What is a Botox Lip Flip?
Botox lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting small amounts of Botox (botulinum toxin type A) into the orbicularis oris muscle, which surrounds the mouth.
By carefully targeting this muscle, the treatment aims to relax it and cause a slight “flip” or outward projection of the upper lip, creating the illusion of a fuller, more defined upper lip without the need for dermal fillers.
Botox Lip Flip vs Lip Fillers
While lip fillers involve injecting a hyaluronic acid-based gel directly into the lips to add volume, a Botox lip flip works by altering the muscle activity surrounding the mouth. Lip fillers tend to increase the size of both the upper and lower lips, whereas a Botox lip flip primarily enhances the appearance of the upper lip.
Additionally, lip fillers generally last longer than a Botox lip flip, with results typically lasting 6-12 months, while a lip flip usually lasts around 8-12 weeks.
However, with consistent treatments, the effects of a lip flip may last longer as the muscle becomes trained over time. Lip fillers also tend to be more expensive than a Botox lip flip, as the latter requires fewer units of Botox compared to other treatment areas.
Ideal Candidates for a Lip Flip
- Those who desire a subtly enhanced upper lip appearance without a significant increase in lip size
- Individuals who have a thin upper lip or those whose upper lip seems to disappear when they smile
- People who wish to reduce the appearance of upper lip lines or create a more defined cupid’s bow
- Patients who are not yet ready for lip fillers or who are happy with their overall lip size but want a slight improvement in upper lip fullness and shape
- Those who have had lip fillers in the past and want to maintain their results between filler appointments
It’s important to note that if a patient has naturally full, everted upper lips, a Botox lip flip may not provide a noticeable improvement.
How Many Units of Botox Are Used for a Lip Flip?
On average, most patients will require between 4 to 6 units of Botox for a lip flip, with some patients needing up to 10 units in total.
Our experienced botox injectors in Asheville will carefully assess your facial anatomy, take into account your desired outcome, and recommend the appropriate number of units for your individual needs.
We may also start with a more conservative dosage and gradually increase the number of units in subsequent treatments if needed to achieve the optimal lip flip effect while minimizing the risk of complications.
Botox Lip Flip Technique
At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, our experienced Botox injectors understand the importance of precise injection placement and technique for achieving the best possible lip flip results.
When you come in for your lip flip treatment, our skilled practitioners will focus on the following key injection points:
- Cupid’s bow: We’ll inject Botox just above your cupid’s bow to help relax the muscle fibers and create a more defined, lifted appearance.
- Sides of the upper lip: Our injectors will place additional injections along the edges of your upper lip to ensure an even lift and enhanced fullness.
- Corners of the mouth: If needed, we may place a small amount of Botox near the corners of your mouth to prevent your upper lip from being pulled downward when you smile.
- Lower lip: In some cases, we may inject a small amount of Botox in the center of your lower lip to balance the appearance of your upper and lower lips.
At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we use fine needles and a precise injection technique to ensure that the Botox is delivered accurately into the orbicularis oris muscle. Our injectors have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and will tailor the injection points and technique to your unique needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we understand that comfort is a top priority for our patients. While you may experience a slight pinching or stinging sensation during the injections, most patients find the procedure to be quite tolerable.
One of the great things about a Botox lip flip is that it’s a quick and easy treatment. The entire procedure typically takes only 10-15 minutes, making it a perfect option for those with busy schedules.
After your Botox lip flip treatment, you may start to notice results within a few days, with full effects becoming apparent within 7-14 days. The longevity of your results may vary, but typically, a lip flip lasts around 8-12 weeks. To maintain your enhanced lip appearance, we recommend scheduling touch-up treatments every 2-3 months.
Absolutely! A Botox lip flip can be combined with a variety of other treatments to create a more balanced and harmonious look. For example, many of our patients choose to combine a lip flip with dermal fillers to add volume and definition to their lips.
Others may opt to combine their lip flip with Botox treatments in other areas of the face, such as the forehead or crow’s feet, for a more complete facial rejuvenation. Contact us for a free consultation today!
For more information on our botox lip flip service, reach out to New Leaf Restorative Medicine at (828) 552-4668 or fill out our online form to request an appointment here!
