For starters, it can only be performed on the upper lip. This is great for those who are happy with the volume of their lower lip and only want to enhance their upper lip—but what if you have thin upper and lower lips? That's when you might want to stick with HA fillers, or maybe combine lip fillers with a lip flip.
In actuality, you can get both—and many clients do! These are two totally different treatments, but they both use injectables to achieve the results you want. Let's take a look at what they do. Lip fillers are pretty familiar to everyone, even if you've never had them before.
That's right: the original Nurse Shara Lip Flip is a stand-alone treatment for the top or bottom lip that doesn't call for additional lip fillers.
Doesn't address the lower lip.
While the lip flip can create the illusion of fuller lips overall, BOTOX is not injected into the lower lip during this procedure.
Why is a lip flip done? A lip flip won't stop the aging process or structure of your lips, but it makes your lips look fuller without adding volume. It can help you achieve a desired look, which can boost your self-esteem. Over time, you may lose volume in your lips.
With lip flips, your lips only appear plumper. The actual volume of your lips doesn't increase. Instead, it gets rearranged to make your lips look full and natural. During a dermal filler, your lips are injected with a substance made from hyaluronic acid, which creates a structured and hydrated appearance in your lips.
The primary effect of the lip flip is to relax the muscles (orbicularis oris) that connect to the upper lip, allowing the lip to relax and curl outward, thereby appearing larger and more defined in shape. Unlike lip filler, the lip flip will not add volume—but the lip flip can accentuate the results of your lip filler.
About two to three days after a lip flip, patients will notice that their upper lip appears larger as the muscle relaxes. The maximum results are evident a week to 10 days after treatment. These are not drastic results, but they are noticeable to patients, especially when comparing pre- and post-treatment photographs.
Normal lip flip side effects
Your skin should return to normal within a few hours. Bruising is also possible, but uncommon, with proper technique. It is normal to feel a sensation of heaviness as the Botox lip flip takes effect.
If you already have a decent amount of volume in your lips but would like to alter the shape, a lip flip might be the better choice. If you want added volume and longer-lasting results, then lip fillers may be what you're looking for.
In order to get the most attractive results, there are a few things you should avoid after lip injections. First, stay out of extreme temperatures for at least 48 hours following your appointment. Avoid going into a hot tub or sauna and abstain from smoking.
As with any surgical procedure, not everyone's smile is suitable for a lip flip – even those who may be good candidates for lip fillers. "The ideal patient is someone who has a hyperactive muscle around their mouth that causes their upper lip to turn in or pull up dramatically when they smile," Dr. Amalfi says.
It's important to note that lip flips are not permanent. Results last around 2 to 3 months, since only very small amounts of Botox are injected into your lips. Once you start to notice that the effects are wearing off, you can choose to maintain your results by having additional Botox injections.
If you're interested in having lip flips, you'll need around 4-6 units. If you aim for plumper lips, Botox is best paired with dermal fillers. With just a few simple injections, our providers can erase your wrinkles and fine lines in no time with Botox. Call us today to book your appointment.
How Much Does a Lip Flip Cost? Because only a few units of Botox are injected, the treatment costs less than lip filler. Lip flips are about $60-120.
It is important to keep in mind that the Botox lip flip only lasts three to four months, and you'll need to return for treatment about two to three times as often as you would for filler injections.
Just as with traditional facial Botox, lip flip results take time. While some patients see the results in as early as three to four days, you'll get the full lip flip look 10 to 12 days after your injections.
Will a Lip Flip Give Me “Duck Lips”? No. Because lip flips do not actually add volume to the lips, they will not create a duck-like appearance.
Possible Side Effects for Botox Lip Flip
It may affect your: whistling, speech, and or drinking. These only last a few days as your body adjusts for them, and also depends on how much your lip lifts as well.
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, naturally occurs in the body and not only attracts moisture (and volume) to the lips but also stimulates the lips' own ability to produce more collagen. This means you get immediate, natural-looking results and you also see a gradual improvement in your lip area as collagen increases. Dr.
Shah says, "An ideal candidate for a lip flip would be someone who has a thinner upper lip and is interested in making the upper lip look slightly bigger. Also it's ideal for someone who is not ready to have fillers injected and wants only a natural and subtle look."
You can carefully eat or drink shortly after your lip flip procedure. However, take care not to eat any messy foods that may cause you to wipe your face or lips for at least three days. Avoid using drinking straws or smoking for at least three days. Puckering or contracting your lips may cause the Botox® to migrate.
Dr. Phillip Dauwe, a board-certified plastic surgeon, explains that patients should wait 3 – 4 days before putting any pressure on their lips – including kissing.
Botox lip flip is not a permanent cosmetic procedure. To maintain the results, you'll need to repeat the procedure roughly every 3 to 4 months, or as long as it takes for the effects of the Botox injections to wear off.