The pursuit of perfectly plump, well-defined lips has sparked a beauty revolution. Social media feeds showcase an endless array of stunning lip transformations, driving the growing popularity of lip enhancement treatments. Two standout procedures have emerged as the go-to options for achieving that coveted pout:
lip fillers and lip flips.
These aesthetic treatments offer unique approaches to lip enhancement:
Lip Fillers: Add volume through dermal filler injections, creating fuller, more defined lips.
Lip Flips: Use small amounts of Botox to enhance the natural lip shape without adding volume and stopping the lip to curl under when smiling.
Making an informed decision between these treatments requires understanding their differences:
- Expected results
- Duration of effects
- Cost consideration
- Recovery time
- Potential side effect
Understanding Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are a significant breakthrough in aesthetic medicine. We use
hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers to enhance the volume and shape of the lips. These injectable treatments provide fuller, more defined lips while ensuring a natural look.
Popular Lip Filler Types
There are several types of lip fillers available, your practitioner at Faces By Bae will explain the difference to you and answer any questions you may have.
The Injection Process
The lip filler procedure begins with the application of a topical numbing cream to ensure comfort. Our expert practitioner then strategically injects the hyaluronic acid gel into specific areas of the lips using ultra-fine needles. The HA integrates with your
tissue, attracting water molecules to create that sought-after plump appearance.
Duration and Results
Lip filler results typically last 6-12 months, depending on several factors:
- Individual metabolism
- Amount of filler injected
- Lifestyle habits
The treatment offers immediate visible results, with the final appearance settling within two weeks as any initial swelling and bruising subsides. The hyaluronic acid gradually breaks down naturally in your body, maintaining a soft, natural look throughout the duration of the treatment.
Pros and Cons of Lip Fillers
Advantages of Lip Fillers
- Instant results visible right after treatment
- Volume enhancement customised to your preferences
- Long-lasting results up to 12 months
- Ability to dissolve filler if desired
- Natural-looking results when performed by skilled practitioners
- Smooths vertical lip lines and enhances lip definition
Cost and Investment:
- At Faces By Bae the cost starts at £130
- Multiple syringes may be needed for desired results
- Touch-up treatments recommended every 6-12 months
Side Effects and Recovery:
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising at injection sites
- Potential tenderness and redness
- Risk of infection (rare with qualified providers)
- Risk of a Vascular Occulsion (Can be reversed and resolved by qualified providers)
Aftercare Requirements:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 72 hours
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol consumption
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area
- Skip makeup application for 6 hours
- Protect lips from sun exposure
- Follow our specific post-treatment instructions
Understanding Lip Flips
A lip flip is a cosmetic procedure that uses Botox injections to create a subtle enhancement of the lips. It works by targeting the orbicularis oris muscle, which is the muscle that surrounds the mouth. Unlike dermal fillers that add volume directly to the lips, a lip flip relaxes the upper lip muscle, allowing it to “flip” outward and create the illusion of a fuller lip especially when smiling.
The Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during a lip flip procedure:
- Quick treatment: The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
- Botox injections: Botox is injected above the upper lip.
- Minimal discomfort: Most patients experience little to no discomfort, and numbing cream is rarely needed.
- No downtime: You can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment.
The Botox injections work by weakening the muscles that control upper lip movement. As a result, the lip rolls slightly upward and outward, exposing more of its pink surface and creating a fuller appearance without adding any actual volume.
Results Timeline
Here’s what you can expect in terms of results after getting a lip flip:
- Initial effects: You will start to see some changes within 10-14 days after the treatment.
- Full results: The complete effects will develop at 14 days.
- Duration: On average, the results last for about 2-3 months.
Who Can Benefit from a Lip Flip?
This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with:
- A “gummy” smile (when too much gum shows when smiling)
- Thin upper lips
- Desire for subtle enhancement
- Preference for temporary results
The lip flip technique offers a subtle approach to enhancing the lips while maintaining natural movement. It can be performed as a standalone treatment or in combination with dermal fillers for a more advanced lip enhancement.
