A full, pouty lip is something many people think is only possible through lip lifts, implants, or dermal fillers. Botox has created an alternative option called the lip flip that helps to create fuller, poutier lips without the need for implants, lifts, or fillers. According to Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Edwards of the Center for Aesthetic and Laser Medicine in Tyler, Texas, “If you want to create a subtle change to increase the appearance of fullness in your lips, the Botox lip flip may be exactly the right option for you. It’s a quick, effective, subtle treatment option that delivers impressive results. Before you begin treatment with lip implants, lifts, or fillers, talk to your dermatologist about whether or not the Botox lip flip is a good option for you.” Keep reading to find out what a Botox lip flip is and don’t hesitate to contact your dermatologist to schedule a consultation visit to discuss this cosmetic dermatology solution and all of your available options to create fuller lips.
How is the Botox Lip Flip Performed?
According to Ms. Edwards, “Traditionally, creating a plump lip involved filling the lips with an implant material or dermal filler or performing a surgical lip lift. The Botox lip flip procedure reveals more of a patient’s natural lip fullness, creating a plumper appearance without the need for lifts, implants, or fillers.” Like other Botox treatments, the lip flip involves injecting Botox neurotoxin below the skin. For a lip flip, the dermatologist will inject a few units of Botox above the upper lip into the orbicularis oris muscle. The injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for making muscles contract. This relaxation of the upper lip muscle causes it to flip upwards, revealing more of the lip for a plump, natural appearance. Botox can also be used to create a lip flip in the corners of the mouth. For a toothy or gummy smile, small amounts of Botox can be injected into the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles. This can help relax the lip when smiling, which hides the previously visible gums.
The lip enhancement procedure itself is very quick to perform, and most treatment visits take just ten to twenty minutes. The results of the lip flip are typically visible a week to two weeks after treatment, and they last for several months. Individual responses to the treatment will vary, so your dermatologist will want to monitor your results and create a personalized retreatment plan. In most cases, patients schedule retreatment every three to four months.
In most cases, patients have few, if any, side effects after receiving a Botox lip flip treatment. The most common side effects are mild bruising and swelling at the injection site. In some rare cases, people may find it hard to fully close their mouths, and they may experience drooling, difficulty speaking, trouble eating or drinking, dry mouth, or drooping on one side of the mouth. These side effects may increase for the first few weeks before subsiding gradually over time. In very rare cases, patients may experience an adverse response to the active ingredients in Botox, which leads to headache, fever, chills, and other symptoms of infection or allergic response. You should consult a physician or visit an emergency room right away if you notice these more severe symptoms.
What are the Benefits of the Botox Lip Flip?
If you’re not sure that the Botox lip flip is right for you, consider the following benefits of this treatment option:
- Lip flip cost is more budget-friendly than lip fillers, lifts, or implants
- Creates a subtle change in the appearance of your lips
- Naturally fuller-looking lips
- Less downtime for recovery
- Results visible beginning in just a few days
- Maintain a full looking upper lip even when smiling
Who is a Good Candidate for a Botox Lip Flip Procedure?
While Botox lip flip procedures are generally safe and effective for most patients, they’re not right for everyone. The best candidates for Botox lip flip are those who:
- Want a subtle change in their lip’s appearance
- Want to prevent their upper lip from disappearing when they smile
- Want to improve the appearance of fullness without adding volume to their lips
- Need an alternative to hyaluronic acid fillers, lip lifts, or implants
- Want to make their smiles appear less toothy or gummy
- Are happy with a temporary treatment option
Dermal fillers, lip lifts, or implant procedures may be a better option for patients who:
- Want treatment that adds volume and fullness to their lips
- Want to increase the fullness or volume of both the upper and lower lip
- Want to improve the appearance of deep lines or wrinkles on the lips and around the mouth
- Want to change the shape of their lips
- Would prefer less frequent retreatment visits
Botox Lip Flip Vs. Lip Fillers – What’s My Best Option?
According to Ms. Edwards, “Many patients ask which treatment, a lip flip treatment or dermal filler, is the right treatment option for them. In many cases, the solution is more complicated than just a Botox lip flip or dermal filler. I often recommend considering a combination of the two. Both treatments are extremely versatile, and they often pair well together. Specifically, if someone wants to increase the fullness of their upper lip when they smile, and they want to increase the volume of one or both lips, we can perform the lip flip to improve the appearance of the mouth while smiling and provide dermal fillers to increase the overall lip fullness. The most important thing is to discuss all of your options with your dermatologist and create an effective plan that makes sense to achieve your desired results.”
Visit the U.S. Dermatology Partners to Learn More
When you’re ready to find out more about your cosmetic dermatology options, including the Botox lip flip, we hope you’ll reach out to the U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you to schedule a consultation. We make the process quick and easy. Simply complete our online scheduling request form, and we’ll be in touch to finalize the details of your visit.
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