Tag: lip injections

Lip Flip vs Lip Filler
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Lip Flip vs Lip Filler

Differences between a Lip Flip and a Lip Filler for Lip Enhancement Sydney

With ageing, your lips can start losing their definition and fine lines can form around the edges. Lip flip and lip filler procedures can help restore the beauty of your lips.  A Lip flip and lip filler are totally different procedures, so you need to know the difference between the procedures to get the desirable results. The lip filler procedure is recommended if you want to augment the size of the lips and can also change their shape, providing fuller luscious lips.

For more details about the lip flip or other lip enhancement procedures, contact the team at Dr Jeremy Hunt, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with cosmetic clinics in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

What is a Lip Flip?

A Lip flip is a new procedure in which cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin are used on the lips. These injections can relax the nerves of orbicularis muscles which are in the upper lip. The procedure allows the upper lip to ‘flip’ outward and provide fullness. The procedure is suitable for you if your upper lip is smaller than your lower. A Lip flip is helpful to reduce a gummy smile.

How is the Lip Flip Performed?

2 to 3 days before the procedure you need to avoid drinking alcohol or taking blood thinner. The procedure takes up to 10 minutes. Usually, the injecting nurse will not use anaesthesia because the procedure is not painful. The nurse injects the substance to relax the muscle and create the flip effect.

Pros of Lip Flip:

  • A Lip flip procedure is an efficient procedure for lip enhancement
  • The procedure is recommended for those who have gummy smiles
  • A Lip flip can take up to 10 minutes
  • The treatment is less costly as compared with lip filler
  • There is no downtime after the lip flip procedure, so you can start your normal routine after the completion of the treatment
  • You can see the significant results within 1 to 2 days and can lasts up to 8 to 12 weeks

 

Cons of Lip Flip:

  • The results of lip flip don’t last as long as the results of lip filler
  • You may feel numbness and swell on the treated area after the treatment

How Long Do the Results Last?

Lip flip results are not permanent and last up to 2 to 3 months. When you notice that your lip flip results are wearing off, you should consult your injector. You need a touch-up treatment to maintain the results.

Potential Complications after Lip Flip:

There are usually no complications after the lip flip, but you may experience minor side effects. They can include:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling

What Is a Lip Filler?

tear trough filler sydney - lip enhancement Dr Jeremy Hunt top Plastic surgeon NSW

Lip fillers are injections with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally formed in our body that can be helpful to provide volume and restore moisture to the skin. Fillers are injected into the Vermillion border of the lip to increase volume. It can be an effective procedure to get soft, poutier, and fuller lips. Lip filler also fills in the lines around the lips to smooth the appearance of the skin.

Lip Filler Procedure:

During the lip filler procedure, the nurse injector may apply topical anaesthesia to numb your lips. The procedure may take at least 30 minutes. The injector may use thin needles to inject the hyaluronic acid filler into the lips. Lip filler can be injected in all areas of lips including vermillion border, corners of your mouth, and Cupid’s bow. During this process, you do not feel any pain but you might experience a pinching sensation. The injector might also apply ice packs during the process to minimise the swelling and bruising.

Pros of Lip Filler:

  • Lip filler can provide longer-lasting results – up to one year
  • The chances of allergic reactions are very low
  • You can notice the results of lip fillers immediately
  • Fillers can be helpful to make your lips plumper and smooth the lines around the lips
  • The treatment has a short downtime
  • The lip volume depends on how much hyaluronic acid gel is injected into your lips and can be controlled by your injector

Cons of Lip Filler:

  • The Lip filler procedure is more expensive than lip flip
  • You may experience some side effects but they do not last for a longer period

How Long Does Lip Filler Result Last?

You can see immediate results after lip filler treatment. The results will last up to one year and you can talk to your surgeon about the touch-up procedure.

Potential Risks and Complications after Lip Filler:

After lip filler, you may experience the following side effects.

  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Mild pain
  • Swelling and inflammation

How Can I Choose between Lip Flip and Lip Filler?

