Lip Flip
Full, youthful lips are always in style—and lip plumping is one of our most popular uses for dermal fillers. However, not everyone who wants their lips to look fuller necessarily needs fillers to achieve the desired effect. Perhaps you want a very subtle result, or you would prefer to try out a shorter-term option, as fillers can last 6 to 12 months.
While Lip fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane inject filler into the lip to add volume, Lip Flips enhance the upper lip's appearance by relaxing a muscle around the lips using neuromodulators such as Botox or Dysport.
If you want to know how dermal fillers can improve the appearance of your lips, please call ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics today at (301) 810-3600 for a consultation and examination. Our state-of-the-art facility in North Bethesda welcomes patients from Maryland and Washington, DC.
HOW DOES A LIP FLIP WORK?
The goal of the Lip Flip is to evert your lip(s), subtly allowing for a fuller and smoother appearance. To perform a Botox Lip Flip, our board-certified dermatologists make a series of injections just above the upper lip border, into the muscle which encircles the mouth. This muscle, called orbicularis oris, is responsible for the pursing action of the mouth. Once the Botox takes effect, the upper lip softly flips upward and outward, exposing more of the pink surface of the lip. Treatment of the lower lip also creates a fuller look, and creates more of a pout. This makes lips look fuller overall.
LIP FLIP VS. LIP FILLER
The Lip Flip is not a substitute for lip fillers. We perform both at ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics, as we have patients who are better suited to one treatment or the other, or both. Our board-certified dermatologists perform all injectable treatments, and consider your natural lip anatomy, desired outcome, and preferences when deciding whether Botox or a dermal filler is the best lip enhancement option for you.
You likely will be happy with the Botox lip flip if:
· You would like a subtly more prominent “pout” to your lips
· You feel your upper lip looks invisible when you smile
· You want fuller-looking lips but do not want additional volume
· You want a more temporary treatment (3-4 months)
Fillers are likely a better lip enhancement option if:
· You would like additional volume in the upper and/or lower lip
· You would like to address more severe vertical lip lines
· You would like to improve overall lip shape and symmetry
· You want a longer-lasting lip enhancement (6-12 months)
In some cases, the best solution for a patient is to combine Botox with fillers. Using fillers to enhance lip volume and Botox to lift the upper lip slightly can achieve a beautiful effect for patients with very thin lips.
Adding a small amount of lip filler to accentuate the two peaks of your upper lip, or “Cupid’s Bow,” can achieve a beautiful result on most clients. This technique draws attention to the midsection of your lips and can give a more youthful, pouty appearance to your upper lip. Our board-certified cosmetic dermatologists can further enhance this technique by placing a tiny amount of filler into your philtrum as well to add further lift and support creating what has been called “The Lip Pop” effect.
LIP FLIP FAQ'S
ARE LIP FLIPS SAFE?
This procedure is considered very safe with minimal risk of complications. Furthermore, it can also be done quickly with just a few injections sites of neurotoxins.
HOW LONG DOES A LIP FLIP LAST?
It is important to note that the Botox Lip Flip only lasts three to four months, and you will need to return for treatment about two to three times as often as you would for filler injections. That said, Botox can be a very cost-effective solution for patients desiring a subtle but meaningful improvement in lip appearance.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LIP FLIP?
It can soften vertical lip lines and can also reduce a gummy smile and enhance your lip shape without adding excessive volume.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A LIP FLIP?
A good Lip Flip candidate is a healthy individual who believes they already have naturally full lips but that these full lips are no longer visible upon smiling. Furthermore, a good candidate is someone who would like a subtle but more prominent pout. The most important aspect to consider is that a Lip Flip will not and cannot add additional volume to your lips; it can only bring out the volume you already have. Please note that results vary. Some patients only achieve a very subtle improvement while others have a more dramatic result. This can sometimes be predicted in advance based on patient’s anatomy and assessment but not always.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD GET A LIP FLIP?
If you are seeking a dramatic lip augmentation, a Lip Flip is not for you. If you are interested in fuller lips, but a bit apprehensive and want to take a baby step before committing to lip filler, then a Lip Flip may be just perfect.
It’s also a perfect treatment to do between lip filler appointments and for those with a “Gummy Smile”. This is a great procedure for any person who believes they already have naturally full lips when the face is in a resting position, but when smiling the upper lip is hyperactive and curls inwards so as to appear smaller and thinner. It is important to note that a Lip Flip does not actually add any volume to your lip, but rather allows your lip to appear more visible.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A LIP FLIP?
Lip Flips should not be performed on patients with active cold sores. To reduce swelling and bruising refrain from alcohol, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatories/blood-thinning medication for a few days before and after any injectables. Please check with your physician before you ever stop your blood thinner.
We ask you not to wear any makeup (or at least not wear any lipstick) to ensure accurate documentation of before and after photos, as well as to ensure sterility. Schedule your appointment at least two weeks before special events, as swelling and bruising can take up to two weeks to resolve.
HOW LONG DOES A LIP FLIP PROCEDURE TAKE?
The Lip Flip injections will take about 10 minutes.
DOES A LIP FLIP HURT?
A Lip Flip is typically a quick and relatively painless procedure and is considered less invasive than other alternatives. Most patients describe this procedure as very tolerable, as topical lidocaine will be applied for proper numbing.
WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FOR A LIP FLIP?
There is no recovery or downtime associated with lip flips, and you can return back to doing your daily routine as soon as you step out of office. However, as with any injection, there is always a chance of bruising.
WHAT ARE THE POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR A LIP FLIP?
Although there is no downtime, and you can return to your normal activities, it is important to follow these post-treatment instructions in order to maximize the results and avoid complications:
Don’t put any pressure, or massage/manipulate the injected area for 24 hours after treatment.
Remain upright for 4 hours after injection (make sure not to lay down flat or against your lips)
Exaggerate movement of the lips for 1 hour after injection
Refrain from using ibuporofen, aspirin, fish oil supplements, or vitamin E for 24 hours following injection
Refrain from aerobic exercise that increases your heart rate greatly (running, swimming, bicycling, etc.) for 24 hours
HOW SOON WILL I SEE THE RESULTS OF MY LIP FLIP?
Most patients notice the effects within a few days of treatment, with full results in about one week.
WHY CHOOSE ICON DERMATOLOGY FOR YOUR LIP FLIP?
Our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in providing facial injections. They have treated thousands of patients and dedicated thousands of hours perfecting their technique to correct a number of facial issues and asymmetries.
Patient education is a cornerstone of our philosophy of care. Many patients visit ICON Dermatology seeking a specific treatment without realizing all their options and alternatives. Depending on your situation and goals, our physicians may recommend additional or alternative treatments to help you achieve the appearance you desire.
Patients should choose a board-certified dermatologist with a high level of knowledge of anatomy who has plenty of experience performing the Lip Flip. Overtreating is a real risk and can limit your ability to move your lips normally. It takes a high level of skill to achieve the right effect. At ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics only our board-certified dermatologists perform injectable treatments with Botox, Dysport and dermal filler.
Whether our doctors recommend injectable fillers or a Lip Flip to help address your aesthetic goals, you can rest assured that she always holds your best interests at heart and will never recommend a procedure that is not right for you. You will never feel rushed or pressured into deciding. The decisions are up to you. We are here to help.
SCHEDULE YOUR LIP FLIP CONSULTATION
Finding which lip enhancement procedure is right for you is all about listening to you and your goals, answering your questions, and addressing your concerns. You can count on us to do all of this on your behalf.
If you live in the North Bethesda area and you think dermal fillers might be right for you, please call ICON Dermatology today at (301) 810-3600 for a consultation.
