Botox is a really common procedure, but what does it mean to get a Botox lip flip? A lip flip is a quick, non-surgical procedure in which a medical professional injects Botox into the patient’s upper lip to make it appear fuller.
Botox is injected in the middle of the upper lip, known as the cupid’s bow, and the upper corners of the lip, causing the lip to “flip” outward for a fuller appearance.
A lip flip is different from lip fillers, which use hyaluronic acid-based products like Juvéderm and Restylane to visibly plump the lips. A lip flip uses Botox to relax the muscles around the mouth, which flips the upper lip outward for a poutier appearance.
How Many Units of Botox Are Used for a Lip Flip Procedure?
Compared to other Botox procedures, lip flips require 10 or fewer units of Botox, which isn’t very much. Since the upper lip is such a small area, the procedure does not require very many units of Botox to achieve the desired results.
Where is Botox Injected for a Lip Flip?
When a patient gets a lip flip, Botox is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle directly above the upper lip. This muscle surrounds the upper lip, and the Botox is injected near the cupid’s bow and at the corners of the mouth.
Botox Lip Flip Pros and Cons: Factors to Consider
Like any cosmetic procedure, a Botox lip flip has its pros and cons. Although it will result in a fuller-looking pout, there are some downsides to consider before getting it done.
Pros
Plump Top Lip: As previously mentioned, the purpose of the lip flip procedure is to create a fuller-looking pout by relaxing the muscles above the upper lip.
This is achieved by a quick, non-surgical procedure in which Botox is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle. The procedure only takes about 10 to 20 minutes total, is relatively painless and you can expect to see results within a few days.
Affordable Payments: A lip flip is also relatively inexpensive—about $80 to $500 per treatment—compared to many other cosmetic procedures.
Minimal Side Effects: Side effects from a lip flip are mild and typically include minor discomfort, swelling and bruising. It is considered a low-risk procedure that is performed at a medical spa or office.
Cons
Not Covered by Insurance: Like any medical procedure, a Botox lip flip does have some “cons” to consider. First, since it is an elective procedure, a lip flip will not be covered by health insurance. While the procedure is relatively inexpensive, it can cost anywhere from $80 to $500 per session.
Requires Multiple Treatments: To maintain the results of the procedure, you’ll have to pay to have the lip flip done every 3 to 4 months, or as often as recommended by your service provider, because the Botox treatment is not permanent. So, you can expect to pay for treatments three to four times a year, which can add up.
Too Much Botox: It is important to seek an experienced professional to perform the Botox lip flip. If it is done incorrectly, there can be undesirable consequences. For example, if too much Botox is injected into the muscle, it may cause your lips to relax too much. This can cause drooling, drooping on one side of your mouth and difficulty forming certain words.
Other Complications: More serious but rare complications associated with Botox include headache, fever, chills and even botulism, which can result in difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing and/or blurred vision. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
If after reading this list of pros and cons you’ve decided that a Botox lip flip isn’t for you, you can still achieve the look of a fuller pout with some clever makeup tricks.
Botox Lip Flip Results: Before and After
Be sure to ask your service provider for before-and-after photos of the Botox lip flip procedure. This will give you an idea of what the procedure does to the appearance of the lips.
Keep in mind that photos taken immediately after the procedure may depict redness at the injection site, and the upper lip may be swollen. It is best to see photos from 10 to 14 days after the lip flip procedure was performed so you can see the final results.
Botox lip flips are ideal for candidates who would like to have a fuller pout without getting lip fillers, who think their upper lip “disappears” when they smile or would like their smile to appear less “gummy” (when your smile reveals more of your gums than you’d like).
How Often Can a Botox Lip Flip Be Done?
The Botox lip flip doesn’t last as long as lip fillers, so if you want to maintain the results, you’ll have to get the procedure done every three to four months.
Is Botox Lip Flip Permanent?
Botox lip flip is not a permanent cosmetic procedure. To maintain the results, you’ll need to repeat the procedure roughly every 3 to 4 months, or as long as it takes for the effects of the Botox injections to wear off.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, lip fillers last much longer than Botox lip flip.
You may also consider getting a permanent lip enhancement if you’d rather have just one surgical procedure instead of many non-surgical procedures.
How Much Does a Botox Lip Flip Cost?
The cost of a Botox lip flip treatment varies depending on your location and how many units of Botox are used. The procedure can range from $80 to $500.
Be sure to do your research in your area to see what the average cost for the procedure is. Keep in mind that in order to maintain the results, you will need to repeat the procedure several times a year.
Botox Lip Flip Side Effects: The Fine Print (Low-Risk)
Getting Botox injections into the orbicularis oris muscle does not come without side effects. Since a lip flip is considered a low-risk, non-surgical procedure, however, the adverse effects are minimal.
Immediately following the procedure, you can expect some soreness, redness and swelling near the injection sites. Since Botox relaxes the muscles, it may be difficult to drink from a straw or hold liquids in your mouth. You may drool a bit, and you may develop some minor bruising around your upper lip. The more Botox injected into your muscle, the more severe the side effects can be.
As previously mentioned, too much Botox can cause headaches, chills and fever, all of which could be signs of botulism. Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by Botox. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms, or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing or have slurred speech.
My face feels weird. How long does the effect last after a lip flip?
It is normal to be swollen and have minor discomfort at the injection sites after a lip flip procedure. Some minor bruising may also occur. These symptoms should subside within a few days, and you will see the desired results after just 10 to 14 days.
Can Botox lip flip cause dry lips?
No, Botox lip flip won’t cause dry lips.
Botox Lip Flip Versus Lip Filler: Different Substances
What’s the difference between Botox lip flip and lip filler? Botox lip flip is a procedure in which Botox is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle above the upper lip, causing it to relax and resulting in a poutier mouth. Lip fillers involve injecting a hyaluronic acid-based substance directly into the lips, resulting in fuller, plumper lips.
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your upper lip only—perhaps you think it disappears when you smile, or your smile is too “gummy”—then a lip flip is the right procedure for you.
If you want your upper and lower lips to appear fuller and plumper, then opt for lip fillers.
Lip fillers last a bit longer than Botox lip flip procedures, but it honestly depends on your desired end results when deciding which procedure to have.
Trust the Experts at Mirabile M.D. in Overland Park
Now that you know all about the Botox lip flip, you may be considering having the procedure done. But where can you go to get the best results? Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellness, led by James Mirabile, M.D., is your one-stop shop for total wellness.
Mirabile M.D. offers a variety of treatments at its medical spa division, MedCosmetic. From cosmetic injectables and facial services to laser and radiofrequency services to body sculpting treatments, you can trust the experts at Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellness for all of your needs.
To learn more about Mirabile M.D.’s state-of-the-art clinic and services, visit MirabileMD.com.