Achieving fuller, more defined lips is a goal for many, but the path to the perfect pout isn’t always clear. With various lip enhancement options available in the UK, two of the most popular choices are the surgical lip lift and non-surgical lip fillers. While both aim to improve the appearance of your lips, they are fundamentally different procedures with unique benefits and considerations. Kliniken breaks down the pros and cons of each treatment, compares the results, and helps you determine which option best aligns with your aesthetic goals.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the space between the bottom of your nose and the top of your upper lip (the philtrum). This area can lengthen as we age, causing the upper lip to roll inwards and appear thinner. A long philtrum can also be a genetic trait.
During a lip lift, a small strip of skin is removed from just beneath the nose. The remaining skin is then lifted, elevating the upper lip, making more of the pink part visible.
Pros of a Lip Lift
A lip lift creates a fuller, more youthful, and naturally upturned appearance. Some of the pros of a lip lift include:
Permanent Results: One of the biggest advantages is that a lip lift offers a permanent solution. Unlike temporary treatments, you won’t need to return for top-ups to maintain the effect.
Natural Appearance: The procedure enhances your natural lip shape by repositioning it rather than adding volume, often resulting in a more subtle and balanced enhancement.
Improved Facial Harmony: By shortening the philtrum, a lip lift can restore more youthful proportions to the lower face, improving overall facial harmony.
Enhanced Smile: A lifted lip often reveals more of the upper teeth when you smile, which is widely considered a youthful and attractive smile feature.
Cons of a Lip Lift
We’ll help you understand the downsides of a lip lift. Some of the cons of a lip lift include:
Surgical Procedure: It involves incisions, stitches, and a recovery period. This means more downtime compared to non-surgical options.
Higher Initial Cost: The upfront cost of a surgical lip lift is significantly higher than a single session of fillers.
Potential for Scarring: Although the incision is strategically placed in the natural crease under the nose to be as discreet as possible, there is always a risk of a visible scar.
It Doesn’t Add Volume: A lip lift primarily changes the position and shape of the lip. If your main concern is a lack of volume, you might still want fillers in addition to the lift.
What are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a non-surgical, injectable treatment that adds volume, shape, and structure to the lips. The most common type of filler used is based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps to retain moisture.
The procedure involves injecting the HA gel into specific areas of the lips to increase their size, define the borders, and correct any asymmetry.
Pros of Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are a quick, minimally invasive treatment that provides immediate results. Some of the pros of lip fillers include:
Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: The treatment is quick and requires no surgery, making it a popular “lunchtime” procedure.
Immediate and Reversible Results: You’ll see the effects instantly. If you’re not happy with the outcome, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme injection.
Customisable Volume: The amount of filler can be tailored to achieve your desired level of plumpness, from a subtle enhancement to a more dramatic look.
Lower Upfront Cost: A single treatment is more affordable than a surgical procedure, making it a more accessible option for many people.
Cons of Lip Fillers
We’ll guide you through the downsides of lip fillers. Some of the cons of lip fillers include:
Temporary Results: Fillers are not permanent. The body naturally breaks down the hyaluronic acid over time, typically within 6 to 12 months, requiring regular maintenance treatments to preserve the look.
Risk of an Unnatural Look: Overfilling or improper injection technique can lead to a “ducky” or unnatural appearance. Choosing a skilled and experienced practitioner is crucial.
Ongoing Cost: While cheaper per session, the cumulative cost of repeated treatments over the years can exceed that of a permanent lip lift.
Potential for Lumps and Bumps: Although uncommon with experienced injectors, the filler may create small lumps under the skin, which may need to be massaged out or dissolved.
Lip Lift vs Fillers: Which is Better for You?
Choosing between these two excellent lip enhancement options, which UK residents love, depends entirely on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Some patients even choose to have a surgical lip lift for a permanent improvement in shape and position and then use fillers to add extra volume when desired. You might be a better candidate for a lip lift if:
- You have a long philtrum (the space between your nose and upper lip).
- Your upper lip appears thin because it turns inwards.
- You are looking for a permanent lip enhancement solution.
- You prefer a change in lip position and shape rather than just adding volume.
Lip fillers might be the right choice for you if:
- Your primary goal is to add volume and plumpness to your lips.
- You want a temporary, reversible treatment to see if you like the look.
- You prefer a non-surgical option with minimal downtime.
- You have good lip proportions but simply want them to be fuller.
