Enhancing Thin Lips: Lip Filler, Lip Flip, or Lip Lift?
If your lips are naturally thin, have thinned with age, or lack definition, there are several lip enhancement options for creating a fuller and well-shaped look. At Kirby Plastic Surgery and Kalos Medical Spa in Fort Worth, Dr. Emily Kirby and our Physician Assistant injectors offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions, including lip filler, Botox® lip flip, and lip lift surgery.
Each technique has unique benefits and considerations. Here is what you should know before deciding which treatment is right for you.
Lip Filler
A versatile, customizable option for immediate volume and shape.
Lip filler uses hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers (such as RHA Redensity and Restylane) to add volume, enhance shape, and smooth fine lines around the mouth. Our expert injectors customize the amount and placement of filler to create natural-looking enhancement.
Longevity
Results with lip filler typically last 6-12 months, depending on the type of filler used and your body’s rate of metabolism.
Recovery
You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment, with only occasional bruising, minor swelling or tenderness for a few days.
Cost
Lip filler is more affordable upfront than surgery, but requires repeat treatments to maintain results.
Related: 5 Quick Facts About Lip Fillers (And Why They’re All the Rage)
Botox® Lip Flip
A subtle, no-volume approach for enhancing the upper lip’s appearance.
A lip flip uses precise Botox® injections to relax the muscles around the upper lip to allow more of your natural pink lip tissue to show when you smile. A Botox lip flip is ideal for creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding physical volume with fillers or lip implants.
Longevity
Botox lip flip results last about 6-8 weeks before the muscle-relaxing effects naturally wear off.
Recovery
There is no downtime after a lip flip, and temporary side effects, such as mild swelling, bruising, or temporary changes in lip movement, resolve quickly.
Cost
A lip flip costs less than filler per treatment, but requires more frequent touch-ups for ongoing results.
Related: Botox Lip Flip: What is Normal and What is Not
Lip Fat Grafting
A natural, long-lasting option using your own tissue.
Lip fat grafting transfers purified fat, taken from the waist or thighs using liposuction, to add volume and definition to your lips. Fat grafting (also known as fat transfer) is ideal for patients seeking long-lasting enhancement and a natural alternative to lip fillers.
Longevity
Results from lip fat grafting can be long-lasting, with a portion of the transferred fat establishing permanent blood supply in the lips. However, some of the grafted fat (typically 30-50%) may be reabsorbed by the body in the first few months, so touch-up procedures may be needed to achieve your desired fullness.
Recovery
As a surgical procedure, lip fat grafting requires more recovery time than injectables. Patients can expect swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks, with most normal activities resumed within a few days. Still, both the donor site and lips will need time to heal.
Cost
The upfront cost is higher than temporary lip fillers, with the benefit of potentially permanent results after the initial healing period.
Lip Lift Surgery
A surgical solution for permanent lip enhancement and improved balance.
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip (the “philtrum”) to allow more of the pink upper lip to be visible at rest. A surgical lip lift permanently improves lip balance and definition without the need for ongoing injections.
Longevity
Lip lift results are long-lasting (only the natural aging process will eventually impact the results) and do not require maintenance treatments.
Recovery
Patients typically resume most activities within a day or two, though swelling and incision healing continue for several weeks. The scar is discreetly placed at the base of the nose so it is concealed in a natural crease between the nose and skin.
Lip Lift Cost
The upfront cost is higher than injectables, but surgery offers permanent improvement without recurring expenses.
“Dr. Kirby and her staff are phenomenal!!! Couldn’t be happier with my results! The team made my whole process comfortable, from the minute I came for my consultation to my post op visit! 100/10 recommend!”
Choosing the Right Lip Enhancement in Fort Worth
The best way to decide among filler, lip flip, lip fat graft, or lip lift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirby and her team. She will evaluate your facial proportions, lip anatomy, and personal goals to recommend a treatment plan that offers the most natural, flattering result.
Call or text our Fort Worth office at 817-292-4200 to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the perfect pucker for you.