Lip flip is used to reshape and lip filler is used to enhance the volume of the lips. You can consult your injector and he will tell you which is better for you. If you want to get more volume to the lips then you can choose lip filler treatment. If you are satisfied with the volume of your lips and want to add a bit of projection on your lips, so the lip flip is the right option for you.

Combination of Lip Flip and Lip Filler:

If you want to enhance the volume and control the shape of your lips, then you can combine both lip flip as well as lip filler procedures. The combination procedure can give optimal results. During this process, the lip flip can define the shape of your Cupid’s bow while lip filler can enhance the volume of the lips.

FAQs about Lip Enhancement

Lip Flip VS Lip Filler FAQs Lip Enhancement Sydney Dr Hunt

Is lip flip more effective than lip filler?

  • The lip flip is an effective procedure to enhance the natural shape of your lips. The procedure is considered efficient for lip enhancement. A Lip flip is a different procedure than lip filler, but lip flip is less expensive as compared with lip filler.  A Lip flip also accentuates the results of the lip filler process.

Does lip flip make your lips appear bigger?

  • Lip flips contain botulinum toxin which relaxes your upper lip and it points upward. The procedure does not make your look appear fuller, it is used to adjust the shape of the lips.

What is the aftercare of lip flip?

  • After lip flip, you should not do exercise for at least 24 hours. Then, you may experience a small bump at the injection sites, so you can apply a wrapped ice pack on it. You should avoid sleeping face down after the treatment for some days.

At what age can you start getting lip flips?

  • Lip flip is approved for people who are 18 years or older. Most injectors agree to perform lip flips o people who are in their 20s and 30s.

Does lip flip change the smile?

  • The lip flip can make your lips fuller, and poutier and also add more definition to the upper lip. So, it can show relaxed fullness during a smile and change the shape of your natural smile.

How do I maintain the results of a lip flip?

  • Lip flip is an effective procedure that gives your lips a poutier appearance. During this procedure, the injector injects botulinum toxin into the top of your upper lip. For maintenance, you need to get touch-up treatment after every 2 to 4 months.

Do my lips look natural after a lip flip?

  • During the lip flip procedure, your surgeon injects botulinum toxin into the upper lips. After some days, the injections make your lips appear fuller and poutier. Lip flip looks more natural as compared with lip filler.

Do my lips go back to normal after a lip filler?

  • Since lip filler is a temporary procedure, so it can dissolve in your body and your lips look normal. The speed of absorbing the hyaluronic acid gel depends on the metabolism and lips return to the normal volume after the hyaluronic acid is completely dissolved.

How can I tell if my friend has lip filler?

  • If you are familiar with the face of the person, you may notice the prominent enhancement in lip size. You may also notice swelling on the lips area which is common due to lip filler treatment. If you have seen a minor bruising on the lips of your friend, there is a chance that he/she may get lip filler.

Does my lip volume reduce if I stop lip fillers?

Does lip filler cause pain?

  • Lip filler is a procedure that does not cause pain.

Can I get a combined treatment of lip filler and lip flip?

  • Yes, you can get combined treatment of lip filler and lip flip at the same time. These two treatments have different primary ingredients, in other words, hyaluronic acid is used in lip filler while botulinum toxin is used in lip flip. Therefore, you can get lip filler and lip flip treatment at the same time but injections target different areas of the lips.

Does lip filler last longer than normal the second time?

  • The longevity of the lip filler depends on the types of filler that are used for the treatment. Often, injectors may use hyaluronic acid filler which lasts up to 6 to 18 months. In some cases, the time period may be a little bit longer or shorter.

Does the injector use anaesthesia on your lips before lip fillers?

  • The injector may apply numbing cream or topical anaesthesia to the lips before the lip filler treatment. It takes at least 30 minutes to start working.

What is better – lip flip or lip filler for my lips?

  • Lip flip and lip filler are two different procedures and are used for different purposes. If you have thinner lips or you may notice a loss of volume, you should get a lip filler. If you are not satisfied with your lip shape or have dynamic wrinkles due to muscle movement, a lip flip is the suitable option for you.

What is the aftercare for lip filler?

