What’s a Botox “lip flip” and how does it work?

A lip flip is a non-invasive procedure that creates subtle, natural-looking fullness. It’s also an excellent alternative to lip implants for people who aren’t ready for a more permanent change.

As with all neuromodulator treatments, the success of a lip flip depends on the injector’s knowledge and skill. Over-treating can cause your lips to become too relaxed, which may make it difficult to speak or whistle.

What Is a Botox Lip Flip?

If you’re curious about enhancing your pout but aren’t quite ready to jump in with dermal fillers, a Botox lip flip may be just what you need. This non-invasive procedure uses muscle relaxers to elongate your upper lip and create a more defined, voluminous appearance.

During a Botox lip flip, an injectable specialist makes a series of injections above the upper lip to relax the orbicularis oris muscle that encircles the mouth. This helps the lips look more voluminous and defined, while smoothing vertical lines around the mouth.

Patients often experience mild tenderness after the treatment, but this typically subsides quickly. Applying an ice pack can also help decrease pain and swelling.

It’s important to choose a trained and experienced practitioner when getting any injectable cosmetic treatment. Inexperienced practitioners might not understand how to manipulate the muscles of the lip for a natural-looking and long-lasting result. They might also over-treat the area, which could result in you having difficulty drinking and talking or drooling excessively. The average cost of a Botox lip flip is between $90 and $130.

How Does a Botox Lip Flip Work?

If you’re ready to dip your toes into injectables, but aren’t quite ready for dermal lip fillers (which are a great option, btw), the Botox lip flip is an excellent way to add subtle volume and enhance your lips. The procedure involves a series of injections to relax the muscles in your upper lip, causing them to “flip” outward and make your lips look fuller.

You will receive a few Botox injections in the cupid’s bow area and each corner of your mouth, which will help to elongate the appearance of your upper lip and give it a more pouty appearance. You may experience some swelling or bruising immediately after treatment, but these symptoms will typically resolve within a day or two.

A qualified injector at House of Aesthetics Med Spa will determine the exact number of units needed to achieve your desired results. They’ll also perform a thorough consultation to ensure that the lip flip is right for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Botox Lip Flip?

If you have thin lips or want a more defined lip line, the botox lip flip can help. It is a non-surgical procedure that uses botulinum toxin to relax muscles in the upper lip. This allows the lip to “flip” outward and upward – creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip. The results are subtle and natural-looking, but they can be very effective for a number of patients.

The lip flip is ideal for patients who are unsure about dermal fillers and want a more subtle, esthetic enhancement to their lips. It can also be a good choice for those who aren’t ready to make the commitment to a permanent dermal filler, such as Juvederm or Restylane.

The lip flip is typically a less expensive option than lip fillers, since it only uses small units of botulinum toxin. However, as with any injectable procedure, it’s important to find an experienced, board-certified cosmetic injector who is skilled in performing the treatment and has a proven track record. Individuals should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other drugs that thin the blood for several days before treatment to reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at injection sites.

How Long Do Results Last?

During a lip flip, trained practitioners inject small amounts of botulinum toxin above the upper lip to relax the orbicularis oris muscle. This causes the upper lip to “flip” upwards a bit, creating a more defined appearance of the lips. While the results are subtle, they are a good alternative to fillers for those who want a more minimal enhancement than what dermal fillers offer.

In most cases, the results from a botox lip flip will last about five months. After this time, the treatment may need to be repeated. Individuals who have a fast metabolism might notice their results wear off faster than others as exercise increases blood flow and can speed up the breakdown of Botox.

Before undergoing a botox lip flip, individuals should consult with a trained practitioner to learn more about the procedure and determine if it is right for them. During their consultation, they should let the practitioner know about any existing health conditions and medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins/supplements. They should also tell the provider about any allergies, especially to cow milk (some botulinum toxin brands contain albumin). If they are unsure of the best practitioner to choose, people can ask for recommendations from family members or friends who have had the procedure done.

Botox Lip Flip vs. Lip Fillers: What’s the Difference

While lip fillers add volume to the lips, a Botox lip flip is more of a subtle enhancement. It doesn’t add a significant amount of volume, but it elongates the Cupid’s bow and creates the illusion of a fuller pout by allowing more of the upper lip to show when smiling. This makes it ideal for first-time clients or those seeking a more natural-looking adjustment.

During the procedure, a small amount of Botox is injected into precise areas above and around the mouth to relax specific muscle fibers that tighten to purse the lips. The result is a more elongated Cupid’s bow and a flipped upward appearance of the upper lip, which enhances your existing vermillion border while reducing wrinkles and lines that can make you appear older or haggard.

The procedure is fast and simple, requiring only a brief office visit. Most patients experience minimal bruising or swelling, which typically disappears within 24 hours. Because the treatment is non-invasive, you can return to work and other activities immediately following your appointment.

What Are the Benefits of a Botox Lip Flip?

A Botox lip flip can be helpful for people who want to achieve a fuller upper lip or feel that their current upper lips expose too much of their gums when they smile. The procedure targets the orbicularis oris muscle, which encircles the mouth and controls lip movement. Botox relaxes this muscle in select spots, which allows the inner part of the upper lip to “flip” outward slightly – making the lips appear larger and more pronounced.

During this simple, quick treatment, you’ll receive four to six units of Botox in the corners and center of your upper lip. Injectors use a fine needle to make the injections, which can cause some minor discomfort or sensitivity. Swelling and bruising are both common, but they usually disappear within a day or two.

An expert cosmetic nurse practitioner with more than 11 years of experience, NP-C. Kathleen Hoops has extensive knowledge of the latest dermal fillers and Botox techniques. She uses a less is more approach to facial rejuvenation and creates customized cosmetic treatments for each patient.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

A lip flip uses small amounts of Botox to create a subtle, temporary increase in the size of your lips. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is virtually painless. The results appear within a few days and last a few months. This cosmetic treatment is also less expensive than dermal fillers.

During the procedure, your provider will use a thin needle to inject Botox in precise points around your lips. Depending on your comfort level, you may choose to apply a topical numbing cream before the injections. Injections are made on the cupid’s bow above your upper lip, along the corners of your mouth and on the lower border to relax precise areas of the orbicularis oris muscle. This causes your upper lip to “flip” upward and outward, resulting in a fuller appearance.

A skilled aesthetician can achieve natural-looking results that are not overdone or obvious. You will still be able to smile, talk and laugh with ease. After your procedure, your lips might be slightly swollen or sensitive, but this will usually subside after 24 hours. You can eat and drink shortly after your appointment, but avoid foods that require you to pucker your lips or place pressure on them. You should also avoid smoking and sleeping face down for a few days to prevent bruising.

Is a Botox Lip Flip Right for You?

The Botox lip flip is a great option for patients who want a more subtle enhancement than lip fillers offer. It’s also an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of a gummy smile by relaxing the muscle that causes the upper lip to over-project.

This non-invasive procedure is quick and easy to perform. The orbicularis oris muscle is injected with Botox, which relaxes the muscle to “flip” the upper lip upward, making it appear fuller. The results are not permanent, but they last 2-3 months before the effects wear off.

The Botox lip flip can be performed by a qualified injector in a medical spa. It doesn’t involve any downtime or discomfort, but some patients may experience bruising and swelling at the injection site. Topical numbing cream can be applied prior to the treatment to reduce discomfort. Patients can still talk, drink through a straw, and kiss after the treatment without worrying about their lips moving too much. They can just be careful about puckering their lips too hard or straining with them.

Learn more about the Botox lip flip and see before-and-after photos on our Botox page. Schedule a consultation at House of Aesthetics to discuss your goals!