What's the Difference Between Lip Enhancement and a Lip Flip?

Ever wished for a fuller, more defined pout but felt overwhelmed by the different treatment options available? You aren’t alone. Two of the most popular nonsurgical lip treatments today are the lip flip and lip enhancement with fillers. Although both can give you a beautiful smile, they work in different ways.

At Best Impression Medical Spa and Laser Center, in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, our plastic surgeon, Vivian Hsu, MD, wants to help you make an informed decision. In this blog, she breaks down the differences between these two popular treatments.

What is a lip flip?

A lip flip is a subtle enhancement that creates the illusion of a fuller upper lip without adding any actual volume. The procedure is quick and uses a small amount of a neuromodulator, like Botox®, to relax the muscle around your mouth (the orbicularis oris).

By relaxing this muscle, your upper lip gently "flips" outward, making more of it visible. This is an excellent option if you feel your upper lip disappears or curls inward when you smile. This can also be an effective way to minimize a "gummy smile." The entire process is quick, often taking less than 20 minutes with no downtime.

What is lip enhancement with fillers?

Lip enhancement, or lip filler, is a procedure designed to add physical volume, shape, and structure to your lips. At our practice, we use dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that your body produces naturally.

During this treatment, Dr. Hsu carefully places the HA gel into your lips. This not only adds plumpness but also helps to hydrate and smooth them. Fillers are ideal for those who want to restore volume lost with age, correct asymmetry, or simply achieve a fuller, more defined pout. 

The results are immediate and can be tailored to your specific aesthetic goals.

Choosing the right treatment for you

So, which option is the better fit? It all comes down to your goals.

The results

A lip flip offers a subtle, natural-looking result by enhancing the shape of your existing lip. Lip fillers, on the other hand, provide more noticeable volume and can dramatically change the size and shape of your lips.

The longevity

Results from a lip flip are temporary, typically lasting only two to three months. Lip fillers offer a longer-lasting solution, with results enduring anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product used and your metabolism.

The ideal candidate

You might be a perfect candidate for a lip flip if you:

• Want a subtle enhancement.
• Feel your upper lip looks thin when you smile.
• Are looking for a more affordable, shorter-term option.

You might be a better candidate for lip fillers if you:

• Desire more overall volume and plumpness.
• Have naturally thin lips you’d like to enhance.
• Want to correct unevenness or asymmetry.

Your consultation at Best Impression Med Spa

Ready to enhance your smile? Call us or use our online booking tool to request a consultation today.