Lip Filler vs. Lip Flip – Which Is Right for You?

Years ago, there was a huge stigma around aesthetic treatments like Lip Fillers. Today things have changed. Young patients are taking advantage of the benefits of Lip Fillers and Lip Flips to improve the appearance of their lips.

Full lips are a common desire for many. Both Lip Fillers and the Lip Flip create the appearance of fuller lips. Fullness in the lips can lessen as we age. However, lip filler and lip flip are two different procedures.

What Is Lip Filler?

Lip Fillers are a dermal injection that can add volume, create a better facial silhouette, and even lessen the look of wrinkles. The most common type of filler is hyaluronic acid.

What Is a Lip Flip?

With a Lip Flip, Botox is injected just above the lip. This is different from a filler, which is injected directly into the skin of your lips. The purpose of a Lip Flip is to relax the muscle over your lip, which causes it to “flip up” a small amount: hence the name.

How Long Do Lip Fillers and Lip Flips Last?

On average, Lip Fillers often last from 10 to 18 months. However, some fillers might break down as quickly as six months while others might last an entire two years. Your mileage may vary.

For a Lip Flip, the results will often last for about three to four months. As such, this procedure needs to be done on a more frequent basis than Lip Fillers.

Reasons to Choose a Lip Flip

If you’re trying to decide between Lip Fillers and Lip Flips, there are a few situations where lip flips are considered the superior option. These include:

  • More subtle changes – No volume is added with a flip, so the lip size doesn’t experience any changes.
  • Treatment of gummy smiles – Flips can help reduce the amount of gum that shows when smiling.
  • Temporary results – While Lip Fillers are longer-lasting, a Lip Flip gives results that only last a few months.
  • Great for experimenting – Lip flips are great for seeing how you like lip aesthetics and enhancement treatments.

Why Choose Lip Fillers?

There are also reasons to choose Lip Fillers instead of Lip Flips, depending on your desires. These include:

  • Less subtle changes – Lip fillers can change the size and volume of your lips. You can go dramatic or add a little and keep a more natural look.
  • Long-term results – Lip fillers last quite a bit longer than a Lip Flip, especially when you choose a filler that can last a year or longer.

Final Thoughts

The right treatment for you will depend on what your goals are. If you are not sure, talk to a facial plastic surgeon – like Dr. Smith.

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What to Know About Skin Resurfacing: IPL, Laser Resurfacing, Chemical Peel, and Dermabrasion

A skin resurfacing procedure can be a life-changing experience. However, before you set an appointment, make sure you know all your options. IPL, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels are some of the most common ones.

Why think about skin resurfacing? Most people choose one of these procedures to help with sun damage, fine lines, acne, and facial scars. All of these options are less invasive than traditional plastic surgery and have a much faster recovery time.

IPL – Intensive Pulsed Light

IPL is a photo rejuvenation process that is used to target cells that cause skin redness, sun damage, or pigmentation. It is considered gentler than traditional laser treatments and is often used on patients who only need a minor treatment option. Multiple sessions are often required to get the best results.

With IPL, several wavelengths of light are used to treat areas faster. In addition, it’s useful for multiple conditions. It can be used for acne scars, sun damage, birthmarks, stretch marks, rosacea, spider veins, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing has been around for many decades. It uses beams of light to target water molecules and remove skin cells in problem areas. The top layer of damaged skin is removed so the fresh skin underneath can be seen. The typical downtime after the procedure is a week to 10 days as the skin heals.

Laser resurfacing can be used for acne scars, some non-melanoma skin cancers, cold sore scars, uneven pigment, sun damage, and mild or moderate wrinkles on the face.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use a variety of chemicals to remove layers of skin so the fresh skin underneath can be seen. This procedure can improve fine lines and wrinkles, improve scars and acne, and improve uneven coloring or other skin imperfections.

During the treatment process, a solution of safe, facial chemicals are applied to the skin. This causes a controlled depth injury to the skin so it peels off to show more youthful skin. The skin underneath often has a better smoothness with fewer apparent wrinkles and lines. It will also have a brighter complexion and a more even color.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a technique using a rotating tool to remove outer layers of skin on your face. It’s a common choice for those who want a better skin appearance. A professional will numb the skin before removing the outer layers. Dermabrasion is a quick procedure and you can go home after it is complete.

This procedure can be used to treat acne scars, tattoos, age spots, sun damage, fine wrinkles, scars from injury or surgery, precancerous skin, and redness or thick skin on the nose.

Final Thoughts

Each of these options can help create healthier and more aesthetically pleasing skin. However, it is up to you which procedure suits your needs.

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