What’s the difference between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler?

The Lip Flip and Lip Filler are two commonly confused options for enhancing lips in aesthetic injectable procedures. These procedures achieve distinct results through different methods. Let's delve into the details to understand the nuances between them.

‍

Lip Flip: Subtle Muscle Relaxation

A Lip Flip involves injecting botulinum toxin (Tox) into the muscles surrounding the upper lip. This relaxes these muscles, causing the upper lip to roll outward gently. The result is a subtle enhancement of the upper lip's appearance, creating the illusion of fullness and a more pronounced lip line without directly adding volume to the lips.

The Lip Flip’s advantages include its versatility and minimal invasiveness. It can be tailored to individual preferences and requires no downtime, making it a convenient option for those seeking natural-looking results.

Lip Filler: Volume and Contour Enhancement

Lip Fillers, on the other hand, involve injecting dermal fillers, typically hyaluronic acid-based products, directly into the lips to add volume and definition. This procedure provides a more noticeable transformation than the lip flip, making it suitable for individuals seeking fuller, plumper lips.

Lip Fillers offer immediate results but are not permanent. The duration of results varies but typically lasts between six months and a year or more, requiring regular maintenance treatments to sustain the desired lip volume and shape.

Choosing the Right Option for you

Deciding between a lip flip and lip filler depends on individual aesthetic goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Those seeking subtle enhancement with minimal downtime may prefer the lip flip, while those desiring more significant volume and definition may opt for lip fillers.

Consulting with your Pinch Provider is crucial to determine which option aligns with specific goals and treatment plans. Understanding the differences between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler empowers individuals to make informed decisions about enhancing their lips in a way that complements their natural features. 

What to expect when getting a Lip Flip:

Before a Lip Flip

• Avoid using "anti-aging" products like retinol 1-2 days before your appointment.
• Wash your face and remove makeup before your appointment.
• Clear a flat surface and provide a comfortable seating option for your treatment. 

During a Lip Flip

• Upon arrival, your provider will review your treatment plan, provide an assessment, and explain how your treatment will work.
• Your provider will share the units recommended for your treatment before injections begin. The number of units needed may vary based on your specific muscle strength and will be evaluated by a provider. 
• A topical numbing cream may be applied to decrease sensitivity. This usually takes 5 minutes to take effect, and your lip area will feel slightly numb. This only lasts for 30 minutes or so. 
• Your provider will inject Tox along the border of the upper and lower lip. 
• Injections will be quick and completed within a few minutes. You can expect small pinches but nothing too painful! 

After a Lip Flip

• Refrain from intense workouts and excessive alcohol intake 24 hours post-treatment.
• Refrain from touching or manipulating the area in which the injections took place.
• Results may appear within days to 2 weeks, peaking around 2-4 weeks post-treatment.
• Your provider will follow up after your appointment to ensure satisfaction and plan further steps.

What to expect when getting Lip Filler:

Before Lip Filler

• Avoid using "anti-aging" products like retinol 1-2 days before your appointment.
• Wash your face and remove makeup before your appointment.
• Clear a flat surface and provide a comfortable seating option for your treatment. 

During Lip Filler

• Upon arrival, your provider will review your treatment plan, provide an assessment, and explain how your treatment will work.
• A topical numbing cream may be applied to decrease sensitivity. This usually takes 5 minutes to take effect, and your lip area will feel slightly numb. This only lasts for 30 minutes or so. 
• Your provider will make various injections based on your treatment plan. This will be quick and completed within only a few minutes. 

After Lip Filler

• Apply an ice pack to reduce bruising and swelling. You can expect some bruising and swelling within the first 24hrs which is completely normal.
• Do not apply makeup for 24 hours. 
• Refrain from intense workouts and excessive alcohol intake 24 hours post-treatment.
• Lips will settle into their new shape about 2 weeks after treatment.
• Your provider will follow up after your appointment to ensure satisfaction and plan further steps.

Common Questions about Lip Flips:

‍

Do Lip Flips Make My Lips Appear Bigger and Fuller?

