According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s latest 2021 survey, cosmetic procedures are more popular than ever.1 After two years of social distancing and video calls, people are starting to get back to their regular in-person routines — and many are ready for a boost in self-confidence that cosmetic procedures can provide.
The most popular minimally invasive procedure in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2020 Statistics Report, was botulinum toxin type A injections.2 Commonly known as Botox injections, there are other brands of the toxin such as Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeauveau. Each results in an enhanced appearance through relaxing facial muscles.
One popular Botox injection option is the Botox lip flip, which might be the right one for you.
What Is a Botox Lip Flip?
A Botox lip flip is a nonsurgical method that uses Botox to relax the muscles around your lips, making your lips appear fuller without increasing their volume or changing their shape with fillers.
Your healthcare provider will inject Botox into your upper lip to relax the facial muscles there. This will cause your upper lip to relax and flip upward slightly, creating a more natural-looking, fuller lip.
A good candidate for a Botox lip flip will be in good physical and mental health before the procedure. If you are thinking of getting a lip flip, you should also make sure to set realistic expectations for the procedure and discuss your desired results with your healthcare provider beforehand. You should not have any active oral infections before getting a lip flip done, including canker sores or cold sores.
Benefits of a Botox Lip Flip
A lip flip can be an empowering choice and help boost your self-confidence.
It is a more natural-looking, subtle option for fuller lips than fillers and typically avoids the bruising and swelling that might accompany lip filler injections. A lip flip is also less expensive.
Typical results of a Botox lip flip include:
- Fuller-looking lips. Lips can change as you age, looking thinner or smaller over time as the dip between your upper lip and septum flattens or elongates. You may notice the distance between the corners of your mouth has gotten longer. A lip flip will make these changes less noticeable.
- Reduced appearance of wrinkles. As Botox injections relax your muscles, they also reduce the appearance of wrinkles that naturally result from facial expressions.
- More gum coverage. If your upper lip seems to reveal more of your gums than you would like when you smile, you might notice that a lip flip helps your lips cover your gums more because your upper lip will elevate less.
- More self-confidence. If you are self-conscious of your lips or smile, you may find that a lip flip helps to boost your body image and self-confidence.
It is important to note that the results of a lip flip are not permanent. As with all Botox injection procedures, the results will fade over time. Lip flips usually last two to five months before needing to be redone.
Should I Get a Botox Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a personal decision with many factors. You might find that it will boost your self-image and confidence without an invasive surgical procedure or physically changing the shape of your lips with dermal fillers.
Be sure to consider your cosmetic goals and discuss them with your healthcare provider, who may suggest a variety of options, such as dermal fillers or lip lifts. Be clear about your expectations and desired results so your provider can lay out your best options.
A lip flip is an injection procedure, so it is worth considering the stress this may cause if you have a needle phobia. There are also emotional effects to take into account, as a lip flip will change your physical appearance. Some people may find this distressing or unnerving at first.
You will need to consider your budget and the costs associated with a Botox lip flip as opposed to other procedures or cosmetic options. Most health insurance plans do not cover lip flips or their possible complications, as they are elective cosmetic procedures. However, it is a less expensive option than dermal fillers, requiring fewer units of Botox.
The average lip flip will cost $80 to $500.3
Possible Side Effects
When deciding whether or not a Botox lip flip procedure is right for you, you will also need to consider possible side effects — though they are rare and Botox procedures are typically safe.
Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Allergic reaction to Botox
- Itching
- Neck or back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Injection-site reactions, such as bruising, swelling, redness, or infection
It is also possible that incorrectly administered injections will cause your smile to appear crooked. Another uncommon side effect of Botox injections is botulism, although this is quite rare according to the World Journal of Plastic Surgery.4
Learn More About Botox Lip Flips
Botox lip flips are a safe and popular cosmetic procedure for enhancing the appearance of your lips and helping them seem fuller without injecting dermal fillers. They are also a less expensive alternative to other cosmetic procedures.
Always speak to your doctor if you think a Botox lip flip might be the right choice for your cosmetic goals. My Filler Treatment can help you stay informed about the various fillers and neurotoxins available, so you can be confident about the right treatment for you when visiting your local injector.
SOURCES:
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: “Annual Survey Results.“
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.“
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.“
- World Journal of Plastic Surgery: “Rare Complication of Botox Injection.“
