Understanding the Subtle Art of Non-Surgical Enhancements
Whether seeking a more defined lip shape or fuller volume, non-surgical enhancements offer a subtle solution. As lip fillers and Botox become increasingly popular for enhancing natural beauty, it’s important to understand your options.
This guide demystifies two of the most popular techniques—lip fillers and lip flips—revealing how each can transform your smile with minimal effort. Learn which treatment best suits your aesthetic goals through a gentle, clinically proven approach for naturally plumper lips.
Can Botox be Used as a Lip Filler?
Whether seeking subtle enhancement or dramatic augmentation, two popular nonsurgical options are lip fillers and lip flips. These procedures take different cosmetic approaches to achieve fuller lips.
Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are injections that add volume to the lips and are a type of dermal filler. They consist of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a natural substance in the body. Lip fillers can improve the appearance of the lips by adding shape, structure, and volume which may be lost over time due to genetics, smoking, sun exposure, or aging.
These procedures can also help delay the need for a more invasive surgical lip augmentation, like lip implants or a lip lift.
Lip Flips
On the other hand, Botox can be used as a lip filler, known as the lip flip procedure. It works differently than traditional lip fillers where it targets muscle movement with botulinum toxin injections. Specifically, Botox relaxes the upper lip elevator muscles, making the lip naturally roll upward and appear fuller.
Botox is necessary to treat more complex issues such as vertical lip lines that result from movement as opposed to simple volume loss. However, if someone wishes to add volume to their lips, injectable lip fillers are a better option than Botox
Both options satisfy different aesthetic goals through clinically proven ingredients. Dermal fillers nourish the lips with hyaluronic acid for longer-lasting definition. Botox minimally modifies muscle activity to alter lip appearance. Understanding each treatment’s distinct approach and duration helps find the best non-surgical enhancement.
Types of Fillers
There are several types of dermal fillers available, and each product is uniquely formulated to have a certain texture, density, and injection depth, which means that certain fillers work better for certain areas of concern.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This is a natural component of the skin’s connective tissue and is the most common filler used for wrinkles. The results typically last 6 to 12 months. Popular brands include Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Volbella, and Restylane.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): This is found naturally in human bones and is a mineral-like compound. It’s often used to contour the jawline, address volume loss in the cheeks, and treat deeper wrinkles and skin folds. The results last up to a year when used for contouring and 3 years when used to fill wrinkles.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid: This is a synthetic material that stimulates collagen production and is used to treat deeper facial wrinkles. Results can last up to 2 years.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): This is a synthetic, biocompatible material that is used to treat deep wrinkles and acne scars. Results can last up to 5 years.
- Autologous fat injections: This involves using fat from your own body, which is removed and then injected into the desired area. Results can last several years.
Botulinum Toxin Brands
There are several brands of botulinum toxin used for cosmetic procedures. All contain botulinum toxin type A from Clostridium bacteria except one type B variety. The four FDA-approved neurotoxins are:
| Brand | Description |
| Botox | Botox, or onabotulinumtoxinA, is a product of Irish drugmaker Allergan, and it currently holds an estimated 80 percent of the BoNT-A injection market. It is formulated with an accompanying protein. |
| Dysport | Dysport is made by Ipsen, a French pharmaceutical company. It is formulated without an accompanying protein, which means it may diffuse more than Botox. |
| Jeuveau | This is the newest neurotoxin on the market. It is made by Evolus, a California-based company. It is formulated without an accompanying protein, which means it may diffuse more than Botox. |
| Xeomin | Xeomin, or incobotulinumtoxinA, is made by Merz, a German pharmaceutical company. It is formulated without an accompanying protein, which means it may diffuse more than Botox. |
While each contains the active ingredient, their proprietary formulations impact metrics like dosage, diffusion rate, and onset of effects.
The Procedures: Lip Fillers vis-a-vis Lip Flip
The Lip Filler Process
Lip filler treatments involve carefully injecting hyaluronic acid or other dermal fillers into the lips to restore lost volume and shape. During consultation, the provider evaluates goals and medical history. After applying topical numbing agents, they administer injections to targeted areas using thin needles.
Patients receive guidance on post-care such as ice application to minimize swelling. Massaging or rubbing the lips is avoided for 24 hours to prevent settling. Additional contouring refines results over successive touch-up sessions.
