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.
You likely will be happy with the Botox lip flip if:
You feel your upper lip looks invisible when you smile. You want fuller-looking lips but do not want additional volume. You want a more temporary treatment (3-4 months)
A lip flip lasts for about 2–3 months. It only lasts for a short duration because the upper lip muscle often moves, causing its effects to wear off.
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.
The upper lip's skin and the nose's base are very closely linked. As such, if a plastic surgeon doesn't have the appropriate skills or experience, a lip lift can distort the appearance of the nose, particularly the base and the nostrils. However, this only occurs when a lip lift is done poorly.
As with all injectable treatments, there is some downtime involved after a BOTOX lip flip. According to Dr. Dauwe, all patients should abstain from putting pressure on their lips for 3 – 4 days after their appointment. This includes activities like kissing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is normal to feel a sensation of heaviness as the Botox lip flip takes effect. After a few days, patients will notice a slight feeling of heaviness in the lip, indicating that the Botox has taken effect.
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.
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.
Done incorrectly or performed on unsuitable patients, a Botox lip flip can easily impact the integrity of the lip structure and affect how you talk, smile, etc.
The price of a lip flip varies from practice to practice, but it typically hovers around $150 to $200. Unlike plumping agents like Juvaderm or Restylane Kysse, which last for six months or longer, the agents used in a lip flip typically last eight weeks.
The BOTOX lip flip doesn't actually increase volume in the lips, although it can make the upper lip look a bit fuller when it's performed by a skilled injector. Doesn't address the lower lip.
For removing lip lines, you'll need about 6 average units. 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.
A lip flip is a procedure that gives your lips a more pouty look. During the procedure, a doctor injects Botox into your top lip only. To maintain the look, you need to get the procedure redone every three to four months.
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.
Your doctor will advise that you avoid certain things beginning several days before your lip flip procedure. You should avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as other products that thin the blood. You should also abstain from smoking, alcohol, taking multivitamins, and even fish oil.
During a lip flip procedure, your healthcare provider injects Botox into parts of your upper lip. After about a week, the injections make your lip look fuller or “poutier” without adding any volume to your lip. Lip flips generally look more natural than lip fillers.
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.
If you already have a decent amount of volume to your lips and are simply looking to enhance their natural appearance, then a lip flip may be right up your alley! If you're looking for larger lips with additional volume and a longer-lasting solution, then lip filler may be what you're looking for.
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."