Want fuller-looking lips without increasing volume? That’s where a lip flip comes in. This popular, non-surgical procedure gives lips a fuller appearance thanks to the precise placement of Botox injections.

Botox Isn’t Just for Wrinkles

Botox injections are well-known for their use in smoothing skin and giving a youthful look to the face. Did you know Botox can also be used for a lip flip? 

What is a Lip Flip?

You’re probably familiar with the use of dermal fillers in lips for a fuller pout; a lip flip is a procedure that encourages the upper and/or lower lip to flip out. Botox relaxes the muscles at the corners and edges of the mouth and encourages the lip to flip.

A lip flip uses around 10 units of Botox or fewer, which is significantly less than what is used for other treatment areas, such as the forehead, the elevens, or the jaw. Lip flips don’t change the shape of your lips, so it’s a more subtle lip augmentation choice than fillers.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?

Since Botox is naturally metabolized by the body, a lip flip may last up to five months before it’s time to touch up your mouth. We typically perform this procedure every three to four months on people who want to maintain the lip flip look.

Lip Flip vs Lip Filler

Lip flip and lip filler procedures use different products to achieve the intended results: 

  • Lip Flip – Botox
  • Lip Filler – Hyaluronic Acid

Also, the placement of the products differs for the two procedures to get slightly different results. Many patients report that a lip flip gives them more natural-looking results than lip filler.

Where Botox is Injected for a Lip Flip

One of our providers will inject a small amount of Botox into the facial muscles that surround the mouth. The areas targeted include:

  • orbicularis oris muscle
  • vermilion border
  • Cupid’s bow

These muscles are located above the upper lip, including around the Cupid’s bow and in the corners of the mouth. The orbicularis oris also continues under the bottom lip. With these muscles “frozen” or relaxed by Botox, you’ll have a poutier mouth in a matter of days.

Can You Combine a Botox Lip Flip with Lip Fillers?

Yes, you can combine a Botox lip flip treatment with lip filler. It’s common to use Botox on the upper lip for the lip, and filler in the lower lip for increased fullness. Lip filler results typically last longer than lip flip results, so that’s something to be aware of when consulting with Barr prior to your cosmetic procedures.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?

As with any cosmetic procedure, a good candidate for a lip flip is someone in good general health, and who has realistic expectations for the outcome. The mouth must be free of any infections, including canker sores and cold sores.

If you want fuller-looking lips and to decrease fine lines around your mouth, a lip flip might be a good choice for you. Another reason to get a lip flip is to cover the gums; fuller lips can disguise a gummy smile.

People also choose a flip over filler to avoid more substantial bruising and swelling and to save money. Lip flips can reverse the damage done by natural aging, smoking, or sun damage, all of which can cause lips to lose fullness.

Preparing for a Lip Flip

Before any cosmetic procedure, you’ll meet with one of the experts at Barr Aesthetics to determine the best course of action for you. Together, we’ll go over your expectations and generate some visuals of what your results may look like.

Your general health will be taken into consideration, and you’ll be instructed on how to prepare for the lip flip procedure. It’s recommended that you avoid taking blood thinners or consuming alcohol in the 24 hours before your lip flip. Other things to avoid before a lip flip procedure:

  • Chemical facial peels
  • Facial waxing
  • Vitamin E and A
  • Fish oil

Do be sure to hydrate well before a lip flip and ask any questions you have about it beforehand.

What to Expect at Your Lip Flip Appointment

A lip flip may take just 30 minutes to complete once you arrive for your appointment. Botox needles are only about the diameter of three strands of hair, so numbing cream isn’t usually applied to the skin before injection. 

Botox injections for lip flips feel like little pinches around your mouth, and you may experience swelling, redness, and minor bruising at the injection sites. Some side effects, such as swelling or sensitivity, will most likely subside after 24 hours. After a brief monitoring period, you’ll be free to leave your appointment.

Over the course of the week following your lip flip procedure, you should get a better idea of what the final results will look like. 

Recovery Suggestions Following a Lip Flip Procedure

We recommend abstaining from smoking following a lip flip procedure, as well as avoiding rubbing your mouth; these activities can cause the Botox to migrate away from the intended areas and affect the results of the procedure. To help you recover, try the following suggestions:

  • Apply a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time
  • Avoid using lip products for up to four days
  • Don’t use a straw for at least three days
  • Be mindful while brushing and flossing your teeth
  • Avoid kissing for the first 24 hours after the injection(s)
  • Don’t sleep face down

Side Effects of a Lip Flip

Besides swelling, bruising, or redness, other potential side effects of a lip flip include:

  • Numbness
  • Difficulty forming words
  • Lip asymmetry

Schedule a Lip Flip Consultation Today

Meet with Barr Aesthetics to discuss a lip flip or other cosmetic procedure. Schedule an appointment today by giving us a call at:

801-532-0204