What is the Botox Lip Flip Procedure?

A Botox lip flip is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that subtly enhances the shape of the upper lip, improving the appearance of a gummy smile and creating the look of fuller lips. Botox lip flips are extremely popular due to their consistently stunning results, minimal potential side effects, short downtime, and the ease of the procedure. A Botox lip flip can serve as an alternative or complement to hyaluronic acid lip fillers, which are ideal for accentuating lip volume and contouring, depending on personal needs and goals. An expert injector, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can customize your lip augmentation treatment to help you achieve your perfect pout.

Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes targeted muscles around the injection sites. In a lip flip, Botox is injected around the edges of the lips or the vermillion border to target the orbicularis oris muscle. By releasing tension in the mouth area, the Botox lip flip treatment can curve the top lip upward while gently pulling the lower lip downward, creating the illusion of fuller lips without altering the lip volume itself. It is an excellent option for those seeking a more natural lip augmentation without the use of dermal fillers. Patients who want to enhance lip volume can pair their lip flip treatment with hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Some popular lip fillers include Restylane Kysse, Restylane® Silk, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Ultra, and Belotero Balance, all of which Dr. Green offers at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist and expert injector with over 25 years of experience providing first-rate non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including Botox, dermal fillers, and CoolSculpting. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and adopts a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation, tailoring each patient’s treatment plan and skincare regimen to achieve ideal, natural-looking, long-lasting results. She is consistently recognized as one of New York City’s top physicians by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and The New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private New York City dermatology office, she will assess your facial anatomy and aesthetic concerns to create a personalized Botox lip flip treatment plan, helping you achieve the lip look you desire.

What is a Botox lip flip?

A Botox lip flip is a non-invasive lip enhancement procedure that utilizes Botox to achieve the appearance of a fuller upper lip without altering the natural shape or size of the lips. As a neuromodulator, Botox relaxes the circular muscles surrounding the upper lip, allowing it to curve outward and create the illusion of larger lips. This process also helps patients who find that their natural lip disappears when they smile, known as a ‘gummy smile,’ as the top lip will remain flipped upwards while smiling. Depending on specific cosmetic goals, Dr. Green may also pair the Botox lip flip with dermal fillers to provide more definition or volume to the lips or reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines for overall lip enhancement.

What does a lip flip with Botox do?

Botox is a neuromodulator that disrupts nerve signaling to muscles at or near the injection site. When injected into key areas around the upper lip, Botox helps reduce the muscles pulling down the upper lip, causing the lip to “flip” or curve outward. It takes two weeks to see the effects of Botox lip flip treatment, after which the results last for three to four months. The Botox lip flip is an excellent alternative to plastic surgery, offering a quick, easy, and pain-free procedure with no downtime.

Where do they inject Botox for a lip flip?

The Botox injections are typically placed right near the cupid’s bow above the upper lip and around the corners of the mouth. Botox is also injected along the vermillion border or along the edges of the mouth to relax precise areas of the orbicularis oris muscle. Once the orbicularis oris muscle is relaxed, the upper and lower lips protrude more, giving the appearance of beautiful, natural-looking lips with a more voluminous pout.

Which is better: Botox lip flip vs a surgical lip lift

The Botox lip flip treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can enhance a patient’s pout without the need for surgery or downtime. A Botox lip flip utilizes Botox to relax the muscles that pull down the upper lip, causing the lip to turn outward and creating the illusion of added volume. A small injection is required, and patients can expect long-lasting results without side effects. A surgical lip lift is an invasive procedure performed by plastic surgeons, where an incision is made above the upper lip, typically just under the nose, and a small flap of skin is removed. The remaining skin is sutured, creating a pull on the upper lip that results in a lifting effect on the lip itself. This procedure is less popular than the Botox lip flip, as it yields permanent results with significant downtime. There are also potential surgical complications associated with a surgical lip lift, including redness, keloid formation, and scarring. The Botox lip flip treatment is ideal for lip enhancement, offering patients a risk-free solution with no downtime. Patients appreciate the ability to customize each Botox lip flip treatment to their evolving aesthetic concerns and goals.

Who is a good candidate for the Botox lip flip procedure?

A good candidate for the Botox lip flip procedure is a patient over 21 who desires fuller-looking lips and a subtle enhancement. If you have a gummy smile, the Botox lip flip treatment is an excellent option, as it can relax the muscle that causes this type of smile. A suitable candidate for the Botox lip flip should have realistic expectations regarding the cosmetic effects that can be achieved. Contraindications for Botox injections include a history of neuromuscular disorders, active oral infections such as cold sores (herpes outbreaks), and a history of severe allergic reactions or allergies to other neurotoxins, including Xeomin, Dysport, and Daxxify. Additionally, patients are not good candidates if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety has not yet been established. When you work with Dr. Green, she will discuss your medical history, along with your aesthetic needs and goals, to determine the best lip enhancement treatment plan for you.

