Lip flip results are subtle but profound. It is the perfect pick-me-up treatment for anyone wanting a small enhancement to their lips. A lip flip is a cost-effective way to lift the upper lip, and it’s a great way to test out a fuller pout before taking the plunge with lip filler.
If you want your lips to appear fuller without actually adding volume, you can opt for a lip flip. At the Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Andrea M. Doyle is proud to offer lip flip treatments to patients in Rhode Island who are looking to improve their lip shape or enhance their facial features through natural-looking lip augmentation.
What is a Lip Flip?
We have more lip than is immediately visible. This is both good news and frustrating for anyone with a thin upper lip. What good is lip if the only thing seeing it is your teeth? This is where a lip flip comes to the rescue. By injecting a few units of a neuromodulator, like Botox or Dysport, along the border of the upper lip and Cupid’s bow, you can “flip” the lip outwards. Because the lip flips upward, more of it is visible, and you get to enjoy a fuller-looking pout.
What Can You Treat With a Lip Flip?
A lip flip can treat a thin upper lip, but it is a great enhancement for medium-to-large lips as well. A lip flip is also used in the treatment of a gummy smile. By injecting a neuromodulator into the muscle responsible for a gummy smile, which can be done during a lip flip, the muscle relaxes, and less of your gums are visible when smiling and talking.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Flips?
Ideal candidates for lip flips are people whose upper lips appear thin. Most patients who seek out lip flips are dissatisfied with the shape, fullness, and appearance of their upper lip. They may also experience their upper lip curling with certain mouth movements; for example, their upper lip looks as though it disappears when smiling.
Luckily, most adults in good health can undergo lip flip treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Doyle will examine your health history, the current appearance of your lips, and aesthetic goals to determine whether you are a lip flip candidate and if the treatment can benefit you.
Contraindications to Lip Flips
Because a lip flip involves using BOTOX, anyone who is allergic to botulinum toxin may not be a suitable candidate for this procedure.
While a lip flip is often an effective treatment for improving lip shape, it is not for everybody. Not everyone’s smile may be suitable for a lip flip. If you do not have a hyperactive muscle around your mouth, a lip flip treatment may not be beneficial to you.
Additionally, if you are only looking to add volume to your lips, a lip flip might not achieve the appearance you want. A lip flip should not be considered an alternative to lip fillers but rather a natural-looking lip augmentation to the original volume of the lips you already have.
How Much Does a Lip Flip Cost?
The total cost of your lip flip treatment will vary. However, the average cost can range between $80 to $500. Because the lip flip treatment uses only very few units of Botox, it is often a more affordable option than lip fillers.
How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?
Some patients notice a difference in as little as four to fourteen days, with results lasting between 6 to 8 weeks. We will determine the regularity with which you should receive treatment based on your results, as results vary from patient to patient.
How Many Units of Botox Do You Need for a Lip Flip?
You only need a few units of a neuromodulator, like Botox or Dysport, for a lip flip, which is why it is the cost-effective route for enhancing your pout. Most patients require 4-8 units.
Is a Lip Flip Safe?
Yes, a lip flip is safe. Both Botox and Dysport are FDA-cleared products. If you have any concerns, our team will assess your medical history extensively during the consultation; we welcome you to ask any and all questions that you have.
Side Effects of a Lip Flip
The most important thing to remember when undergoing any cosmetic or medical procedure is to choose a skilled, licensed provider. This will ensure that you receive the highest quality product, delivered in the safest possible way. Side effects from a lip flip are rare and usually temporary, typically only involving slight bruising at the injection site. Drinking out of a straw may also be difficult after this procedure.
Call Us to Book Your Consultation Today!
Are There Any Risks with Lip Flips?
Although lip flips are a common, safe, and effective cosmetic treatment, they can come with a few risks. While these risks are rare, it’s important that patients are aware of what may happen when getting a lip flip treatment. You may experience the following risks:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
Despite these risks, patients can feel comfortable and confident knowing Dr. Doyle and our team prioritize patient safety during each procedure. If you experience any of these risks, contact Dr. Doyle as soon as possible.
What Is Recovery Like After a Lip Flip?
There is very little recovery time required after your lip flip injections. However, you will most likely experience common side effects, such as swelling of the lips for 12 to 24 hours after your treatment. Most patients can enjoy the results of their lip flip within four to six days.
However, to achieve a successful recovery and optimal results, you should do the following:
- Avoid exercise for 24 hours after your treatment.
- Do not smoke for 24 hours after your treatment.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Do not apply pressure to the upper lip.
- Use ice packs if your lips are swollen.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat.
- Do not use drinking straws.
- Only eat foods that are easy to eat and do not require frequent lip wiping.
Call Us to Book Your Consultation Today!
Want to find out if a lip flip is right for you? Book your consultation with Dr. Doyle at the Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery today by clicking here or calling 401.336.3770. Our team in East Greenwich, RI, is ready to help you achieve fuller, natural-looking lips!
