Full, youthful lips are among the most coveted features in modern aesthetics. While injectable fillers remain a go-to option, not every patient seeks to add volume. Many prefer subtle definition and elevation to naturally enhance their facial structure. A lip lift and lip flip are two standout treatments for achieving this goal. Despite their similar names, these procedures differ significantly in technique, longevity, and results.
Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sara Yegiyants offers surgical and non-surgical lip enhancements in Santa Barbara. She works closely with her patients to understand their aesthetic vision and guide them to choices that will meet their needs.
The Rise of Lip Enhancement Treatments
The pursuit of fuller lips reflects a timeless desire for youth, vitality, and facial harmony. With today’s advanced cosmetic techniques, achieving subtle, natural-looking enhancements is more accessible than ever.
Lip lifts and lip flips offer enhancement without relying solely on fillers. These procedures can improve your mouth’s shape, define your Cupid’s bow, and even reduce the space between your nose and upper lip.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum – the area between your nose and top lip. This region often elongates with age, making your lips appear thinner and less defined.
A lip lift permanently improves shape, definition, and proportion by removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose and shifting your upper lip into a more youthful position. This procedure enhances the pink part of the lip, making it more visible and prominent.
Dr. Yegiyants uses local anesthesia to perform lip lift surgery, making a discreet incision just beneath the nostrils. Most patients return to work and light activity within a week. Full healing, including scar refinement, continues over several weeks. Results are long-lasting and do not require maintenance.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a non-surgical, zero-downtime cosmetic procedure that uses a small amount of botulinum toxin, such as Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin®, to relax the muscles around your mouth. It allows your upper lip to gently roll outward, creating the illusion of fullness and volumizing without adding filler.
During the procedure, Dr. Yegiyants will inject a small amount of neuromodulator into the orbicularis oris muscle, located just above your upper lip. The product will relax the muscle enough to let your top lip flip slightly upward, revealing more of the pink tissue.
Results typically appear within five days to one week and last about six to eight weeks. Since the lip flip does not add volume, it is best for patients looking for a subtle enhancement rather than a dramatic change.
Lip Lift and Lip Flip Comparison
While either treatment will provide a noticeable enhancement, they differ significantly in their method, impact, and longevity. Understanding the distinctions lets you choose a solution that aligns with your ideals and lifestyle.
| Feature | Lip Lift | Lip Flip |
| Procedure Type | Surgical | Injectable |
| Purpose | Long-lasting structural change | Subtle, temporary enhancement |
| Volume Added | Moderate | None |
| Downtime | Up to one week | None |
| Longevity | Permanent | Six to eight weeks |
| Ideal for | Significant lifting or reshaping | Mild definition and shape |
| Maintenance Required | None | Repeat injections |
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A surgical lip lift is particularly beneficial for addressing age-related changes and permanently improving your lip shape and proportions. It’s a good choice for patients who:
- Notice increased space between their nose and upper lip
- Have a long or flat upper lip
- Want to show more pink lip without adding filler
- Seek a long-term solution without ongoing maintenance
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?
The lip flip is ideal for patients who:
- Have a thin upper lip that disappears when smiling
- Want a subtle enhancement without added volume
- Prefer a temporary, non-invasive option without downtime
- Are curious about lip enhancement but not ready to commit to surgery
Combining Treatments
Many of Dr. Yegiyants’ patients choose to pair their lip enhancement with complementary procedures for more comprehensive results.
- Lip flip + dermal fillers: Simultaneously improve shape and volume
- Lip lift + dermal fillers: Offers structural lift with an optional volume boost
- Lip lift + facial procedures: Facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery can create balance
During your consultation, Dr. Yegiyants will help you design a treatment plan that enhances your lips while harmonizing with the rest of your facial features.
Maintaining Your Results
Though a surgical lip lift provides permanent results, a consistent skincare routine that includes sun protection is still essential. If you choose a non-surgical lip flip and wish to prolong your results, you’ll need to schedule regular touch-up appointments.
Daily habits that support youthful lips include:
- Using SPF lip balm to prevent sun damage
- Staying hydrated to maintain lip volume
- Applying lip treatments with peptides or hyaluronic acid
- Avoiding smoking, which accelerates skin aging and fine lines around the mouth
Following your treatment, Dr. Yegiyants will guide you on how to preserve your results and protect the delicate skin around your lips.
Why Choose Dr. Yegiyants for Lip Enhancement in Santa Barbara?
Dr. Yegiyants is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in surgical and non-surgical facial enhancement. She has earned a reputation for achieving refined, natural-looking results with a focus on artistry and precision.
As a surgeon and an aesthetic expert, Dr. Yegiyants offers her patients a full spectrum of lip enhancement options. Whether you are considering a lip flip, a surgical lift, or a combination approach, she will guide you through your choices with honesty, clarity, and attention to your unique facial structure. Patients throughout Santa Barbara trust her for her warm bedside manner, conservative technique, and commitment to long-term satisfaction. Call us at (805) 682-1731 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and look forward to becoming your best self.