What is the Botox lip flip procedure?

The Botox lip flip procedure is both simple and convenient. First, you will have a consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her private dermatology office on the Upper East Side. She will assess your current lip shape and cosmetic goals to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a Botox lip flip. Medical photography will be taken at this time to track the progress of your future treatment. The treatment can be performed on the same day as your consultation or at a later date of your choosing.

Before treatment, it is best to avoid blood-thinning medications for one week, including Coumadin, NSAIDs such as Advil, and vitamins like fish oil, to minimize the risk of bruising. While the procedure is not painful, patients who are sensitive to pain or discomfort can apply a topical numbing cream to the area one hour prior to the procedure. Upon arrival at Dr. Green’s office, your lips will be cleansed in preparation for treatment. Dr. Green will expertly inject the Botox into key areas of the upper lip. You may feel mild tenderness during the treatment, but this should subside quickly. An ice pack can be applied to the treatment area to decrease any pain or swelling.

After your Botox lip injections, you can resume all of your regular activities. Over the next few days, Dr. Green recommends that patients avoid smoking, massaging, prolonged puckering, or rubbing the lips, as pressure on the lips can negatively affect the treatment results. Though some results will be apparent just a few days after treatment, most patients enjoy the full results of the Botox lip flip injections two weeks after injection. Then, lip enhancement with the Botox lip flip can be repeated every three to four months to maintain these results.

What are the side effects of a Botox lip flip?

When you have a Botox lip flip with a highly skilled injector like Dr. Green, there are few potential side effects. The most common side effects of a Botox lip flip include mild swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness at or near the injection sites. More serious side effects can occur with an inexperienced or unqualified injector. For example, if too much Botox is used or the injections are placed too close to the mouth, the muscles can become overly relaxed. This can result in side effects such as drooling, difficulty speaking, and smiling. It is also much more likely to encounter asymmetry and poor cosmetic results when using an inexperienced injector, so it is critical to have Botox injections administered by an expert. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to offer cosmetic Botox injections to her patients on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and she has decades of experience providing what is referred to as the “best Botox in New York.” When you work with Dr. Green, you can rest assured that your safety and satisfaction are her top priority.

How long does Botox lip flip take to work?

While some patients may notice results a few days after treatment, it takes about two weeks for the full effects to become visible. At this time, Dr. Green recommends that her patients schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the lip flip and determine whether any additional Botox is needed.

How long does a lip flip last?

The Botox lip flip is a temporary treatment that typically lasts three to four months after injection as the body gradually metabolizes the botulinum toxin. Most patients get touch-up treatments every four months to maintain the desired cosmetic results.

What dermal fillers do injectors pair with a Botox lip flip?

Combining lip fillers with a Botox lip flip has become increasingly popular, allowing for even more lush and voluminous lips. Many patients choose to use Botox for their upper lip to enhance its shape while also receiving dermal fillers for their lower lip to prolong the effects. Some patients additionally opt to add a small amount of lip filler to the cupid’s bow for fuller-looking lips while maintaining a heart shape in the center. Hyaluronic dermal fillers are the ideal choice for achieving natural-looking lip rejuvenation. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts water from the environment to provide the skin with hydration and suppleness. Once injected, the fillers provide immediate volume to the treated area, which can last six to twelve months, depending on the specific filler used.

The most common hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for the lips include Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Volbella, Restylane Silk, Restylane Kysse, and Belotero Balance. Juvederm Ultra XC and Restylane Kysse are both excellent options for enhancing volume and definition in the lips. Juvederm Volbella XC and Restylane Silk are best suited for subtle and soft lip enhancement. Belotero Balance is frequently used to address the vertical lip lines above the upper lip. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will first assess your lip anatomy and cosmetic desires to determine the best dermal filler that complements your Botox lip flip, resulting in a beautiful, luscious pout.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Botox lip flip

What does a Botox lip flip look like?

A Botox lip flip is a subtle procedure that enhances the appearance of the lips. Botox works by relaxing the muscles of the upper lip, allowing it to turn outward and “flip.” Once the Botox has taken effect, the upper lip will appear fuller without the need for additional filler.

Where is Botox injected for the lip flip?

For the Botox lip flip, Botox injections are applied near the cupid’s bow, around the corners of the mouth, and the vermillion border to relax the muscle surrounding the lips (orbicularis oris muscle). By relaxing the tension in this lip muscle, the Botox injections lead to a “flip” of the lip, curving the upper lip upward and providing a fuller-looking lip without increasing lip volume.

Who does Botox lip flips?

