Lip enhancement is one of our favorite treatments at Allura, and one of the most popular requests when we see new clients. The lips are a beautiful accent to our facial expressions but more importantly the natural beauty of each individual. Providers at Allura can address concerns like adding volume and/or more definition to the lips, or eliminating lip lines (caused by genetics, smoking, or using a straw for years). Depending on the client’s specific goals, our providers will create a customized treatment plan to reach your desired look.
A lip flip and lip filler are both aesthetic procedures to enhance the appearance of the lips. The difference is that they achieve this goal through different methods and produce different results.
Lip Flip
- What it is: In a lip flip, a small amount of Botox, is injected into the muscles surrounding the upper lip.
- How it works: The Botox relaxes the muscles, causing the upper lip to roll slightly outward, resulting in a fuller appearance of the upper lip without adding volume.
- The result: The lip flip creates a subtle enhancement by exposing more of the upper lip, giving the appearance of fuller lips, particularly when smiling.
- Downtime: There is little to no downtime with a lip flip treatment.
- How long it lasts: Results typically last around 2 – 3 months.
Lip Filler
- What it is: In a lip filler treatment, our provider injects a hyaluronic acid-based gel (the filler) directly into the lips to add volume and shape.
- How it works: Hyaluronic acid attracts water and adds volume to the lips, resulting in a plumper and more defined appearance.
- The result: Lip fillers can provide a subtle or significant increase to the volume of the lips, define the lip borders, and/or bring a more symmetrical look to the lips.
- Downtime: The healing process for lip filler is approximately 10 – 14 days. Swelling and redness are likely for most patients. Bruising may also occur.
- How long it lasts: Results vary depending on the type of filler used and individual factors, but typically last anywhere from 6 – 12 months.
In summary, while both treatments aim to enhance the appearance of the lips, a lip flip achieves subtle enhancement by altering the position of the upper lip muscles, while lip filler adds volume and shape to the lips using injectable fillers. The choice between the two procedures depends on the desired outcome and individual preferences.
You can talk with your provider during your free consultation at Allura to determine your lip goals and which treatment would be best for you.