  • You should avoid getting facial massage or microdermabrasion after Lip Filler. Additionally, excessive exposure to sunlight may cause redness, swelling, or bruising around the treated area.

 Further Reading about Lip Flip and Lip Filler

Medical References – Lip Flip & Lip Filler

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

 

Lip Filler Aftercare – Tips after Lip Injections
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Lip Filler Aftercare – Tips after Lip Injections

Things to Avoid after Lip Injections – The Dos & Don’ts of Lip Injections

Lip fillers are designed to add volume and fullness to your lips. As one of the most popular dermal fillers, they can give your lips a plumper appearance without the need for a long recovery time. Find out more about the tips for lip filler aftercare from Dr Jeremy Hunt Specialist Plastic Surgeon with cosmetic clinics in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

As you get old, your lips lose volume due to the decline in collagen and elastin.

If you are considering lip plumping to address these age-related changes in your lips, lip filler injections can help.

This treatment is also a good way to enhance the appearance of your lips if you have unevenness, thinning lips or just want bigger lips.

What are the Advantages of having Lip Fillers ?

The lip filler treatment can give you the following benefits:

  • More voluminous and fuller lips
  • Control over lip volume
  • It’s a highly customisable treatment and can even out any lip imperfections
  • Less expensive than lip surgery
  • More reliable than a lip flip
  • Little to no discomfort or downtime
  • Non-invasive

Dos and Don’ts after lip filler treatment

After the procedure, make sure to adhere to the following lip filler aftercare following instructions to achieve the optimal clinical outcome:

1. Do’s – Things to DO after Lip Filler:

  • Apply an ice pack on the injected sites 2-3 times a day to reduce swelling
  • Brush your teeth gently
  • Take over-the-counter pain medications if required
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluids
  • Eat healthy – plenty of fruit and vegetables
  • Sleep on your back with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows to avoid putting tension or pressure on your lips
  • Use sunscreen and protective clothing when going outside

2. Don’ts – Things to AVOID after Lip Filler

  • Avoid smoking or vaping
  • Avoid drinking alcohol after the treatment
  • Avoid flying on a plane as changes in air pressure can make bruising and swelling more prominent
  • Avoid intense heat such as saunas, hot tubs, sunbathing, or tanning
  • Avoid passionate kissing and puckering your lips
  • Avoid overly salty or spicy foods
  • Avoid scratching or picking around the injection sites
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours
  • Avoid wearing lipstick or lip balm for at least 24 hours
  • Do not drink through a straw
  • Do not eat foods that are hard to chew

Lip Filler Aftercare FAQs

Can you put anything on your lips after lip fillers?

  • After lip fillers, you can apply an ice pack for up to 10 minutes 2-3 times a day to reduce swelling. However, you should avoid wearing lipstick, lip balm, or any lip product for 24 hours. The main goal after the treatment is to avoid putting increased tension or pressure on your lips to prevent the formation of lumps or bumps which can lead to lip asymmetry and other unwanted results.

Does drinking water help fillers?

  • Lip fillers make use of a substance that naturally occurs in your body known as hyaluronic acid but the treatment could also use other filler materials. Hyaluronic acid adds volume and fullness to the treated area by drawing in water and locking in moisture in your skin. If this type of filler is used, you need to increase your water intake to maintain skin hydration and enhance the plumping effect of the filler.

Can I use a straw after lip filler?

  • No. The sucking motion when drinking through a straw puts extra tension on the injection sites. This can lead to the formation of bumps or lumps, altering the results of the lip filler aftercare treatment.

Can you brush your teeth after lip fillers?

  • Yes, you can brush your teeth after the treatment but make sure not to put any pressure on your lips while doing so. It is recommended to use a small toothbrush and use gentle strokes when brushing.

Should I massage lip filler lumps?

  • Gentle massage can be performed on any lumps after the treatment. The lip filler practitioner will teach you the proper way of doing this technique and will provide specific lip filler aftercare instructions before you go home. Massaging the lip filler helps distribute the substance evenly in the area. However, aggressive massage will potentially destroy some of the substance.

