler helps to retain moisture by binding with molecules of water, which adds more volume to the area where it is injected. The injections can be done in different locations to correct specific issues and provide you with the aesthetic you desire. The cosmetic surgeon can help you decide the amount and location of the filler and where to add volume.
The lip flip is achieved through the use of Botox, which is derived from the onabotulinumtoxinA toxin. When it is injected into certain muscles, it paralyzes them and prevents them from moving or in this case relaxes them. Botox injections were first used for medical purposes, but they are now more well-known for their cosmetic uses in reducing the visible wrinkles that show up on the face.
When Botox is injected just above the upper lip, it causes the muscle that surrounds the lips (the orbicularis oris) to relax. When the tension is released in this area, the upper lip tends to slightly flip upward, which gives the appearance of more fullness to the upper lip.
Usually, around 4 very tiny shots of Botox are injected above the cupid’s bow and near the corners of the mouth to make the upper lip look like it has a very subtle volume increase. Because the muscle around the mouth is used so much, Botox generally wears off faster in this location. If you desire to maintain your lip flip, you will need to have maintenance shots about every three to four months.
Why Do People Get Lip Filler Or Lip Flips?
Many women receive lip fillers and lip flips, and they all may have different reasons for wanting them.
Some people want to increase the overall size of their lips, while others want to replace volume that has been lost due to aging, correct an asymmetry issue, or conceal wrinkles or lines that appear above, on, or on the sides of their mouth.
Lip fillers do not prevent the progression of the natural aging process, but they can restore some of the noticeable effects that it causes. They can restore lost volume or create the perfect pouty bottom lip you have always wanted.
Historically, there were not many options for lip augmentation short of surgery or lip implants, but lip fillers allow us to experiment with different placements and volumes to create the exact look we want.
Most cosmetic surgeons will err on the side of caution and use the filler sparingly until you decide on your preferred look. The amount of filler can be adjusted until the look you want is achieved. Another benefit of hyaluronic acid is that if, for any reason, you just hate the way it looks, it can be dissolved using another type of injection.
Lip fillers usually only last between a year and eighteen months, so you will need to continue maintenance injections to retain their appearance.
Many women are loving the new technique of lip flip vs. filler because it is very subtle, and in just a few tiny pinprick injections, you can have the illusion of fuller lips. Usually, there is no downtime after Botox injections, and the effects appear gradually, so there is no sudden, drastic change.
Also, in most cases, the lip flip can significantly reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile”. This is a condition where more than 2mm of the individual’s gums show when they smile and causes them to be self-conscious. A strategically placed Botox injection can incapacitate the muscle and can often alleviate the severity of the issue.
What Are The Benefits Of The Botox Lip Flip vs Lip Filler
| Botox Lip Flip | Lip Filler |
|---|---|
|
|
Combining Lip Fillers With A Lip Flip
In some cases, optimal results can be achieved by using both a dermal filler in the lips and a Botox lip flip, and conveniently, both of these techniques can be used during the same procedure.
Since the lip flip only serves to subtly alter the upper lip, a small amount of filler can be added to the bottom lip for the perfect balance. Or sometimes adding a bit of filler along the edges of your lips (the vermillion line) can add the illusion of volume.
Choosing Your Lip Flip vs Lip Filler Injector
You want to ensure you are in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, whether you are getting filler or a flip.
Too much filler, or filler injected in the wrong places, can result in unfortunate results, such as a misshapen mouth or crooked smile.
Too much Botox during a lip flip can weaken the muscles too much, which can affect the way you look when you smile, or you may not be able to drink from a straw, execute a proper kiss, or it may even influence your speech.
Even though the effects of both a Botox lip flip and lip fillers are only temporary, you do not want to have to walk around with results that you are not pleased with for even one day.
Lip augmentation is easier now than ever before and much more accessible than when only rich celebrities could get it. In just a few minutes and a quick visit to your cosmetic surgeon’s office, you can have a smile that gets noticed and a boost in your self-confidence.
If you have always wanted full, beautiful lips, set up a consultation today with SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics. Our team of professionals has the knowledge and expertise to deliver the results you want from your lip enhancement. Your desired aesthetic is just one call or click away!
