The Lip Flip: Achieve Subtle, Youthful Lips Without fillers – Everything You Need to Know!

September 20, 2024
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Lip Flip: What It Is, Results, Procedure & Precautions

Do you want to add subtle volume to your thin lips but don’t want fillers? Or maybe you are worried about losing volume in your lips as you age, and it is affecting your self-confidence? However, you do not want to go under the knife.

If keeping up with fashion and beauty trends isn’t your specialty, you may not know that a lip flip can address your concerns without surgery. K-pop singers are heavily praised for their youthful cherry-like lips that are never overdone, and that is exactly what lip flips do.  

Let’s explore how the simple lip flip technique can make your lips look plumper and fuller.

What Is A Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of your lips without using fillers. The process involves the use of neuromodulators, such as Botox (in small amounts), which temporarily relaxes the muscles surrounding your lips. By targeting the corners of the mouth and the cupid’s bow, a lip flip with Botox causes your upper lip to “flip & roll” outward and upward. The technique gives your lips a plumper look and a more defined outline.

How Does Lip Flip Work?

Lip flip is a non-invasive lip treatment that gives your lips a voluminous appearance. Cosmetic professionals use small doses of a neuromodulator (botulinum toxin) around the oral commissures (mouth) to achieve a naturally beautiful look. Botox is injected at multiple points, especially at the corners of the mouth and into the edges of the lips – also known as the vermillion border.

Botox lip flip treatment cause the orbicularis Oris muscle to relax, which is responsible for controlling the movements of the lips. As a result, the tension in the muscles decreases, encouraging the upper lip to flip outward slightly. Instead of enlarging the lips like fillers, lip flip with Botox highlights the natural curve and shape of the lips, creating an impression of fuller, more voluminous lips.

What’s The Lip Flip Procedure?

Lip flip Botox is a fairly straight procedure. This 10–20-minute procedure requires no anesthesia or incision and you can easily drive back home with your new celeb-like appearance!

Here is a step-by-step guide to the lip flip procedure:

Consultation

The first step is to consult a cosmetic professional to discuss the look you intend to achieve. Your doctor will communicate the level of difference you can expect from the procedure. The physician will also consider your health and inform you about the risk factors associated with the process.  

Preparation

Before injecting, the area is thoroughly cleaned and wiped. Depending on the situation, a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) or ice is applied around the lips to avoid pain or discomfort.

Injection

Small amounts of Botox are injected into the upper lip using thin needles. Botox lip flip primarily focuses on the muscle just above the lip. On an average, four to six units of Botox are injected above the upper lip and two units are applied to the lower lip. Botox allows the muscles to relax, forcing the lip to curl outward, giving it a more defined shape.

However, if you are getting a lip flip to treat your gummy smile, you may need up to 8 units of Botox. The injections target the lip elevator muscles, which stretch from the sides of the nose to the upper lips.

How Can You Benefit from The Lip Flip?

Botox lip flip is an increasingly growing trend in the realm of beauty and fashion. The treatment allows individuals to subtly enhance their lips without undergoing the knife. Here are some benefits of Botox lip flip:

Naturally Plump Lips

The key benefit of lip flip is that it subtly enhances your lips and gives them a more natural appearance. The process concentrates on the cupid bow or vermilion border of your lips. By enhancing these areas, lip flip Botox creates the illusion of fuller, plumper lips that look amazingly natural!  

Quick and Non-Invasive

Lip flip is a simple, non-surgical procedure. Just a few minutes with an expert cosmetic professional, a small amount of Botox and you are free to go.

Minimal Recovery Time

Since the procedure is simple and involves only small injections of Botox, the recovery time is minimal. Most people experience little to no swelling or bruising, and some may experience mild swelling or bruising. However, these will wear off within 24 hours.

The aftercare is simple: patients are advised to avoid rubbing the treated area and refrain from lying down for a few hours after the procedure. There is also no need for extensive aftercare or post-treatment restrictions.  

Helps with Minor Gum Show

A “gummy smile” occurs when the upper lip lifts too high when smiling. This exposes too much of the gums which may affect your confidence.

Minor gum show can be easily treated with Botox lip flip. It helps reduce the appearance of the gum by making the lips appear fuller. Neuromodulator injections loosen the muscles in the upper lip, preventing the upper lip from rising excessively. This helps provide a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Improves Lip Symmetry

Neuromodulators can also help improve lip symmetry. Individuals with one side of their lip higher or lower than the other can significantly benefit from lip flip Botox. The injections are strategically placed to even out the appearance of the upper lip, giving you a more symmetrical, beautiful smile.

Reversible Effects

If you are unsure between lip fillers or surgical lip augmentation, the lip flip is an ideal solution for you. Lip flip is a temporary lip augmentation procedure. Its effects last for around 2 to 3 months. Individuals can enjoy fuller lips without a long-term commitment. And if the patient doesn’t like the results, they can simply wait for the Botox to dissolve on its own. As soon as the effects of the Botox wear off, the lips will return to their natural state.

Cost-Effective Procedure

Lip flip with Botox is quite affordable compared to other lip augmentation treatments. Botox injections are less expensive, and since only a few units are used during the treatment, the overall cost of the treatment is typically very low.

Lip Flip Vs Filler: What’s The Difference

Lip fillers and lip flip may seem identical, but they are two completely different lip augmenting procedures that produce different results.

  • Lip fillers, or dermal fillers, are cosmetic procedures that were introduced to add volume to lips. Dermatologists inject hyaluronic acid into the lips to increase their size, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Lip flip, on the other hand, uses small doses of Botox to create the impression of fuller lips.
  • Lip fillers are ideal for those looking to increase lip volume, enhance lip shape, and correct asymmetry. On the other hand, lip flips are suitable for individuals who want a more defined lip line and subtle enhancement to their lips’ natural volume and shape.
  • Then comes the results. Lip fillers show instant results, visible right after the procedure. As for lip flip, the outcome requires time. Though you may notice subtle changes after 24 hours, your lips will take about a week to look fuller.
  • Lip fillers typically last about 6 – 8 months, whereas lip flips have a short lifespan. They can only last about 2-3 months.
  • When compared to lip flips, dermal fillers are more expensive and require multiple syringes and more product.  

Risks and Precautions

There are certain risks associated with lip flip procedure. Some patients may experience mild bruising or swelling at the injection site. However, this is usually temporary and resolves within a few days.

Some patients may also experience drooling. They will be unable to control the movement of their lips, especially when drinking or eating. However, taking certain preventive measures will allow you to achieve the desired look with a lip flip.

  • Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising and itching.
  • Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider. Inform them about your medical condition or any medications you are using to ensure safety.
  • Do not rub or touch the treated area after the treatment. Touching the lips repeatedly may cause the neuromodulator to migrate to unintended areas.
  • Avoid taking part in strenuous activities for the next 24 hours. This will allow the Botox to settle down, reducing the chances of swelling.
  • And most importantly, do not lie down for 4-6 hours post-treatment. This precaution helps prevent Botox from spreading to other areas.

How Long Does A Lip Flip last?

Lip flip with Botox displays full results within 7-10 days after the procedure. However, lip flips are not permanent as only a small amount of Botox is used, and lip muscles are more active than others where Botox is usually injected. The results typically last for about 2 to 3 months due to the small amounts of Botox for lip flip used. As the effects begin to fade, you can opt for additional Botox injections to maintain your results.