Lip Flip vs Lip Filler
WRITTEN BY ABBI SCHUMACHER, NURSE INJECTOR.
LIP FLIP vs LIP FILLER
Full, defined lips are an often sought after treatment in medical aesthetics. When it comes to enhancing your smile there are options. Two of the most popular treatments, lip flip and lip filler, sound similar but work in completely different ways.
LIP FLIP
A lip flip uses neurotoxin (Botox or Dysport) to relax the orbicular oris muscle, just above the lip line to prevent the upper lip from folding under when smiling, talking and laughing. Placing neurotoxin here can also smooth/prevent "smoker's lines" and increase vertical height in the top lip. A lip flip generally takes effect in a few days after treatment and typically wears off quicker than other neurotoxin because of how frequently the orbicularis oris muscle is used throughout the day. This technique affects the top lip only and can be part of your routine botox/dysport treatment or scheduled separately as a "lip flip" appointment. 
LIP FILLER
Lip Filler is a lip augmentation with dermal filler; a synthetic gel substance made of hyaluronic acid, used to shape and fill the lips. The filler is injected into the body of the lips using small needles and techniques appropriate for your goals. Lip filler is used in both the top and bottom lip. Effects are immediate and last up to one year or beyond. You can expect some swelling and bruising after your lip filler appointment, usually lasting around 5-7 days.
What is a gummy smile treatment?
A “gummy smile” treatment is another technique using neurotoxin to enhance your smile. During this treatment we inject a small dose of neurotoxin into the elevator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) muscle. This is the muscle that pulls your top lip up towards your nose when you smile. Treating this muscle provides a relaxing effect to lower the top lip and decrease the "gummy show" that sometimes occurs when we smile. Sometimes people (myself included, hehe) choose to use a combination of these treatments to achieve their perfect results.
If you're still unsure of which is right for you, we'd love to see you for a consultation!