Lip Fillers and Lip Flips

Have you found that your smile just isn’t quite what it used to be? If so, you may be a good candidate for lip fillers or for a lip flip. These cosmetic procedures will add volume, structure, and shape to your lips, giving you the look you’ve always wanted. Lip fillers can’t freeze time, of course, but they can restore the volume your lips once had. The team here at REAL Aesthetic Medicine has years of experience administering lip filler and lip flip treatments, and we’re ready to discuss how we can transform your smile.

What are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are injectable substances that add volume and definition to your lips. They can make your lips appear fuller and plumper, add definition to help your lips stand out, and smooth out lip lines and lip wrinkles. Most lip fillers use hyaluronic acid as the key component. While it may sound artificial, hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally occurring substance already found in the human body. This substance is a moisture retainer and binds itself to water, keeping your skin hydrated and full. It also helps lubricate your joints and other tissues.

As we age, the body begins producing less of this substance, which is why you may notice that your lips aren’t as full as they once were. Replacing the lost hyaluronic acid doesn’t add anything unnatural to the body—it simply restores what was originally there. Here at REAL, we often use Juvederm or Restylane. Both are brand names for dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid. They work in similar ways and can be used to restore volume and fill in lines.

In addition to Juvederm and Restylane, we also use RHA, a type of dermal filler that is typically administered in either a half syringe or full syringe dosage. A RHA half syringe contains 0.5mL of hyaluronic acid, while a full syringe is 1mL. The amount needed will depend on what your overall cosmetic goals are. We will discuss the different options with you at your consultation and provide you with all the information you need about these options in order to make an informed decision.

There are other options for lip fillers that don’t use hyaluronic acid, such as collagen injections or synthetic fillers. However, these older options do typically contain more risks, such as allergic reactions. Fillers that use hyaluronic acid are considered safer and have fewer side effects.

What are the Differences Between Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA?

All three of these treatment options are based on hyaluronic acid, so the differences are minor. Juvederm and Restylane have different concentrations and gel structures RHA half-syringe and RHA full-syringe treatments are based on resilient hyaluronic acid, a specific type of filler that’s able to adapt to facial movements. While all these options can make your lips look fuller and plumper, there can be some differences in outcome. The right option typically depends on what your goals are.

Benefits of Lip Fillers

Why should you consider lip fillers? There are many benefits:

• Increased volume, fullness, and lip definition.

• Improved shape, including correcting imbalances and asymmetrical lip shape.

• Reduced lip lines and wrinkles.

• Improved texture and appearance from hydration.

In addition to the changes in your physical appearance, many people report feeling less embarrassed about their lips or have more confidence in their appearance.

The Process

Every procedure here at REAL begins with a consultation. You will sit down with one of our experienced team members and discuss your goals and your options. We will do an assessment to determine which treatment options are likely going to help you achieve your desired outcome, and we will go over any potential side effects and other risks. We’ll also ask you about your medical history, including allergies and medical conditions that could impact your treatment options.

Once you’ve decided that lip filler is the right option, we can likely do the treatment right away. We will apply a numbing agent to your lips before doing an injection in order to minimize your discomfort. Then we will inject the filler using a small needle in the area or areas necessary to give you the look you want. We may need to massage these areas to distribute the filler evenly. Once this is done, you’re all set!

We will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the progression and make certain you’re getting the results you want. You may also want to apply ice to your lips after treatment if you see any swelling. Typically, swelling lasts only a few hours after the appointment. You may also feel a little tenderness around the injection areas, and you could see some bruising. However, it typically only lasts a few days.

Remember, it’s always best to schedule your appointment at least two weeks before any special event. While side effects typically only last a few days, you do want to have time for your follow-up appointment and to make certain you’ve achieved the look you want.

What is a Lip Flip?

Lip flips, on the other hand, do not involve adding filler to your lips. Instead, a lip flip is a non-surgical procedure that uses Botox or another type of neuromodulator to relax the muscles around your upper lip. By relaxing these muscles, your upper lip will flip upward, making it look fuller and more defined. Lip flips don’t add any volume, so they are typically a more subtle means of enhancing your mouth’s overall shape. These effects are temporary, however, because Botox does wear off over time. You may need to have follow-up lip flip injections every two or three months, depending on your results.

Benefits of a Lip Flip

There are several benefits to a lip flip:

• It’s a more natural-looking enhancement.

• It improves the definition of your upper lip, making it more prominent.

• It can minimize the appearance of your gums when you smile, helping to eliminate “gummy smiles.”

