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Did you know thinning of the lips is a normal part of the aging process? Sure, some of us are born with naturally thin lips, but it’s also something we’re all subject to as we grow older – and I mean everyone!
Yes, even you, Royal Oak!
It might not be something your friends or co-workers notice – after all, the natural aging process doesn’t happen overnight – but it’s something we notice about ourselves every single time we look in a mirror.
And it drives some of us crazy!
So, why does this happen?
While there’s nothing wrong with thin lips – you look beautiful with or without! – it’s totally okay to have a preference. And in today’s society, that preference – more often than not – starts and ends with full lips.
We hear you loud and clear, Royal Oak – and we’d be honored to help!
In fact, we have two solutions for you – dermal fillers and a lip flip.
Both treatments can help you achieve that full, plump look you’ve been dreaming of, but they do so in two entirely different ways. Don’t worry – we’re going to detail the differences between each treatment below!
Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is nothing new to the anti-aging community. Skincare specialists have been using it to smooth wrinkles around the face (eyes, lips, forehead, cheeks) for 20+ years.
But Botox for thin lips? That’s preposterous!
Well, not exactly.
Think of Botox like a potato – I know, weird analogy, but bear with me.
Potatoes are good for so many things – french fries, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, hash browns, potato salad, you get the point. With that said, pigeonholing Botox to fine lines and wrinkles would be the equivalent of pigeonholing potatoes to french fries – they’re both capable of doing so much more for us!
So, what is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin (also known as a neuromodulator). It works by relaxing (or paralyzing) the muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines. When the muscles relax, the signs of aging temporarily disappear.
But that’s not all it can do.
When injected into the corners of the mouth and edges of the lips (not in the lips), the neurotoxin relaxes the muscles around your upper lip. This causes the upper lip to curl outward, making it appear fuller.
This is called a lip flip.
While it doesn’t actually increase the volume of your lips, it does give the illusion of bigger, fuller lips – which is what you’re after. It can also be used to treat a gummy smile (or excessive gingival display).
Alright, enough with the lip flips – let’s talk about lip filler.
Lip fillers are a unique type of dermal filler that gets injected directly into the lips – providing an instant boost of volume, while also increasing collagen and elastin production in the skin for double the benefit.
Now, that’s what I call working overtime!
Most dermal fillers today are made of hyaluronic acid (HA) – though they can also be made of calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). At Avenue 1 Aesthetics, we like to stick to hyaluronic acid.
So, what is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance primarily found in the eyes and joints. It acts as a cushion and lubricant for connective tissues, but also plays a role in water retention, hydration, and wound healing.
In fact, a quarter-teaspoon of HA can hold up to 1.5 gallons of water!
When injected into the lips, it binds with water molecules in the dermis (middle) layer of the skin – helping to provide structure, support, and stability, while also hydrating and lubricating the surface of the lips.
Now that we have a better understanding of what lip fillers and lip flips are, you’re probably wondering which one is the better option. As much as I would love to give you a direct answer, that’s not possible.
At least not without a consultation first.
That might sound like a marketing gimmick, but it’s not. The truth is everyone’s lips are unique and, therefore, lip enhancement requires a customized approach – whether it’s with Botox or hyaluronic acid.
In other words, it’s not a cookie-cutter solution, and shouldn’t be treated as one.
With that said, here are some general rules of thumb with lip fillers and lip flips:
At the end of the day, lip filler is often reserved for those who want a drastic transformation, while lip flips are an excellent (and less expensive) alternative for those who want a minimal, yet noticeable, change.
Were you born with thin lips? Is the natural aging process starting to rob you of your once-plump pout? Did Kylie Jenner inspire you to enhance your smile? Are you ready to rid yourself of your thin lips?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you’re going to love what we have to offer.
Welcome to Avenue 1 Aesthetics!
We’re a leading medical aesthetics practice located in the heart of Royal Oak, Michigan – and we’re excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of lip enhancement. Our expert team of practitioners and injectors will help determine which one is right for you – that way, we can achieve your desired look!
Contact us today at (248) 254-8211 or schedule an appointment online by clicking here – we can’t wait to meet you!