What should I avoid before lip injections?

Before the treatment, it is recommended to avoid the following:

  • Acne medications and other meds that can make your skin sensitive
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Dehydrating foods such as those rich in caffeine
  • Medications and supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding
  • Prolonged sun exposure
  • Smoking

Can you drink hot drinks after lip filler?

  • After the treatment, it is recommended to avoid hot beverages. This is because you will receive a numbing cream or anaesthetic before the lip filler injections. Drinking anything too hot may lead to scald burns in your lip area without you realising it. Make sure to wait until the numbing sensation in your lips completely disappears before drinking or eating anything.

How long will my lips be swollen after filler?

Swelling should go down after 2-3 days following your lip filler aftercare treatment. Within 2 weeks, you can expect that the swelling has completely subsided. In the meantime, there are some things that you can do to minimise swelling and other associated discomforts. These include the following:

  • Avoid intense heat in the injection sites
  • Take over-the-counter pain medications
  • Use a gentle cleanser on the area
  • Avoid placing pressure or tension on the treated area
  • Avoid eating foods that are hard to chew
  • Perform the prescribed massage
  • Apply ice pack 2-3 times a day

How long are lips sore after filler?

  • Swelling should go down after 2-3 days following your lip filler aftercare treatment. You can expect any extra swelling to completely disappear after 2 weeks. Make sure to follow the lip filler aftercare instructions to prevent complications and achieve your desired results.

How can I make my lip fillers last longer?

To prolong the results of lip fillers:

  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Avoid irritating skincare products
  • Stop smoking
  • Drink lots of water and fluids
  • Refrain from puckering your lips, wrinkling your nose, or furrowing your brow
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages
  • Follow aftercare instructions

How should I sleep after fillers?

  • After lip filler injections, it is recommended to avoid placing pressure or tension on your lips to prevent lumps or bumps and poor cosmetic results. When you sleep, use 2-3 pillows to elevate your head and then sleep on your back. This will provide comfort while preventing pressure on your lips.

How long do I need to ice my lips after filler?

  • After lip fillers, you can apply an ice pack for up to 10 minutes 2-3 times a day to reduce swelling. Make sure not to apply ice directly on your lips as it can lead to injury. You can use a clean cloth to wrap around the ice and then apply it to your lips.

Do lip fillers hurt?

  • During the process of injection, you may experience a slight stinging sensation in the area but this is usually tolerable. To minimise discomfort, the injector will apply a numbing cream or an ice pack in the target area before administering the filler.

Are lip fillers permanent?

  • Lip fillers are not permanent because your body gradually absorbs the filler ingredient. After 12-18 months, your lips will return to their original appearance depending on your metabolism. To maintain your desired lip volume, you may need routine touch-up treatments.

Can you get lip fillers while pregnant?

  • No. The FDA hasn’t approved the use of lip fillers for pregnant women. During your consultation, you will undergo a detailed assessment of your general health and expectations to create a customised treatment plan.

When can I eat or drink after lip fillers?

  • After the treatment, you should wait until the anaesthetic or nerve block injection has completely worn off before eating or drinking anything. This will prevent you from accidentally biting your lips which may affect the results of the treatment. In addition, this will also prevent scald burns when you eat hot foods. In general, the numbing effects of the anaesthetic on your lips can last anywhere between two and five hours. You may experience drooling and slurred speech during this time.

How much lip filler do I need?

  • The amount of lip filler you will need depends on several factors such as your lip condition, desired results, and the preferences of the practitioner. In general, you will need just 0.5 to 1 ml of filler to achieve your desired lip volume and fullness. In some cases, a little more filler (2 ml) can be used for a more dramatic look.

How often will I need to undergo lip filler injections?

  • The effects of lip fillers can last 6 months to 1 year. After this time, you will need to undergo touch-up aftercare treatments to maintain the appearance of your lips. It is important to keep in mind that the longevity of the results will depend on your lip condition, skincare regimen, and metabolism.

Further Reading after Lip Filler & Dermal Filler

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his expert guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.