Treatment options
and downtime.
Neurotoxin
Downtime: No downtime (mild redness
or pinpoint swelling at injection site,
resolves within hours)
Dermal Filler
Downtime: 1-3 days (mild swelling or
bruising)
injectable treatments
Lip Enhancement
Lips change with age in several ways at once — volume diminishes, the vermilion border loses definition, the Cupid's bow flattens, and fine vertical lines begin forming along the upper lip. Dr. Martin addresses these changes using dermal filler to restore or refine volume, improve border definition, and enhance overall shape, always with restraint.
The goal is to work within the lip's existing architecture rather than rebuild it — which is the difference between a result that looks like the patient and one that looks like filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers are used for their safety profile and reversibility, and placement is guided by the specific changes present rather than a standardized augmentation approach. For patients seeking definition of the upper lip border without meaningful volume addition, a neurotoxin lip flip — relaxing the orbicularis oris to allow the upper lip to roll slightly outward — is a conservative option on its own or in combination with filler. Downtime is one to three days for filler, with more pronounced swelling typical in the lips specifically; the lip flip has no downtime.
What changes happen to the lips with age?
Quite a few things, and they tend to happen gradually enough that patients often don't connect the individual changes to aging until they look at older photographs. Volume diminishes — the lips become flatter and less full. The vermilion border loses its definition, making the lip edge less distinct. The Cupid's bow flattens. Fine vertical lines begin forming along the upper lip. And the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip elongates, which contributes to the lip appearing to turn inward. At our practice, we assess all of these components when evaluating a patient for lip treatment, because each one may call for a slightly different approach.
What's the difference between filler and a lip flip?
Filler adds volume, defines borders, and reshapes the lip — it's the more comprehensive option for patients with noticeable volume loss or significant structural changes. A neurotoxin lip flip is a much subtler treatment: a small dose of neurotoxin placed into the orbicularis oris muscle allows the upper lip to roll slightly outward, creating the appearance of more volume and definition without actually adding any. It's a good option for patients who want minimal change, prefer to avoid filler, or want to try a lower-commitment option first. At our practice, some patients use both — filler for volume and a lip flip for added eversion and definition.
How do you avoid the overfilled look?
By starting with less than you think you need and honoring the lip's natural anatomy. The overfilled look — sometimes called 'duck lips' — typically results from placing too much filler, from placing it in the wrong plane, or from ignoring the natural proportions of the lip. At our practice, we work within the lip's existing architecture rather than trying to rebuild it from scratch. We use small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler placed precisely in the areas that need it, assess the result, and only add more if it's warranted. You can always add — you can't easily undo.
How long does lip filler last?
Lip filler typically lasts six to twelve months, though this varies based on the specific product used, how much movement the area sees, and the patient's individual metabolism. The lips are a high-movement area, which tends to break filler down faster than less mobile areas like the temples or cheeks. At our practice, we use hyaluronic acid fillers specifically because they can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed — which means results are reversible, and adjustments are always possible. We discuss filler longevity and maintenance expectations at your consultation so you have a realistic picture of what ongoing treatment looks like.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.