Many individuals offer Botox lip flip injections, including dermatologists, nurse injectors, and aestheticians. Although it may be more inexpensive to have treatment with a nurse injector or aesthetician, Botox injections can be dangerous if not done properly. It’s best to have your Botox injections provided by a board-certified dermatologist in a medical setting to guarantee that your procedure is performed using the proper injection technique. Dr. Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience with Botox injections and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. With Dr. Green, you can be assured that your Botox lip flip will be safe, effective, and yield a beautiful pout.

How much does a lip flip cost with Botox?

The cost of the Botox lip flip will depend on several factors, including the number of units of Botox required to achieve your desired result, your geographic location, and the medical expertise of your injector. Some offices may charge for Botox by area, while others charge by the unit. Although nurse injectors in a medical spa are typically less expensive than a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, they are generally less qualified and less experienced. As such, seeking treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, is always recommended to ensure the best results and minimize the risk of side effects. The Botox lip flip is typically less expensive than dermal lip fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, and a Botox lip flip generally requires only a short appointment time. As such, the Botox lip flip is a natural-looking and cost-effective way to achieve fuller, poutier lips. Once you consult with Dr. Green regarding your Botox lip flip treatment plan, pricing will be discussed.

How much Botox is needed for a lip flip?

Each patient is unique, and the amount of Botox needed for a lip flip can depend on several factors, including the individual’s muscle strength and desired outcome. Often, less Botox is required for a lip flip compared to treating other areas, such as forehead lines or crow’s feet. The number of units needed for a lip flip may also vary depending on the brand of botulinum toxin type A being administered. For example, a lip flip with Botox formulation typically requires fewer units than a lip flip with Dysport or Xeomin, a similarly formulated neuromodulator.

When does lip flip start working?

The lip flip will begin to take effect two weeks after the procedure. Once the Botox is injected into the muscles surrounding the mouth, it gradually begins to relax the muscles, causing the upper lip to appear more prominent.

When does a lip flip wear off?

The lip flip typically wears off after three to four months as the body metabolizes the Botox. Dr. Green welcomes her patients to return for an additional treatment session to maintain and enhance the results of treatment.

Does Botox lip flip change your smile?

A Botox lip flip can change your smile if the Botox is improperly injected. Smiling involves the zygomaticus major muscle, while the Botox lip flip targets the orbicularis oris muscle. However, an excessive amount of Botox or injections placed too close to the mouth can affect smiling. It is essential to have a Botox lip flip performed by an expert injector, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York City.

Does lip flip affect kissing?

No, a Botox lip flip should not affect your ability to kiss. However, for the first day after treatment, Dr. Green advises her patients to avoid kissing and any activities that could potentially put pressure on the lips, including, but not limited to, smoking, massaging the treatment area, rubbing their lips, and sleeping face down. Any additional pressure might cause the injected Botox to migrate, negatively impacting the lip shape.

Can I eat after a Botox lip flip?

Yes! You can carefully eat and drink after receiving a lip flip. Avoid foods that may force you to wipe your lips.

Are Botox lip flips dangerous?

No. Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, thanks to its ability to deliver consistently stunning rejuvenation results with no downtime. While Botox is currently only FDA-approved for treating forehead lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet, it is often used off-label to “flip” the lip and create the appearance of a more voluminous upper lip. Unlike a lip lift performed by a cosmetic surgeon, a Botox lip flip requires no anesthesia, incisions, or lengthy recovery times. Additionally, the risk of experiencing unwanted and adverse side effects increases exponentially when an unqualified or inexperienced injector performs the treatment. A Botox lip flip should always be performed by an experienced injector, such as Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and was one of the first dermatologists in New York City to incorporate Botox into her patients’ treatment plans, helping them achieve the perfect pout. When you consult with Dr. Green, you can be sure that your Botox lip flip will be both safe and effective.

How do I get started with a Botox lip flip today?

The lips are one of the most defining features of the face, and it can be frustrating to have thin lips or a gummy smile. Thankfully, a Botox lip flip is available to transform and enhance the lips with minimal downtime and no adverse side effects. Botox works to relax the muscles that pull the upper lip down, causing it to turn outward and create the illusion of a fuller lip without adding any additional volume. It is also an excellent treatment option for a gummy smile, as the upper lip will remain “flipped” when smiling. Patients can pair their Botox lip flip with hyaluronic acid lip fillers to achieve a defined, luscious pout. If you’re looking for a fuller pout without added volume, Dr. Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is a renowned cosmetic dermatologist who was among the first doctors in New York City to administer Botox injections to her patients. With over 25 years of experience in dermal fillers and cosmetic injections, she expertly combines the science of cosmetic dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking, beautiful results to each patient. Dr. Green is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times, and will develop a customized cosmetic treatment plan that best fits your needs. To learn more about the Botox lip flip, please contact the private dermatology office of Dr. Green today at 212-535-3088 or schedule a consultation online with Dr. Green.