Thin or flat lips
Not enough volume in one or both lips, from birth or with age. Filler adds volume in a controlled way; a lip flip can add a little visible lip without volume.
Fuller, more defined lips that still look like yours.
Thin, uneven or undefined lips are treated at Wise Aesthetics in Carmel, Indiana with two treatments, chosen by what you want to change. Lip filler, an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler such as Juvéderm®, Restylane® or RHA®, adds volume, defines the border and evens out asymmetry, with results that typically last 6 to 12 months. The lip flip uses a small amount of a wrinkle relaxer to let the upper lip turn slightly outward, for subtle definition or a less gummy smile, and typically lasts 2 to 3 months. Many clients combine the two. A consultation determines which fits you. Individual results vary.
Under the medical direction of Dr. Rajiv Sood, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Lip shape is mostly inherited, and plenty of people simply want more volume or definition than they were born with. Two other things change lips over time. Lips lose volume and definition with age, as collagen and the fat beneath the skin diminish; the border softens and the upper lip can thin and lengthen. Sun exposure speeds this up and contributes to the fine lines above the lip. And muscle habits matter: a strong upper lip muscle can pull the lip up and inward when you smile, showing more gum and less lip.
Which of these applies to you decides the treatment. Volume and shape are a job for filler. A lip that turns inward, or a smile that shows gum, is a job for the lip flip. Lines above the lip are usually addressed on our Fine Lines & Wrinkles page.
Under the medical direction of Dr. Rajiv Sood, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Lip concerns come in a few distinct forms, and each has a best-fit treatment.
Not enough volume in one or both lips, from birth or with age. Filler adds volume in a controlled way; a lip flip can add a little visible lip without volume.
One side fuller, higher or more defined than the other. Small, precise amounts of filler balance the two sides; a lip flip can even out an upper lip that lifts unevenly.
The edge of the lip and the Cupid's bow have lost crispness, so lips look less shaped. Filler placed along the border restores definition without adding much volume.
The upper lip rises high or curls inward when you smile. A lip flip relaxes the muscle responsible, so more lip and less gum shows.
Two treatments cover almost every lip concern. They work in different ways, suit different goals and are often combined.
Lip filler uses FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvéderm®, Restylane® or RHA®) to add volume, define the border and Cupid's bow, and balance asymmetry. Results are immediate and adjustable, and typically last 6 to 12 months. Appointments take 15 to 30 minutes; mild swelling usually settles within 48 to 72 hours. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if needed. Individual results vary.
Best for: thin or flat lips, an undefined border, uneven lips, and anyone who wants a visible change in volume.
The lip flip places a small amount of a wrinkle relaxer such as Botox® in the muscle around the upper lip, so the lip relaxes and turns slightly outward. It adds no volume; it shows more of the lip you have, and it reduces how much gum shows when you smile. Results develop over several days and typically last 2 to 3 months. Appointments take 10 to 15 minutes. Use of a wrinkle relaxer for a lip flip is off-label; your provider will discuss this with you. Individual results vary.
Best for: a gummy smile, an upper lip that disappears when you smile, a first step for clients unsure about filler, and a subtle finish on top of filler.
Many clients have both: filler for volume and shape, the lip flip to open the upper lip. Your provider may suggest doing them at separate visits so each can be judged on its own.
Fine vertical lines above the lip are treated with a small amount of filler, a wrinkle relaxer, or resurfacing, depending on their cause. See Fine Lines & Wrinkles.
Your provider will:
Lip filler results are visible immediately, with the final look settling as swelling resolves over 48 to 72 hours. Lip flip results develop over about a week. Individual results vary.
Most healthy adults who want fuller, more defined or more even lips are candidates for filler, a lip flip or both. Treatment may not be appropriate, or may need to wait, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active cold sore or infection near the mouth, have a history of severe allergic reactions, have certain neuromuscular conditions (for the lip flip), or have dental work or another procedure planned in the same period. Each treatment page lists its own considerations, and your provider will review your medical history at consultation. This page is general information and is not medical advice.
If you want more volume or a sharper shape, filler. If you want the upper lip to show more when you smile, or less gum to show, the lip flip. If you want both, many clients have both, sometimes at separate visits. Your provider will recommend based on how your lips look at rest and in a smile.
Our approach is proportion first. First treatments are usually conservative, a follow-up review determines how to proceed, and more can be added later. Hyaluronic acid filler can also be dissolved if you are unhappy with the result. Individual results vary.
Lip filler typically lasts 6 to 12 months, depending on the filler and your metabolism. The lip flip typically lasts 2 to 3 months. Individual results vary.
Most clients describe filler as uncomfortable rather than painful. The fillers we use contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which takes effect as the treatment proceeds. The lip flip is a few quick injections with minimal discomfort. Mild swelling or bruising for a few days is normal with either.
For many clients, yes. A lip flip relaxes the muscle that lifts the upper lip, so less gum shows when you smile. The degree of change depends on how much of the gummy smile comes from lip movement rather than tooth or gum position; your provider will assess which applies to you. Individual results vary.
Cost depends on the treatment and the amount used. The lip filler and lip flip pages each describe what a typical client pays, and your provider will give you a written cost at consultation before any treatment. Essentials and Journey members receive 10% off lip filler, and Journey members receive special pricing on wrinkle relaxers, which includes the lip flip.
More questions? Read our full FAQs, or call or text 317-569-6448.
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Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville and the greater Indianapolis area.
Individual results vary. This page is general information and is not medical advice. Treatment suitability is determined at consultation. Treatments are provided under the medical direction of Dr. Rajiv Sood, board-certified plastic surgeon.