The lips are a focal point on the face, so it’s natural that patients often want fuller lips or to enhance the shape of their lips. That’s where the BOTOX® lip flip can help – it’s a popular and quick nonsurgical procedure to enhance the upper lip and reduce a gummy smile. The lip flip helps improve the contour of the upper lip to create the appearance of fuller lips and make the lips slightly more defined. But is a BOTOX lip flip right for you? Let’s look at the pros and cons of this beauty trend and discuss how it can work with or without lip filler to provide a natural lip enhancement.
BOTOX is a neuromodulator that blocks the release of chemicals that cause muscle contractions and relaxes the muscles in treated areas. With a lip flip, a small amount of BOTOX is injected into the muscles above the upper lip (orbicularis oris), at the vermillion border, cupid’s bow, and the corners of the mouth. This treatment allows the lip to relax and curl upward, appearing fuller and more defined.
The lip flip with BOTOX procedure can offer the following benefits:
A good candidate for the Botox lip flip procedure is anyone who wants to create the illusion of fuller lips while maintaining a natural-looking appearance. If you have a gummy smile, the Botox lip flip procedure is a great option since it can relax the muscle that causes a gummy smile. When you come in for a complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history and your aesthetic needs and goals to determine the best lip enhancement treatment for you.
It takes two weeks for the cosmetic results of the BOTOX lip flip to fully take effect. During this time, this muscle relaxes and allows the upper lip to lift and “flip.” The effect creates the illusion of a larger upper lip without adding volume.
The BOTOX lip flip lasts approximately 2 months, and then a touch-up treatment is needed. Since it’s an area with so much dynamic movement, BOTOX tends to metabolize quicker than other facial treatment areas.
Patients who have experienced age-related volume loss or are looking for a more dramatic lip enhancement, can often benefit more from dermal fillers or fat injections. In addition, you may opt to combine a lip flip with filler treatment to further accentuate your results.
Many dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that exists naturally in the body. When injected directly into the lips, it creates definition and plumps the lips. Dermal fillers can be used to enhance the contour of the lips subtly or very dramatically, including the Cupid’s Bow and vermillion border. HA lip fillers last up to 12 months.
For a longer-lasting filler, your own fat is the most durable material and there is no chance of an allergic reaction. At Lumen, we use a specialized fat transfer technique that involves gentle liposuction to extract fat from a donor area. Then, the fat is distilled to its purest form and injected into the lips to increase their size and shape.
A BOTOX lip flip is an excellent option if you have a thin upper lip, a gummy smile, and wrinkles around your mouth. If you’re looking for a quick, minimally invasive cosmetic approach without downtime, the BOTOX lip flip or dermal fillers might be right for you. Schedule a free consultation today to learn about your options and get a treatment plan that is customized to you. Contact The Lumen Center in Bryn Mawr at 610.525.0606 to connect with us!
Sandra brings over 15 years of healthcare expertise to her role as a marketing writer, where she specializes in turning medical information into easy-to-understand content. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her family and reading.
