Lipsticks have grown in popularity recently, but the trendy treatment may not be the best choice for everyone. “Whether a patient should have a lip flip versus filler or both depends on their anatomy and aesthetic goals,” explains Palo Alto, CA, facial plastic surgeon Sachin Parikh, MD.
One of the reasons why people began to ask for lips more often is the fear of an exaggerated appearance. “Some patients are reluctant to get lip fillers because they associate it with the dramatic augmentations that were popular ten years ago. They don’t know it can be done with a slim look,” says Palo Alto, CA, facial plastic surgeon David M. Lieberman, MD. “They may ask for a lip treatment, thinking it’s a filler replacement.” However, the differences between the two procedures are more subtle than that, and experienced doctors can “deliver very natural-looking, beautiful results with filler.” assured Dr. Lieberman.
While the choice is ultimately yours, an appointment with an expert can help you make the best decision. Everyone should go to a trusted provider for a consultation “who will be honest about what’s possible for them, within the scope of their anatomy and the limits of their budget and comfort,” says Dr. Lieberman. “It’s important to provide all the information and set realistic expectations for any cosmetic procedure.” The treatments have some key differences. To help you learn about which option might be best for your desired look, we’ve gathered information from leading doctors who perform the procedures.
For more volume: lip filler
Dr. Lieberman says his practice always recommends fillers over a lip lift when a patient’s main goal is more volume. “A lip pucker can make the lips appear larger and slightly fuller. However, this is due to the more vertical exposure of the lip structure, not forward projection or actual thickness,” he explains.
For more surface area: invert lips
Delray Beach, FL facial plastic surgeon Miguel Mascaró, MD says lip plumping may be the best option for those with lips that look flat or are “in their mouth.” These patients need more surface area. “The lash just turns the pigmented lip area up and out more,” explains Dr. Lieberman.
If you have thin lips: lip flip + lip filler
“Some patients have a thin upper lip or lips that almost disappear when they smile. Placing the filler within the lip contour would result in fuller, but still ‘small’ lips, with outward projection but very little vertical lift,” explains Dr Parikh. In these cases, he advocates the combination of a lip flip and lip filler. This creates “more lip shape that can then be filled with filler if that’s the desired effect.”
Dr. Lieberman says some patients look better with a combination, but it’s all about balance. Specialists need to look at the “proportion of the lips to bring the right balance to the face in such a way that many people can’t even tell they’ve had treatments,” she says.
When considering a combination, facial plastic surgeon Kimberly J. Lee, MD in Beverly Hills, CA, says it’s common for people to get filler in the lower lip and a bump in the upper lip. She adds that patients sometimes add a lip flip a few months after lip fillers to extend the longevity of the results.
Dr. Mascaró says a combination of treatments is a great option for older patients. “As we get older, the lip elongates and the lip needs to be rolled up to add volume to the surface,” she explains.
For longer lasting results: lip filler
Instead of fillers, a lip flip procedure is performed with Botox, Dysport or other neurotoxins. “It’s two tiny injections of about four units total, just above the lip, to relax the muscles that hold the lip down over the teeth,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although lip liners have beautiful results, they tend to wear off quickly, in as little as four to six weeks the look can start to fade, she says. For longer-lasting volume, a lip filler procedure is your best bet.
If you have a long upper lip: surgical lip twist
Some patients with a long upper lip (the area between the nose and the mouth) would benefit from a surgical lip lift, says Dr. Lieberman. He adds that if you go to a reputable provider, they’ll be honest about whether that’s what’s going on with your desired look.
For more drastic results: Lip filler
While a lip pout can help make lips look slightly fuller, there are limitations as a lip will only turn up so much, Dr. Lee says. “For more drastic results, fillers are still the way to go!”
If you have already seen some teeth or have lip lines: lip fillers
Dr. Mascaró says, “Those who already have some teeth showing when they open their mouth slightly or have lines on their lips (like a deflated balloon)” will benefit most from lip fillers. “You can get definition and small volume from adequately placed filler in these patients.”
If you have a nice lip shape: lip filler
When a patient already has a “nice lip shape with some height to accommodate the filler,” a lip filler is probably the best option, Dr. Lieberman says. Enhancing volume without altering the appearance of the lips is an excellent approach for these candidates.
