For many, there is always the constant pursuit for a fuller, more defined smile. While many consider dermal fillers the king of lip injectables, neuromodulators used for a lip flip technique can be just as effective. 

Unlike lip augmentation treatments with fillers, lip flips with Botox or Dysport help enhance lip definition without adding volume. They keep the contour of your upper lip full and defined even when you grin or laugh, to reduce a gummy smile, and help balance out a thinner upper lip. Let’s take a look at how lip flips work, and why you might be a good candidate for a lip flip procedure.

Everything You Need to Know About Lip Flips

If you’re looking to create a subtle smile enhancement without adding volume, the lip flip Botox technique could be perfect for you. Here’s everything you need to know about it. 

What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a cosmetic procedure that uses small amounts of Botox or Dysport (common cosmetic neuromodulators) to relax the muscle fibers below your upper lip. This keeps the upper lip from thinning and rolling inward when you laugh or smile. 

Instead, the lip stays “flipped out,” revealing more of its natural fullness. This prevents your upper lip from disappearing or revealing too much of your gums when you smile. 

How Lip Flips Work

Unlike lip fillers, which add physical volume to lips (usually in the form of hyaluronic acid), a lip flip focuses on reshaping and redefining your upper lip. If you want a more prominent upper lip that still looks natural and understated, the lip flip is a fast, easy process that is generally less expensive than dermal filler. 

During the lip flip procedure, small amounts of Botox or Dysport are injected into the muscle fibers that run around the outside of your mouth. Your injector will concentrate on your cupid’s bow and the upper corner of your mouth. The neuromodulator ingredient temporarily blocks nerve signals to the targeted muscle fibers so they can’t contract.

This means your upper lip won’t roll inward and thin when you smile. It also won’t lift upwards, so more of your gums will be covered when you smile. You won’t lose any of your natural lip volume, and you won’t add volume either.

Why Choose Neuromodulators for a Lip Flip?

You might be wondering how different injectables impact the lips, especially when comparing a lip flip vs lip fillers. While lip fillers are great at adding plushness and volume for the perfect pout, they can’t adjust how your smile or laugh affect the natural shape of your mouth. In short, there is no such thing as a lip flip filler technique.

Lip fillers change the shape of your lips by making them look fuller and more pronounced through a series of small injections of 0.5-2 ml of filler into the lips. In contrast, it only takes a few units of Botox or Dysport for a lip flip, making it a very affordable treatment. You’ll only need injections in your upper lip to reveal its natural fullness.

A lip flip also helps reduce a “gummy smile”, as it prevents your upper lip from stretching out and revealing too much of the gums when you smile. 

While you will need to touch-up your lip flip more frequently compared to lip filler, the lower cost makes it easy and affordable to keep your look fresh. 

The Lip Flip Process

There are a few things you need to know before you decide to have a lip flip procedure.

Before Your Lip Flip Consultation

Make sure that your aesthetic goals align with the results a lip flip injection technique can offer. You can look at lip flip before and after pictures and videos to get an idea of what changes you can expect. A lip flip is ideal if you want:

  • Temporary results without long-term commitment
  • Subtle enhancement of your upper lip’s appearance
  • Reduced gum visibility for an improved smile
  • Lip definition with no increase in your lip volume
  • Minimal downtime after the procedure

Because of the involved technique a lip flip demands, we highly recommend booking a free consultation. Get ready for your consult by keeping in mind the following:

  • Your medical history, including any allergies
  • A list of medications, supplements, and any herbal remedies you take
  • Come with a bare, lipstick-free smile, so we can see your natural lips and better plan your enhancement

Based on your consultation appointment, we’ll let you know if you’re a good candidate for a lip flip, and book your treatment. If not, we’ll take you through other cosmetic options that can better serve your lip augmentation goals.

If we’re moving ahead with the Botox lip flip technique, the next step is your actual procedure appointment.

Before Your Lip Flip Procedure

To ensure lip flip safety and optimal results, you’ll need to change up your routine a little before your lip flip.

If you take certain medications, drink, or smoke, you’ll have to take a break before your appointment, per the guidance in your consent form. You will need to avoid:

  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine
  • Aspirin
  • Blood thinners 

The day of your lip flip, gently wash your face and lips. Don’t use any facial products containing retinoids, and skip exfoliation. Don’t put on any lipstick or other lip products before your appointment. 

During Your Lip Flip

Your lip flip procedure itself will be quick and comfortable. Arrive early so we can apply a small amount of a numbing agent to make you comfortable. The injection itself will also include a tiny amount of lidocaine to reduce pain. 

We use a very fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox or Dysport into the center, front, and corners of your upper lip. We carefully target the muscle fibers in charge of lifting and stretching your lip, so they will stay relaxed when you smile or laugh.

The entire Botox lip flip injection technique procedure only takes about 10 minutes total, and then you can go on about your day. There’s no recovery time, and side effects like mild redness and swelling will subside within the day. 

After Your Lip Flip Injections

Side effects of a lip flip with Dysport or Botox are minimal. Your lips might feel and look a little swollen for a couple of days from the injection. If you feel a little stinging or burning sensation, you can use a cold gel pack wrapped in a cotton cloth held gently to your upper lip.

Lip Flip Safety Tips

Don’t apply pressure to your lips for at least 48 hours. That means no mashing on your lips with your fingers, and absolutely no kissing! Don’t lie down or bend over for at least 4 hours, and avoid alcohol, nicotine, exercise, and heat exposure for 24 hours.

If you experience intense itching in your lips or break out in a rash, know that these are rare but potentially serious side effects. See a doctor for emergency care. Otherwise, redness and any swelling or bruising will disappear in a few days.

How Fast Does a Lip Flip Work?

You can expect to see subtle effects from your lip flip within 3-5 days as it slowly begins to take hold. Within two weeks, your lip flip will have reached peak results as the Botox takes full effect.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?

The temporary results of a lip flip last about 6-8 weeks, which makes it easy to schedule and enjoy for a special occasion. You can get your consultation out of the way to ensure you’re a good candidate, then schedule your appointment for the lip flip anywhere from 2-4 weeks before your event. 

Get Your Lip Flip at SEV Laser 

Having an experienced injector is critical when getting neuromodulator injections. Your chances for optimal lip flip success are highest when you use a reputable provider. 

At SEV, we specialize in premium injectables carried out following best practices and techniques. Our nurse injectors are aesthetic experts who will take the time to understand your unique facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain every aspect of the lip flip process. 

The boutique experience and bedside manner at SEV make us an attractive choice, and our affordable pricing makes us an accessible one. Everyone deserves to feel great about their smile, and SEV’s goal is to inspire you to show it off. 

A lip flip might be exactly what you need to smile with confidence. To learn more and discuss your goals, schedule an appointment today.