What Is a Lip Flip?

Curious about getting a lip flip? Wondering how long a lip flip lasts? Learn what to expect, the costs, and how the procedure works.

July 9, 2021

4 min read

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Rewind just a couple of decades ago and the overdrawn lip was a real trend in a bid to create the illusion of fuller, plumper lips. Unfortunately, the results were not long-lasting and might we add, not especially natural-looking. 

Today, we’ve come a long way from the pencil-drawn lip trend with the help of simple, non-invasive procedures such as the lip flip. Both lip filler and lip flips are among the most popular cosmetic procedures the world over, and for good reason. 

Want to learn more about the lip flip procedure? Here’s a rundown on what it entails, what to expect, the cost, and more. 

What Exactly Is a Lip Flip? 

While most people have probably heard about the lip filler procedure, lip flips are a little different. Essentially, a lip flip is an alternative to fillers if you’re looking for a more natural, plumper look and feel to the lips. 

Lip flips also use a completely different substance — Botox — to achieve this look. As a completely harmless neurotoxin, Botox is a great option for achieving soft, subtle, and fuller lips, without an overblown look. 

The purpose of the Botox is to relax the muscles around the upper lip in order to achieve a poutier, slightly upturned top lip. Because the of relaxation effect of Botox, the muscles around the top lip are unable to fire, causing the lip to roll forward.   

During a lip flip procedure, only minuscule amounts of Botox will be injected across the top lip to achieve this pouty look, without adding excessive volume. 

A Lip flip vs. Filler: What’s the Difference? 

The end result of both lip flips and dermal fillers are pretty similar, resulting in fuller-looking lips. However, you want to opt for a lip flip if you’re looking for volume, but nervous about it looking ”obvious”. 

In short, lip flips intend to make your lips look plumper and poutier, while lip filler also adds volume to your lips. The lip filler procedure involves the injection of a substance (normally hyaluronic acid) directly into the lips. 

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs within the body, giving your skin a soft and hydrated appearance. On the flip side (pun intended!), a lip flip uses Botox to achieve a plumper look but doesn’t actually add any volume to your lips. 

If your intent is to change the shape and volume of your lips, i.e. if they are very thin, then lip filler might be the right option for you. But if you want to enhance what you already have or add a touch of volume, then a lip flip could be the better choice. 

What To Expect During the Lip Flip Procedure

Before you go ahead with a lip flip, your plastic surgeon will sit down with you and discuss your desired outcome for the look and feel of your lips. 

After that, the lip flip procedure is super simple, quick, and relatively painless. During your consultation, you will be conscious while your plastic surgeon injects small amounts of Botox into the center of the lip, as well as at the corner of your lips. 

This allows the muscles across the top lip to relax and rearrange, resulting in a fuller, poutier appearance. 

Before the injections, your surgeon may apply a numbing cream to your top lip so that you won’t feel much at each injection site. You can expect only a few small injections, with the entire procedure taking no longer than a few minutes. 

Post-Procedure Care 

The great thing about a lip flip procedure is that there is no downtime. You don’t have to worry about taking time off work etc. — you can return to your normal day-to-day life. However, there are a few precautions you must take while your lips heal/settle: 

  • Try to avoid kissing your partner/children few a couple of days 
  • Stay away from lipstick, lip gloss, or lip balm for 1-2 days while your lips settle 
  • Avoid sleeping on your stomach/ face down and putting extra pressure on your lips 
  • Try not to touch or pick at your lips for 2-3 days post-procedure 

While serious side-effects of a lip flip procedure are extremely rare, you can expect a small amount of bruising around each injection site for 1-2 days, as well as some swelling and redness.

Are You a Good Candidate? 

While some people may prefer the look that lip fillers offer, other people may be better suited to a lip flip. You’d be a good candidate for this procedure if you’re looking for a poutier smile, without the help of dermal filler. 

If you have a very thin upper lip that tends to ”disappear” when you smile, a lip flip could also be a good option for you. Additionally, if you have a ”gummy” smile and want to hide some of your top gum line when you smile, a lip flip is ideal for this. 

What To Expect from Your Lip Flip Results 

The Botox injection takes about a week to work. You can expect to see a small change in your lip after 2-3 days and a significant change a few days after that. But you want to wait 10-14 days before you can really notice the full effect of your lip flip procedure. 

So, how long does a lip flip last? 

Another reality is that lip flips are not permanent. Most of the time, you can expect your results to last between 2-3 months. This is because very small amounts of Botox are injected into your lips, and will begin to wear off after this time. In some people who have very strong lip muscles, the results may last less long.

Your best bet is to take note of when the effects start to wear off and schedule a top-up procedure. If you want to opt for a longer-lasting procedure, go for Botox lip filler which will usually last longer. 

What Does a Lip Flip Cost? 

The price of this procedure depends on a few different factors. First of all, it matters where you’re located as Botox costs can vary from one area in California to the next. It also depends on the amount of Botox you’re opting for in a lip flip, i.e. the number of Botox units. 

This means that the cost can range greatly per person and per session. In Temecula, you can expect to pay an average of $11-$15 per unit. Before you opt for this treatment, do some research on local average costs for Botox units, or inquire with your plastic surgeon for more information.  

Expert Plastic Surgeons at Your Fingertips 

If you’re considering a lip flip procedure, you want to opt for reputable plastic surgeons with the right amount of experience in this field. At the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery, you are in the safest hands possible. 

Learn more about our Botox services and what to expect when you schedule your lip flip with us!

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