What is a Lip Flip?

A Botox lip flip is a non-surgical, in-office cosmetic procedure designed to turn or “flip” the corners of the lip upward and outward, giving your lip a fuller more youthful appearance.

Am I a good candidate for a Lip Flip?

A good candidate for a lip flip with Botox is someone who wants subtle enhancement to their lips without committing to a full lip filler treatment.

Individuals who want fuller lips with or without a dermal filler
Individuals whose corner of the mouth turn in, causing the lips to look thin and small
Individuals who want a less gummy smile

Where to inject Botox for lip flip

The procedure is performed by injecting lip flip Botox into the middle part of the lip, i.e. Cupid’s Bow, and/or the corners of the lip. The Botox relaxes the muscle around your lip causing the lip to roll or “flip” upward (downward on the lower lip) and outward.

What is the difference between a lip flip vs lip filler?

Both treatments make the lips look fuller and more youthful. However, they do it in different ways:

Botox weakens the lip muscles. This causes the lip to roll out making the lip look fuller. The actual volume of the lip is not increased.
Dermal fillers, made of hyaluronic acid, are injected into the lip. These fillers increase the volume of the lips to make them appear fuller.
Botox lip flips can be combined with fillers to make the lips appear even more full. Lip threads are also being used to help fill the lips and improve wrinkles.

How long does a lip flip last?

Lip flips near me typically lasts 10 to 12 weeks, depending on several factors, such as:

Individual Metabolism:
- Faster metabolisms may break down the botulinum toxin (Botox or Dysport) more quickly, leading to shorter-lasting results.
Dosage Used:
- A lip flip generally uses small amounts of botulinum toxin, so the effects may wear off faster compared to larger doses in other areas.
Muscle Activity:
- If you use the muscles around your lips frequently (e.g., speaking, eating, or puckering), the effects may fade more quickly.
First-Time Treatment:
- Results might not last as long for first-time recipients of botulinum toxin as your body gets used to it. Longevity often improves with subsequent treatments.

How many units of Botox for lip flip?

A lip flip typically requires 10 to 20 units of Botox injected into the orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle around the mouth).

When will I see the results from my lip flip?

You can expect to see the results of a lip flip within 3 to 7 days after your treatment.

What should I expect after my lip flip procedure?

Initial Effects (1-3 Days):
- The Botox starts to take effect, but the changes in your lip appearance will be minimal at this point.
- You might notice slight muscle relaxation.
Noticeable Results (3-7 Days):
- The full effect of the Botox becomes apparent as the muscles around your upper lip relax.
- Your upper lip will “flip” outward slightly, making it look fuller and more pronounced.
Peak Results (10-14 Days):
- The Botox reaches its full potential, and your lip flip looks its best.
- Any initial tightness or unfamiliar sensations should subside.

What can I do to make my lip flip last longer?

Enhancing your lip flip results involves taking care of your lips and following best practices after treatment to maximize the effect.

Here are tips:

1. Follow Post-Treatment Guidelines

Avoid Touching the Area: Don’t rub or massage the upper lip area for at least 24-48 hours to prevent Botox from spreading to unintended areas.
Stay Upright: Avoid lying down for 4-6 hours after the procedure to allow the Botox to settle correctly.
Skip Strenuous Activities: Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours, as increased blood flow could reduce Botox effectiveness.

2. Practice Lip Hydration

Moisturize Regularly: Use a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips soft and prevent dryness, which can enhance the appearance of your lip flip.
Exfoliate Gently: A gentle lip scrub can keep your lips smooth and make them look plumper.

3. Use Lip Makeup Strategically

Lip Liner: Outline just outside your natural lip line to accentuate the flipped look.
Lip Gloss or Shiny Lipstick: Reflective products can make your lips look even fuller.
Neutral Shades: Lighter shades can emphasize the “flipped” portion of your upper lip.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and lips hydrated.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can dehydrate your lips and reduce the longevity of Botox.

5. Consider Combination Treatments

Add Lip Fillers: If you’re seeking more volume along with your lip flip, fillers can complement the Botox for a more dramatic look.
Lip Care Treatments: Consider professional lip plumping or rejuvenation treatments if desired.

6. Schedule Regular Touch-Ups

Since a lip flip lasts about 6-8 weeks, plan for regular touch-ups to maintain consistent results.

7. Protect Your Lips

SPF Protection: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect against sun damage, which can age the lips and affect the overall look.

How much is a lip flip?

The lip flip cost is between $100 to $500 depending on how many areas need to be injected and the number of Botox units needed.

What are the cons of a lip flip?

A Botox for lip flip is a minimally invasive procedure, but it does come with a few potential downsides or cons to consider:

1. Subtle Results

No Added Volume: A lip flip near me only enhances the appearance of the upper lip by relaxing the muscle, causing it to “flip” outward. It does not add actual volume like lip fillers.
Not for Dramatic Changes: If you’re looking for noticeable plumpness, fillers may be a better option.

2. Short-Term Effects

Temporary Results: A Botox lip flip typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks, much shorter than fillers (which can last 6 to 12 months).
Frequent Maintenance: To maintain the effect, you’ll need regular touch-ups, which can add up in cost and time.

3. Difficulty with Certain Functions

Relaxing the muscles around the lips can slightly affect their function:
- Drinking from Straws: Some people find it harder to use straws or sip from bottles.
- Whistling or Puckering: These activities may feel unnatural while the Botox is active.
- Smiling: In rare cases, it may temporarily affect the smile.

4. Limited Effectiveness for Some Lip Shapes

Very Thin Lips: If your upper lip is extremely thin, the “flip” effect may not be noticeable or effective.
Muscle Strength: People with very strong upper lip muscles may find that the effects are less pronounced.

5. Side Effects (Rare but Possible)

Asymmetry: If the Botox is injected unevenly, it can create an imbalanced look.
Over-Relaxation: Excess Botox can cause the upper lip to feel “frozen,” affecting its natural movement.
Mild Bruising or Swelling: These are common side effects at the injection sites but resolve quickly.
Drooling or Spilling: Temporary muscle relaxation may make controlling liquids more difficult for some people.

6. Not a Long-Term Solution

A lip flip doesn’t permanently alter the lips, so you’ll need consistent treatments if you want to maintain the effect long-term.

Learn More

To learn how a Lip Flip can make your lips look younger, call 804 673-8000 and schedule a consultation at DeConti Plastic Surgery today. Dr. DeConti participates in the Allergan Alle Loyalty Program to help benefit your aesthetic needs.

Botox Lip Flip Before and After

Lip Flip Before and After Smile