Whether age has changed the shape of your mouth or you’ve been dissatisfied with your grin since childhood, the good news is you have options for reshaping and refining your kisser.
Two of the most popular are injectable lip fillers and a surgical lip lift, but how do you know which one will deliver the right level of plump and pucker you want?
Many Missourians trust Dr. Robert Cristel at Synergi Facial Surgery for clear, honest advice. He not only brings extensive education and years of experience to the table but also offers both treatments.
Here’s his quick guide on lip lifts vs. lip fillers and how to decide which is better for you.
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Lip fillers: A quick, temporary boost
Lip fillers are injections that add volume to your lips. They’re a popular choice due to their nonsurgical nature and immediate results. Lip fillers can plump up thinning lips and give your smile a more youthful look.
For lips, Dr. Cristel uses Juvéderm® Volbella® XC and Restylane® Kysse, two of the top-performing brands on the market.
Both Juvéderm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your body, specifically in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its primary role is to retain water to keep your tissues well-lubricated and moist.
Juvéderm: Smooth and long-lasting
Juvéderm is known for its smooth consistency. This quality makes it ideal for treating fine lines and adding volume to your lips. It’s also known for its longevity. While the exact duration varies from person to person, the effects of Juvéderm can last up to a year or even longer in some cases.
Restylane: Versatile and natural-looking
Restylane, on the other hand, has a slightly granular consistency, which makes it versatile for various treatments. We often use it for deeper wrinkles and folds, but it’s also effective as a lip filler. Restylane offers a natural look and feel; results typically last around six months.
Lip filler pros:
- Instant gratification: you see your results immediately after the treatment
- No downtime: you can return to regular activities after the treatment
- Nonpermanent: if you’re unhappy with the results, don’t worry — fillers dissolve over time and can be dissolved with a simple procedure in the office
Lip filler cons:
- Temporary: your results last six months to a year, requiring regular maintenance
- Potential side effects: including swelling, bruising, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions
- Price: regular upkeep can make this option more expensive in the long run
Lip fillers are a great way to get your feet wet in the cosmetic treatment arena.
Lip lift: A permanent solution
With a lip lift, Dr. Cristel surgically reshapes your lips by removing a small strip of skin under your nose to shorten your upper lip, permanently enhancing the shape and contour of your mouth. He recommends this procedure if age and gravity have elongated your lips, causing them to cover your teeth and offset your facial symmetry.
Lip lift pros:
- Permanent: lip lift results last for years (although aging continues to impact your lips)
- Enhances shape: improves both the volume and shape of your lips
Lip lift cons:
- Surgical procedure: unlike fillers, a lip lift requires a procedure that can be done in the office
- Recovery time: healing from a lip lift typically takes around one to two weeks
- Scarring: minimal scarring is possible
So, how do you choose between lip fillers and a lip lift? Consider your pain tolerance, budget, and desired outcome. Lip fillers might be the way to go if you’re looking for a quick, temporary boost with minimal downtime. On the other hand, if you want a permanent solution and are willing to undergo surgery, a lip lift could be the better option.
When it comes to lip enhancement, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — it’s all about finding what works best for you, and we can guide you. To learn more about lip fillers and lip lifts, book an appointment online, or call Synergi Facial Surgery in Chesterfield or O’ Fallon, Missouri, today.