Lip filler or lip flip: which is right for you

Lip filler and the lip flip are often mentioned in the same breath. They are actually very different treatments. Knowing how each one works makes it much easier to understand which might suit you.

What is lip filler

Lip filler is a dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid, a substance your body already makes. It is placed into the lips to add volume, improve shape or define the border. It can also hydrate the lips and soften fine lines around them.

Lip filler is a good option if you would like to:

• Add fullness to thin lips
• Balance an upper and lower lip that are quite different in size
• Define the lip border or Cupid's bow
• Restore volume lost with age

At the clinic I offer lip filler of up to 1ml. Many people are surprised how natural a small amount can look.

What is a lip flip

A lip flip is a type of anti-wrinkle treatment. Tiny amounts of a prescription medicine are placed into the muscle around the mouth. This relaxes the muscle slightly so the upper lip rolls outwards a little. More of the pink part of the lip shows, especially when you smile.

It does not add any volume. It can suit people who:

• Feel their top lip disappears when they smile
• Have a slightly gummy smile
• Have fine vertical lines above the lip, sometimes called smokers' lines
• Want a very subtle change

Because anti-wrinkle treatment is a prescription-only medicine, suitability is always decided at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. It is not right for everyone. A small number of people find drinking through a straw or pronouncing certain words feels a little different for a short while.

The key differences

• Filler adds volume while a lip flip changes how the lip sits
• Filler results are seen straight away while a lip flip takes around one to two weeks to show
• Filler often lasts six to twelve months while a lip flip usually lasts around two to three months
• Filler can be dissolved if needed while a lip flip simply wears off with time

Can you have both

Some people do benefit from both. The lip flip can show off more of the lip while filler adds shape and fullness. This is something we would only plan after a proper assessment of your lips, teeth and smile.

Side effects to know about

With filler, swelling and bruising are common for a few days. Lumps, infection and blood vessel problems are rare but possible. With a lip flip, mild tenderness at the injection points is common. Less commonly the lip may feel weaker than expected for a while. Results vary from person to person with both treatments.

How to decide

Think about what bothers you most. If it is lack of volume or shape, filler is usually the better fit. If your lips are a good size but seem to vanish when you smile, a lip flip may be worth discussing. Often the answer becomes clear once we look at your lips together.

If you are unsure which route is best for you, I am always happy to talk it through. Book a free consultation with Lucy in Addlestone and we can work out what suits your lips.