Dermal fillers work by filling in lines and adding volume through different formulations. Temporary options like hyaluronic acid dissolve gradually over 6-18 months. Permanent varieties including silicone integrate without breakdown, yet require more caution due to infusion risks.
The Lip Flip Process
A Botox lip flip relies on the neurotoxin’s ability to suppress muscle signals from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. During a quick office procedure, injections relax the upper lip elevator muscles, making the tissue evert subtly for months as motor function recovers.
This delicately reshapes existing volume for a fuller look versus fillers that augment through hydrated gels. Though minimally invasive, patients discuss the treatment thoroughly with qualified experts to understand tailored outcomes and potential side effects. Precise administration produces natural, balanced facial harmony.
Botox for Top Lip After Filler
In some cases, supplementing lip fillers with strategic Botox placement can further refine results. Those desiring enhanced symmetry or reduced excess mobility may benefit from the neurotoxin.
By relaxing upper lip elevator muscles, practitioners sculpt a more defined shape and draw attention to the augmented volume. Botox also smoothens fine perioral lines contributing to balanced fullness.
The non-invasive combination method produces subtle yet noticeable improvements by harnessing each treatment’s attributes. Fullest lips emerge from layered techniques customized for individual structural variances.
Beyond the Lips – Other Cosmetic Enhancements
Dermal fillers enhance natural beauty through targeted volume restoration. They treat both dynamic expression lines and static aged wrinkles lost to collagen depletion. Hyaluronic acid varieties smoothly lift smiles and marionette creases while plumping cheeks, chins, and temples for luminous definition.
Facial fillers nourish skin hydration beneath wrinkles, naturally smoothing their appearance. Consultations personalized per individual goals whether addressing single concerns or achieving holistic rejuvenation through strategic “volumizing.”
Choosing Between Lip Fillers and a Botox Lip Flip
When choosing between lip fillers and a lip flip treatments, consider the following factors:
Consider Your Desired Results
- Lip fillers are ideal for those who want additional volume and shape to their lips.
- A lip flip is more suitable for individuals who already have a decent amount of lip volume but want to alter the natural shape of their lips.
Think About Your Lip Structure
- If you have thinning lips, lip fillers may be a better option to add volume and shape.
- If you have a gummy smile or your upper lip is too thin, a lip flip may be a better option to relax the muscles around the upper lip and make the lips appear fuller.
Consider the Cost
- A lip flip is generally less expensive than lip fillers, with costs ranging from $50 to $500 per session.
- Lip fillers are more expensive than a lip flip, with costs ranging from $500 to $1000 per session.
Think About the Results
- The results of a lip flip are more subtle compared to lip fillers, providing a slight enhancement that lasts around three months.
- Lip fillers provide more noticeable results and can add significant volume or change the shape of the lips.
- The effects of lip fillers typically last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler and individual factors.
Choosing the Right Medical Professional
Selecting the right practitioner maximizes safe, natural results from lip fillers or Botox lip flips. Exhaustive research of qualified medspa credentials including reviews, photographic examples, and practitioner qualifications lays the foundation.
Personalized Consultations
Schedule a consultation with a licensed cosmetic practitioner to discuss your goals and determine which option is best for you. During the consultation, the practitioner will evaluate your lips, discuss your medical history, and explain the risks and benefits of each treatment.
Certifications
Ensure that the professional is certified and licensed to perform the treatment. Check their credentials and verify that they have the necessary training and qualifications to perform the procedure safely and effectively
Communication
Choose a professional who listens to your concerns and communicates clearly with you about the procedure, including the expected results, recovery time, and potential risks and complications.
Achieve Stunning Lip Enhancement Results with Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness
If you’re considering lip fillers or a lip flip procedure, Ethos Spa Skin & Laser Center is the ideal place to transform your smile. Our team of highly trained and experienced practitioners is dedicated to providing natural-looking results.
Ethos Spa Skin & Laser Center’s board-certified experts have extensive experience enhancing hundreds of patients’ lips through fillers and Botox lip flips. Our individualized consultation process will help determine which treatment is best suited for your goals and lip type.
To learn more about the lip enhancement options and other cosmetic treatments available at Ethos Spa Skin & Laser Center, book an online consultation today!
