Lip Flip: The Cosmetic Procedure Everyone Is Getting

Getting a lip flip is fast becoming a trend towards achieving a pouty and more luscious lip look. Unlike other methods such as dermal lip fillers and lip implants, a lip flip is a minimally invasive procedure for people seeking a full and pouty lip.

It’s more common among those who have a “gummy smile,” where the upper lip practically disappears when smiling. If you see yourself in this category and don’t feel confident about your lip or your smile, then the lip flip might be the solution to all your concerns.

What is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a 10-20 minute procedure usually done in an office. It is done by injecting small amounts of Botox into the upper lip. This causes the orbicularis muscle around the mouth to relax.

This ‘flips’ the upper lip, causing the part of the upper lip inside the mouth to roll upwards and outward, creating a voluminous look.

Other Information on the Procedure

The lip flip procedure does not add volume to the lip. It only gives an illusion of a more voluminous lip. If the volume is what you seek, perhaps a lip implant or dermal lip filler, which involves injecting a thick filler substance like hyaluronic acid directly into the lip, is a better option.

Dermal lip filler can be combined with a lip flip for a more optimal look. A lip flip isn’t a permanent procedure. It usually lasts for about 12 to 16 weeks, so you may need to repeat it once the desired effects begin to wear off.

As with any aesthetic procedure, the results differ for everyone. You may not like the result, so it’s best to properly do your homework before booking a session with your provider.

Pros of a Lip Flip

• It doesn’t hurt as much as lip fillers
• There’s less swelling and bruising compared to fillers
• It’s cheaper than lip fillers

Cons of a Lip Flip

• The results are less dramatic than lip fillers
• The procedure isn’t reversible (whereas you can dissolve lip fillers)
• The results don’t last very long (lasts between 2-4 months only)

What Happens During the Lip Flip Procedure?

Before the procedure

Before you choose to get a lip flip, you should always do extensive personal research. It is helpful to look up before and after photos of people who have done it before. Research the most suitable provider to carry out the procedure, check out their previous work and its outcomes and decide if it aligns with your desires.

Nothing beats experience, so a more experienced professional who has performed numerous lip flip procedures might be your best bet to getting the lip you want.

During your initial consultation with your provider, you should bring up the following:

1. More specific knowledge of the procedure.
2. How long will the procedure take?
3. Provider’s personal experiences with the procedure.
4. Photos from “Before and after” of previous patients who had the lip flip done.
5. How long will the effects last?
6. Possible side effects from the procedure.
7. Discuss current medications with the provider, as certain medications, such as aspirin, should be stopped before the procedure. You should stop smoking and alcohol consumption about 3-5 days before a lip because it increases the risk of bruising and interferes with healing.
8. Address all concerns with your provider. A little feeling of anxiety is quite normal, especially if it is your first time.

During the procedure

The procedure normally lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, and you will be awake for the time being. A little pain is felt when injected, which subsides after a few seconds. Some describe the feeling as similar to popping a pimple on the lip.

To minimize discomfort, your provider may apply numbing cream or ice to your lips to numb the area. The Botox is injected about two to four times into the cupid’s bow area at the middle of your upper lips and the corners of your mouth.

Once the Botox has been injected into your lips, you’ll feel the injected area roll upward and outward, making your upper lip much more visible and giving you your desired look with a luscious and pouty lip. 

After the procedure

Although you may feel numbness on your upper lip, you should be able to carry on with daily activities a few hours after a lip flip procedure, as long as you don’t put pressure on the lips. You may have to put kissing and applying makeup on the lip on hold.

You may prefer to lie face up to avoid putting pressure on the lips. Smoking increases the risk of infection, so it may be better to give up cigarettes for a while. Usually, it takes between 10 to 14 days to see the full effect of the Botox injected, so don’t expect to see results immediately.

It is important to know that this is not a permanent procedure. Since your doctor or esthetician will use very little Botox, the lip flip typically lasts about 3 to 4 months. You can always get a replacement once the effects have started to wear off. You can try dermal lip filler or lip implant for a more permanent look.

How Much does it Cost?

Generally, getting a lip flip is less expensive than a dermal lip filler or lip implant. The price depends on the number of units of Botox used. Some providers may charge a flat rate, but generally, the price ranges between $80 to $500.

What are the Side Effects?

It is rare to have side effects following the procedure. Lip flip is generally safe because the amount of Botox used is relatively small.

One may experience side effects, including lip redness, swelling, bruises at the injection site, headaches, fever, and chills.

You may also experience difficulty spitting, whistling, drinking with a straw, eating with a spoon, pronouncing certain words, or rubbing your lips together. Drooping and drooling on one side of your mouth, as seen in a stroke, are some side effects if you use larger amounts of Botox.

These symptoms often get resolved with Botox in about 14 days or as the effect of Botox wears off. Botulism occurs in rare cases, which may cause difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, blurred vision, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.

How Do I Find the Right Provider?

Despite being a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure, you should always seek a skilled medical professional or certified plastic surgeon with experience for your lip flip.

We recommend you meet with the doctor before the procedure and get a rundown of the process. You’ll see pictures of their previous patients before and after the procedure, so you know what to expect.

During this initial consultation, you can ask some of the following questions:

• Would I get the look that I want with this procedure?
• What do I need to prepare?
• What are the things I would need to avoid after the procedure?
• What post-procedure care would I need to give to my lips?

How Long Before I Begin to See Results?

Results of a lip flip will typically begin to show just a few days after the procedure. Even several days later, you will see continuous improvement. You can expect to see the full effect after 10 to 14 days.

You need to know that the effect of a lip flip isn’t permanent. Its results typically last between 2 to 3 months (compared with lip fillers which can last up to a year) since only very little Botox is injected into the lips. Once the effects start wearing off, you can decide to have some more Botox injections.

Conclusion

Unlike lip fillers or lip implants, a lip flip is a minimally invasive technique performed by a medical professional or a licensed cosmetician, which helps people achieve a much fuller lip. The procedure is performed by injecting small amounts of Botox into the upper lip, which flips it upward and outward by relaxing the muscles around the mouth.

You don’t want to take photos with a swollen red lip and bruises, so this procedure is best performed a few weeks before an event or before taking a vacation. It is less expensive than dermal lip filler or implant and still very safe.

Only a licensed plastic/cosmetic surgeon, a nurse practitioner, or a certified cosmetician should do a lip flip procedure. Proper research on your provider is vital in addition to proper research on the procedure itself.

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