Pros and Cons of Lip Flips
The advantages of lip flips make them an attractive option for many clients:
- Cost-Effective Treatment: £100 a session
- Quick Procedure: The entire treatment takes just 10 minutes
- Zero Downtime: Return to daily activities immediately after treatment
- Natural-Looking Results: Subtle enhancement of your natural lip shape
- Gummy Smile Correction: Reduces excessive gum show when smiling
Limitations to consider before choosing a lip flip:
- Delayed Results: Effects become visible after 10-14 days
- Short-Term Enhancement: Results typically last 6-12 weeks
- Limited Volume: Unable to create dramatic fullness
- Temporary Restriction: Some patients experience difficulty:
- Drinking through straws
- Pronouncing certain words
- Puckering lips
Potential Side Effects:
- Minor swelling at injection sites
- Light bruising
- Temporary muscle weakness
- Slight asymmetry during the adjustment period
A lip flip works best for patients seeking subtle enhancements without significant volume changes. The treatment requires regular maintenance visits every 6-8 weeks to maintain desired results.
Comparing Lip Filler and Lip Flip Treatments
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between lip fillers and lip flips:
Aspect Lip Fillers Lip Flip Procedure Technique
30-minute procedure using hyaluronic acid injections directly into the lips
10-minute treatment with Botox injected above the upper lip
Results Timeline
Immediate volume enhancement
Results visible after 10-14 days
Duration of Effects
Up to 12 months of fullness
6-12 weeks
Investment Comparison
Starting at £130
£100 a session
Effect Size
Tailored to you, natural enhancement or noticeable enhancement
Subtle enhancement of natural lip shape especially when smiling
Effect Size
up to 14 days of swelling and potential bruising
Minimal downtime, minor swelling possible
The choice between these treatments depends on your desired outcome. Lip fillers create noticeable volume changes ideal for thin lips requiring significant enhancement. Lip flips offer subtle improvements by gently rolling the upper lip outward, perfect for those seeking natural-looking results without added volume especially if your lip disappears when smiling.
Many clients achieve optimal results by combining both treatments – using fillers for volume and lip flips for refined upper lip definition.
Making an Informed Choice Between Lip Filler and Lip Flip
Choosing the right lip enhancement treatment starts with a clear vision of your desired outcome. Here’s what to consider when making your decision:
1. Desired Results
- Subtle Enhancement: A lip flip creates a gentle, natural-looking result by slightly rolling out your upper lip
- Noticeable Change: Lip fillers offer substantial volume increase and can reshape your lips’ structure
2. Treatment Considerations
- Time Investment: Consider how often you’re willing to maintain your results
- Lip flips require touch-ups every 6-12 weeks
- Fillers need maintenance every 6-12 months
3. Lifestyle Factors
- Budget: Evaluate long-term costs versus initial investment
- Recovery Time: Plan around social events and work commitments
- Commitment Level: Think about whether you want to test a temporary change or commit to longer-lasting results
4. Professional Consultation
At Faces By Bae we will:
- Assess your facial structure
- Review your medical history
- Examine your natural lip shape
- Create a customised treatment plan
Your consultation at Faces By Bae includes a thorough examination of your facial anatomy, discussion of your aesthetic goals, and professional recommendations based on your unique features. Our specialists will help determine whether your lip structure would benefit more from the muscle-relaxing effects of a lip flip or the volume-enhancing properties of dermal fillers.
Conclusion
Your journey to enhanced lips deserves expert guidance and personalised care. At Faces By Bae, our award-winning aesthetic specialists excel in both lip fillers and lip flips, creating natural-looking results tailored to your unique features.
Ready to transform your smile? Here’s what you can expect from your consultation:
- A detailed assessment of your facial anatomy
- Professional recommendations based on your aesthetic goals
- Custom treatment plans combining lip flips and fillers when appropriate
- Expert guidance on aftercare and maintenance
Don’t leave your lip enhancement journey to chance. Book your consultation at Faces By Bae today and discover which treatment – lip filler, lip flip, or a strategic combination – will give you the perfect pout you’ve been dreaming of.
Take the first step toward your ideal lips – schedule your personalised consultation with our expert injectors at Faces B y Bae.
