"Lip Flip": Another Option to Help You Love Your Lips

Lip filler is a great option for people who want to plump their lips a little (or a lot!) and is a great option to fill the fine lines around the mouth area. Check out a previous blog post to learn more about lip filler! However, sometimes filler isn't the right choice for a person's goals, or they just need a little something extra to help the area surrounding the mouth. In that case, neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport can be a great option, either alone or in conjunction with filler.

Neuromodulators stop nerve signals to the muscle where it is injected, relaxing the muscle. While Botox is FDA-approved to treat wrinkles in the forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines, Botox is also used for other “off-label” treatments, such as the lip flip.

The lip flip involves injecting 4-6 units of Botox above the upper lip, resulting in the relaxation of the muscles around the mouth. When that muscle is relaxed, it can allow the lip to turn slightly upward, causing a mildly augmented appearance. Because those muscles are unable to contract, it can also help relax lines around the mouth and over time, with consistent use, can help smooth those lines.

A few important things to know...

A lip flip is temporary. Just like neuromodulators used in other areas, it lasts about 3 months! Maintenance is key!

There is no downtime! While we can see the occasional tiny bruise from the injection, side effects like swelling are typically not seen with a lip flip.

Results are not immediate. It can take 1-2 weeks to notice the effects.

It can feel a little strange as it kicks in. As those muscles relax, it is important to know that doing things that require the "pursing" motion of the mouth (think spitting out toothpaste or drinking out of a straw) can be a little difficult. For most people, that feeling does not last, but it is always important to weigh the risk versus the benefit before deciding on a lip flip.