What is the difference between lip filler and lip flip?

Thanks to celebrities like Kylie Jenner, the increase of people wanting to enhance their lips with temporary fillers has skyrocketed over the last few years. But have you recently heard about someone getting a lip flip? What’s the difference between lip filler and lip flip?

What are lip fillers?
Hyaluronic fillers are the best and most commonly used filler for lips. According to Dr. Abigail Donnelly, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana, “Hyaluronic fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced in your body. Utilizing a naturally-occurring ingredient makes it much less likely that your body will reject the filler. When the hyaluronic filler is injected into your lips, it acts as a sort of cushion to bring more volume back to them. Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area to provide deep hydration and soft volume. The two most common brands of hyaluronic fillers for lips are Juvederm® and Restylane."

What is a lip flip?
While a lip filler uses a dermal filler naturally plump your lips, a lip flip is a nonsurgical procedure or technique that makes your lips appear fuller by injecting a botulinum toxin, such as Botox®, into the corners of your mouth and edges of your lip. The botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles around your upper lip, making your lip “flip” upward a small amount giving it a larger appearance than normal.

How fast will I see results with a lip filler versus a lip flip?
For many people, lip fillers only require one treatment. If you want a full look or want to build a new shape, it can take multiple sessions to achieve your intended appearance. Lip flips, on the other hand, appear fuller within a week after injection.

How long do lip fillers last versus a lip flip?
How long results last vary on the type of filler or botulinum toxin used and the age and health of the patient. On average, lip fillers last 6 to 9 months before they need to be touched up. A lip flip will commonly last between 2 and 5 months before needing to be touched up.

Interested in lip fillers or a lip flip?
Select Forefront Dermatology locations, and board-certified dermatologists offer lip fillers and lip flips. Find a dermatologist near you today to schedule your consultation appointment.