Butterfly Lips Before and After: The Ups and Downs of This Controversial Lip Filler Technique

Butterfly lips are a new and controversial lip filler technique gaining popularity on social media. The name comes from the unique lip shape it creates – resembling the wings of a butterfly. While some love the defined exaggerated look, others argue it takes lip fillers too far. As with any cosmetic procedure there are pros and cons to consider. Let’s explore what exactly butterfly lips are, see before and after photos, and breakdown the potential risks and benefits to understand if it’s right for you.

What Are Butterfly Lips?

Butterfly lips utilize dermal fillers to create an exaggerated cupid’s bow and a pronounced pout, The “wings” of the butterfly shape extend vertically above the natural lip line,

To achieve this look, the injector will:

• Dissolve any existing lip filler to create a “clean slate”
• Build up the upper part of the cupid’s bow for sharp definition
• Create vertical height above the lips for the “wings”
• Tape the lips to hold the filler in place as it sets

The taping technique is a defining aspect of butterfly lips. The lips are tightly taped immediately after the injections to prevent filler migration and achieve maximum eversion of the lips.

Butterfly Lips Before and After Photos

Let’s look at some before and after photos to see the dramatic transformation butterfly lips create

Before

The model has naturally full lips with a smooth cupid’s bow.

After

The exaggerated cupid’s bow and vertical “wings” give her lips a distinct butterfly shape. The vermillion border extends well above her natural lip line.

Before

This woman has medium-sized lips with a subtle cupid’s bow.

After

Her cupid’s bow now has a sharp, angular peak at the center. The augmented vertical height pops her lips forward into a 3D butterfly shape.

As you can see, the impact is dramatic. The crisp lines and accentuated curves take your lips from plain to paramount. But are the risks worth it? Let’s analyze the pros and cons.

Potential Benefits of Butterfly Lips

• Defined, sculpted shape: Butterfly lips can transform thin, uneven lips into full, plump ones with crisp edges. The defined cupid’s bow creates balance and symmetry.

• Increased volume: Dissolving old filler and adding new product creates major augmentation. The lips take on a bee-stung, pillowy look popularized by celebrities.

• Attention-grabbing: There’s no denying butterfly lips attract attention, for better or worse. For those seeking a show-stopping statement look, this delivers.

• On-trend: Bold lips are having a major moment, seen on both social media influencers and stars like Kylie Jenner. Butterfly lips let you try this Instagram-worthy trend.

• Customization: Experienced injectors can tweak the shape based on your unique facial features, creating subtle or dramatic butterfly lips tailored to you.

Potential Risks and Downsides

However, the cons could outweigh the pros for many. Here are key issues to consider:

• Extreme results: This is not a natural look. Butterfly lips are an obvious and major transformation. If you want subtle enhancement, this isn’t it.

• Potential complications: Taping after injections carries risks like obscured warning signs of vascular occlusion. All standard filler risks like migration and unevenness also apply.

• Filler dissolving: The dissolving injections are an added cost and cause swelling and irritation. You may lose some desired existing volume too.

• Temporary results: Like all fillers, butterfly lips must be maintained with repeat injections and touch-ups every 4-6 months on average. This gets expensive.

• Mixed reactions: Not everyone will love the butterfly look. Be prepared for possible negative comments from friends, family or even strangers.

• Pain: Multiple intense injections to the sensitive lip area make this one of the most painful filler procedures. Numbing medication is a must.

• No guarantees: Even the best injectors can’t guarantee perfect or lasting results. Some asymmetry or filler movement is likely.

Clearly it’s critical to weigh these factors against the potential rewards. Moving forward too quickly or for the wrong reasons could lead to regret.

Who Should Consider Butterfly Lips?

Butterfly lips work best for:

• Those seeking a defined lip shape with augmented volume
• People with naturally thin or uneven lips lacking definition
• Those open to an obvious, augmented cosmetic look
• Social media influencers and models looking for a striking statement
• Individuals willing to undergo intense injections and maintenance

Butterfly lips likely won’t suit:

• People wanting subtle lip enhancement
• Those unable to tolerate significant injection pain
• Individuals concerned with looking natural
• People averse to exaggerated cosmetic procedures
• Anyone unsure or seeking a temporary trial run look

Finding an Experienced Injector Is Key

Because butterfly lips require advanced injection techniques, choosing an expert injector is extra essential. Meet with several experienced providers for consultations before deciding. A skilled injector will:

• Assess your individual anatomy and recommend a shape proportionate to your features
• Masterfully inject ultra-precise amounts of dissolver and filler
• Expertly contour the cupid’s bow and create even, symmetrical wings
• Blend edges for a smooth, natural-looking transition to the lip line
• Avoid overfilling by using the minimum effective amount of product
• Proactively treat risks like vascular occlusion if they occur

Never compromise on safety and training to save money. It’s worth investing in a top injector for the best results and to avoid complications.

Take Time for a Careful Decision

Butterfly lips represent the extreme end of lip augmentations. While they deliver major impact, the trade-offs are significant too. Take time to honestly consider all factors:

• Are you comfortable with and confident rocking an exaggerated cosmetic look daily?
• Are you willing to undergo intensive, repeated injections and maintenance?
• Do the rewards outweigh the risks of complications for your individual health profile?
• Are you pursuing this trend for the right reasons, or simply following social media hype?
• Would subtler fillers better balance enhancing your natural lip shape?

View before-and-after photos online to envision potential outcomes on your face shape. Seek in-person consultations. Discuss all pros and cons thoroughly with providers. Proceed only if clinical evidence and expert opinion indicate butterfly lips align with your beauty objectives and tolerance for procedures.

When done properly by a skilled injector on the right candidate, butterfly lips can magnify your natural assets into a showstopping focal point. But like an actual butterfly, this striking yet delicate look requires care and maintenance. Weighing the positives against the drawbacks will determine if flying in this direction suits your wingspan.