LIP FILLER VS. LIP FLIP
Lip filler has been the go-to solution to address lip concerns. In recent years, the lip flip has gained popularity. Both procedures are used to address the appearance of the lips, but use different techniques to produce different results. Let’s dive into each procedure:
Lip Filler
What is lip filler? Lip filler is hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally occurring in the body, used to provide fullness and shaping to the lips.
Appointment - During your consultation, your provider will assess your lips, at this time it is also important to communicate your ultimate aesthetic goal. This allows your injector to take your desires into consideration while working towards achieving the final results. To ensure your comfort during the treatment, a topical numbing agent is typically applied and removed before the injection process begins. Using a needle or cannula, your injector will carefully administer the filler, targeting various sites along the lip border and/or body of the lip based on your desired outcome. After the injection, your injector may gently massage your lips, facilitating even distribution of the filler and enhancing the natural aesthetic. Your appointment from start to finish typically takes one hour.
Results - After your treatment, it is common to experience some swelling, redness, and light bruising around the injection sites, however these effects should subside within the few first days. Your injector will likely provide you with an ice pack to apply to your lips immediately after the treatment, which can help reduce swelling. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and ensure proper hydration immediately following the procedure. Additionally, many physicians suggest sleeping at a 45-degree angle on your first night following fillers as this can help minimize swelling. The final results are typically seen ten to fourteen days following your injections.
Frequency - Overtime the hyaluronic acid gradually breaks down and absorbs into the body, as this occurs you will slowly notice your lips return to their natural state. Lip filler typically lasts for 9-12 months, however individual results may vary.
Lip Flip
What is a lip flip? Lip flips are done using botulinum toxin (botox/dysport/xeomin) injections to relax the muscles surrounding the upper lip. The injections support in rolling the lip upward to create the appearance of fuller lips without adding volume.
Appointment - Prior to your treatment, your injector will conduct a consultation to understand your desired aesthetic outcome and determine if a lip flip is the appropriate choice. Numbing is typically unnecessary for this procedure since it involves fewer injections and discomfort is minimal. Using a fine needle, your injector will strategically inject the solution into the muscles surrounding the upper lip that contribute to movement. The neurotoxin temporarily blocks nerve signals, to produce muscle relaxation. As a result, the upper lip subtly rolls upward, giving the illusion of fuller lips and revealing more of the pink lip tissue. From beginning to end, the appointment generally lasts around fifteen to thirty minutes.
Results - It is common to experience swelling and redness at the injection site after the lip flip procedure, but these effects usually diminish within 2-3 days. The procedure entails minimal downtime, allowing you to resume your normal activities immediately afterward. It's important to note that the effects of botulinum toxin may take around 3-5 days to fully settle. Once this period has passed, you will be able to observe the final results of your lip flip.
Frequency - The duration of botulinum toxin results typically range from 3 to 6 months. It's important to keep in mind that individual outcomes can vary based on several factors. As time passes, the neurotoxin gradually breaks down and is naturally metabolized by the body. Consequently, the muscle activity surrounding the upper lip returns to normal, and the lip gradually reverts to its original appearance.
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