• It can reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines.

• It’s a very quick procedure, and you can go back to your daily routine right away.

As with any Botox treatment, results can vary from person to person. You will also need to get regular injections in order to maintain your appearance.

What is the Lip Flip Process?

As with lip fillers, the first step in getting a lip flip is to come in for a consultation. Our knowledgeable consultants will go over the entire process with you, discuss risks, and help you determine if a lip flip is the right procedure to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. If it is, we can often do the procedure right away.

The process is very simple. We will apply a numbing cream to the area where we’re going to do the injection, then use a tiny needle to inject a small amount of Botox into that area. Often, these injections are done at the corners of the mouth and the center of the upper lip. Once that’s done, you can return to your daily routine. You will need to avoid touching the area for 24 hours, and you should avoid doing anything strenuous or that causes you to heavily sweat.

We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to make certain you’ve achieved the results you wanted. If you do have any side effects such as swelling or bruising, they will typically only last a couple of days at most. As with lip fillers, plan your treatment two weeks before any major events.

Lip Filler or Lip Flip?

Because they’re two different types of cosmetic treatments, we can’t say that one option is better than the other. It depends on your overall goals.

You may want lip fillers if….

• You want more volume in your lips.

• Your lips are asymmetrical, and you want to correct that.

• You have lip lines you want to smooth away.

• You want a dramatic change in your appearance.

On the other hand, a lip flip may be perfect if….

• You want a more subtle change in appearance.

• You want more definition in your lips.

• You don’t want to see as much of your gums when you smile.

Cost can also be a factor for some. Typically, lip flips are less costly than lip fillers. However, keep in mind that you will need repeated injections of Botox with lip flips, while lip fillers do last longer. We will discuss all this information during your consultation and help you come to the decision that best meets your goals.

What Should I Do Before and After My Treatment?

Regardless of whether you’re getting lip fillers or a lip flip, there are a few things you should keep in mind before your treatment:

• Don’t schedule any dental procedures two weeks before your REAL appointment.

• Stop using over-the-counter aspirins and NSAID products a week before your appointment to minimize any bruising.

• Also stop taking essential fatty acid supplements and all the following: Cod Liver Oil, Flax Oil, Garlic, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, and Vitamins A and E. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medications.

• Don’t drink alcohol for two weeks prior to your appointment.

• Stop smoking several days before your appointment.

• Ask us any questions you may have. We want you to feel completely comfortable with the procedure, so we will go over everything and answer any questions you may have before we get started.

Once your appointment is complete, you will want to follow these guidelines:

• Don’t smoke for several days.

• Avoid applying lipstick and other makeup to the area for 12 hours.

• Don’t massage or rub the treated area.

• Avoid exercising for 24 hours.

• Stay out of the sun and avoid the heat for 72 hours following treatment.

• Sleep with your head elevated and, if possible, sleep on your back.

• Do not schedule any dental procedures for two weeks following treatment.

• Make certain to attend your follow-up appointment.

FAQ:

Are lip fillers/lip flips painful?

No, most people would not call them painful. You may feel a small pinprick or pressure from the needle, but the numbing agent we use will make the process fairly painless. Juvederm and Restylane have lidocaine mixed into their formulas, which is a pain reducing agent.

How long do lip fillers last? What about lip flips?

This depends on your unique situation and the treatment used. Lip fillers using Juvederm, Restylane, or RHA can last anywhere from six to 12 months. Lip flips often last three to four months.

What are the potential side effects?

Side effects include swelling, bruising, and some discomfort around the injection areas. However, these side effects typically last no more than a few days, with many people saying they clear up in hours.

Can I combine lip fillers and a lip flip?

Yes! Many people do get both. Lip fillers will help shape the lips and add volume, while the lip flip reduces the quantity of gums that show when smiling and gives the upper lip more definition. Depending on what you want, you may need one or both options.

How long does it take to see the results?

You’ll start seeing results immediately after treatment.

Do I have to have a follow up treatment?

No, you don’t have to continue having lip fillers or lip flips done if you don’t want to. However, over time, the results will fade. If you want to maintain the same level of appearance, you will need to continue to have injections regularly.

Schedule Your Consultation with REAL Today

Now that you have an idea of what lip fillers and lip flips can do for you, you can decide if one or both of these options may be the perfect way of achieving your aesthetic goals. If you want to add some definition to your lips, make them plumper, or get rid of a gummy smile, REAL Aesthetics is here for you. We’re ready to put our extensive training and knowledge to work for you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation for lip fillers or a lip flip.