Unlike Lip Filler, Lip Flips do not give that instant full and plump look. They are a much more gradual and natural-looking solution. Because you are not adding filler directly into the lip, they may appear slightly fuller, but there is no change in lip volume. 

‍

How long does a Lip Flip last?

Like Tox injections, Lip Flips last around 3 to 4 months. Ultimately it will depend on how fast your body metabolizes the Tox. 

‍

Are Lip Flips permanent?

No, Lip Flips are not permanent. For most clients, they last 3-4 months. Like any Tox treatment, the length of time your lip flips last depends on how fast your body metabolizes the Tox. 

‍

How much does a Lip Flip cost?

Lip Flips generally require 2 to 8 units of Tox and will cost the number of units times the price of Tox, but generally under $100.

‍

Does a Lip Flip change your smile?

Generally, lip flips do not dramatically change your smile or facial features. Unlike more dramatic treatments, a lip flip provides a subtle enhancement that doesn't overpower your facial features.  It accentuates your lips' natural shape and contour, keeping them from curling under when you smile. This creates the appearance of fuller lips without adding lip filler.

‍

Is it hard to eat and drink after a lip flip?

No, lip flips do not affect eating. However, they can impact drinking from a straw. After the lip flip procedure, it might be challenging to purse your lips together to drink from a straw. This is because the muscle that enables your lip to curl under is weakened. This effect may be more noticeable initially but usually subsides within a few days.

‍

How many times can you get a lip flip?

Like all Tox treatments, you can safely continue to get lip flips on an ongoing basis. For the best results and continued upkeep, it is recommended that you receive a lip flip every 3-4 months. Oftentimes, clients decide after a few lip flips to explore lip filler for further lip volume enhancement. 

‍

Common Questions about Lip Filler:

‍

What is a Lip Filler Treatment?

Lip fillers are injections that add volume to your lips. They're a type of dermal filler. Lip fillers consist of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance in your body. Lip Fillers are all about giving your lips that full and plump look. All Lip Filler treatments are customized for a client's desired outcome and are never one size fits all.

‍

Will My Lips still feel natural after Lip Filler?

The goal is to enhance your lips while maintaining their natural feel and movement. Your provider will consult you on your desired outcome and treatment goals and can customize your treatment to be anything from a very subtle enhancement to the lips to a dramatic change. 

‍

How long does Lip Filler last?

Lip Filler lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but actual results may vary by client. The majority of clients see results for up to a year and then receive annual touch-ups to keep up the shape and size

‍

How much does Lip Filler cost?

Pinch's retail price is $499 per syringe. We sometimes offer promotions or party discounts. One syringe is generally all you need. The average price across med spas in the US is anywhere from $500 to $1,000. 

‍

How do I know how much Lip Filler I need?

The amount of filler you receive is ultimately your decision, and you can communicate your preferences to your provider. However, your provider will create a customized treatment plan appropriate for you and your goals. It depends on whether you desire a more pronounced plumpness or a more subtle lip volume enhancement.

‍

Is Lip Filler painful? 

When your provider injects soft tissue fillers, they offer you numbing cream. Numbing cream is recommended for the lip area, which tends to be more sensitive. Regardless, it is not extremely painful; you may experience some pressure and a pinch.

‍

Do facial fillers work better than Botox?

Dermal fillers are typically used to treat static wrinkles, meaning they are not caused by muscular movement. They can also improve the skin's texture, fill in depressions, and reduce the appearance of deep-set wrinkles. Furthermore, fillers can address issues that Botox cannot, so they work well together to enhance or repair various facial features.

Booking your Lip Consultation

Pinch Providers are experts in both Tox and Filler treatments. Search for a Provider that offers the treatment(s) you want in your area.

If you want to enhance your lips but are unsure which treatment type is right for you, book an appointment with one of our expert injections and let them provide you with a treatment consultation.

This consultation will involve them evaluating your goals, considering their facial balancing technique, and determining a personalized treatment plan to support reaching your goals keeping  in mind.