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What Is the Difference Between a Lip Lift and a Lip Flip?

What is the difference between a lip lift and a lip flip? Read this guide to learn about these two procedures.

Lip procedures can help increase your self-esteem. They are a minimally invasive way to enhance your appearance. Lip lifts and lip flips share some similarities but are quite different procedures.

One is a surgical procedure while the other is a non-invasive enhancement. Depending on your aesthetic goal, one lip procedure may be better for you than the other.

Read on to learn more about the differences between lip lifts and lip flips!

1. What Is a Lip Lift?

lip lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from between the nose and top lip. The lip lift gives the patient a fuller top lip. This surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon and requires anesthesia.

The surgeon removes a small piece of skin above the upper lip and then pulls the skin up towards the nose. This results in lifting the top lip and creating a fuller pout.

The surgery lasts around an hour. You will have stitches removed after a week. Because of the nature of this procedure, a lip lift gives permanent results.

On average, healing takes three to six months, but up to a year to completely heal.

Patients choose a lip lift for a permanent, natural look. The appeal of not having to get regular fillers and long-term results are the top reasons people choose lip lift surgery.

2. What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a non-surgical procedure designed to make the lips look fuller. Similar to the lift, a lip flip causes the top lip to lift upwards towards the nose, creating a more full top lip.

Botox (or Dysport) is injected into the corners of your mouth (oral commissures) and the edges of your lips (vermillion border) to make your lips look fuller without increasing the volume of your lips. Botox (or Dysport) creates a subtle turning up of the upper lip, and there is no injection into the body of the upper or lower lip.

Patients often choose a lip flip if they have a “gummy smile” or a thin upper lift. Lip flips can decrease how much the upper lip elevates when smiling, reducing the visibility of the gums.

There’s no downtime and it’s a quick, rather painless procedure. The entire appointment takes less than 30 minutes. Lip flip results can take up to one week for you to see the full impact of the procedure. Side effects after lip flips are extremely rare.

If you want to keep your perky pout looking its best, schedule maintenance appointments every three months.

3. Lip Lift vs Lip Flip: Which Procedure Is Right for You?

The main difference between a lip lift and a lip flip is surgery.

The lip lift surgery requires sedation, minor surgery, and stitches. There is some minor downtime and it can take up to twelve months for you to see your final results. But, if you are looking for a permanent way to enhance your lips, it can be a great choice.

A lip flip is quick and is a popular choice for those who want a non-surgical lip procedure. A patient gets fuller-looking lips that are all their own. You do have to plan appointments up to four times a year if you want to keep your results looking optimal. 

If you do not schedule routine maintenance your lips will return to their normal state. With regular maintenance, a lip flip is an optimal way to maintain fuller-looking lips year-round.

4. How Long Do Results Last?

While a lip lift is permanent, age and time may affect its long-term staying power. While this isn’t necessary or required, you may want a touch-up later down the road as you age.

A lip flip generally lasts up to 3 months. Some patients see their results for up to five months. Each person is different. That’s why it’s important to address your questions and concerns during a consultation. 

Focus on the procedure that makes you happy. The goal is to make you feel better about yourself and your smile!

5. Lip Flip vs Filler

A lip flip will accentuate your own lips by causing the top lift to “flip” upwards. This happens with a combination of Botox or Dysport which makes your lips look fuller without increasing the volume of your lips.

Filler enhances your top and bottom lips, creating a voluminous and even pout. Filler plumps the lips and smooths wrinkles. With filler, your results may last up to twelve months. If you desire a more pronounced pout, you can come back for more!

Usually, the lip flip treatment is less expensive than fillers because it only requires a few units of Botox or Dysport.

There is virtually no downtime with either option. You may experience some slight swelling or discomfort, but that is short-lived.

Questions?

When deciding what procedure you want to pursue, set out a list of questions. You can write down the pros and cons of each procedure, your budget, and your concerns.

When you have a consultation at a medical spa, bring your list with you. Your practitioner will go through the benefits and differences of each procedure. Together, you can decide which one is right for you.

Both procedures can boost your self-confidence! They will give you the lips you have always wanted!

Best Lip Lift in the Inland Empire

Looking for the best lip lift in Temecula, Riverside, or Redlands? The Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery is the leading plastic surgery and medical spa in the area. Our board-certified doctors are passionate about helping their patients achieve their goals.

Our doctors and nurses help real people every day feel better. Through extensive training and continued education, we bring patients the best. Through procedures and technology, we dedicate our lives to giving the best.

We like to say we are “obsessed with detail”. We strive to minimize a patient’s scarring from any plastic or cosmetic surgery procedures. Our 98% patient satisfaction rating speaks for itself.

Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery is the top choice in Temecula, Riverside, & Redlands for plastic and cosmetic surgery. 

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you ready to feel your best? Call our office today to schedule a consultation. We will talk over your goals, and what you hope to achieve, and schedule you with one of our plastic surgeons.

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Locations

Located in California, the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients across Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside, and Redlands with state-of-the-art facilities and personalized treatments.

Temecula

27345 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 100
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 699-9201

Redlands

555 Cajon Street, Suite B
Redlands, CA 92373
(909) 509-5900

Riverside

7065 Indiana Avenue, Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 777-2682

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Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery, Inc.

* Dr. Mohiuddin is board eligible with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.