What is the Botox Lip Flip Procedure?
A Botox lip flip is a personalized, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that provides a subtle enhancement to the upper lip shape, improves the appearance of a gummy smile, and creates fuller-looking lips. Botox lip flips are extremely popular due to their consistently stunning results, few potential side effects, lack of downtime, and the ease of having the lip flip 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 one’s personal needs and goals. An expert injector, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can customize your lip augmentation treatment to give you your perfect pout.
Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes targeted muscles around the injection sites. Botox is injected around the edge of the lips or the vermillion border to target the orbicularis oris muscle in a lip flip. By releasing tension in the mouth area, the Botox lip flip treatment can reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines and curve the top lip upward and the lower lip downward to create the appearance of fuller lips without altering the lip volume itself. It’s an excellent option for patients with a gummy smile or those seeking a more natural lip augmentation without injecting dermal fillers. Patients who want to enhance lip volume can pair their lip flip treatment with hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Some of the most 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 the “best Botox injections” in New York City. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation, personalizing each patient’s treatment plan to provide ideal, natural-looking, long-lasting results. She is consistently identified as one of NYC’s best physicians by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise.
What is a Botox lip flip?
The Botox lip flip is a non-invasive lip enhancement procedure that relies on Botox, a neuromodulator composed of Botulinum toxin type A. This toxin can disrupt nerve signals to muscles at or near the injection site. Botox is FDA-approved for treating fine lines and dynamic wrinkles along the forehead, glabella, and ‘crow’s feet around the eyes. In addition, Botox can be used to treat wrinkles on the neck and lips. By “freezing” the nerve signals to the muscles, the muscles are forced to relax, which in turn can reduce the appearance and overuse of dynamic wrinkles.
For the Botox lip flip, Botox injections are applied to the area just outside the lips (the vermillion border and oral commissures), which causes the muscle surrounding the lips (orbicularis oris muscle) to relax. The Botox injections lead to a “flip” of the lip that curves the upper lip upward and the lower lip downward, providing a more luscious pout and fuller-looking lips without increasing lip volume. This makes the upper and lower lip look much fuller without altering the volume of the lips. The Botox lip flip primarily affects the orbicularis oris muscle, which is the muscle that surrounds the lips. By relaxing tension in this lip muscle, the lip flip treatment can create the effect of fuller lips without any downtime.
The lip flip is a great alternative to dermal fillers for those seeking subtle enhancement, as it does not add volume to alter or enlarge the shape of your lips. However, the cosmetic effects of lip flips generally do not last as long as typical lip enhancement procedures like Restylane and Juvederm dermal fillers. Other alternative neurotoxins for the lip flip include Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), and Jeauveau (prabotulinumtoxinA). Combining dermal lip fillers and Botox injections can be great for those seeking voluminous, dramatic lip enhancement.
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 wants fuller-looking lips and subtle enhancement. If you have a gummy smile, the Botox lip flip treatment is an excellent option since the lip flip can relax the very muscle that causes a gummy smile. A good candidate for Botox lip flip should have realistic expectations regarding the cosmetic effects that can be achieved. Contraindications for Botox injections include a history of a neuromuscular disorder, an active oral infection such as cold sores (herpes outbreak), and pregnancy. Additionally, patients interested in the Botox lip flip should not have a medical history of adverse or allergic reactions to botulinum toxin. When you work with Dr. Green, she’ll be able to discuss your medical history, as well as your aesthetic needs and goals, to determine the best lip enhancement treatment plan for you.
What is the Botox lip flip procedure?
Getting started with a Botox lip flip is both simple and convenient. Before the treatment, it’s best to avoid alcohol and blood thinners (such as Aspirin) to ensure the procedure does not cause unnecessary swelling or bruising. During your initial consultation, Dr. Green will assess your current lip shape and medical history to determine which lip treatments are best for your aesthetic desires. From there, the appointment for the Botox lip flip is swift, with the injection process taking around 5 minutes. You may feel mild tenderness during the treatment, but this should dissipate quickly. An ice pack can be applied to the treatment area to decrease pain or swelling.
After your Botox lip injections, you can resume regular activity, such as eating and drinking. Over the next few days, Dr. Green recommends that patients avoid smoking, massaging or rubbing the lips, kissing, or sleeping with lips pressed against a pillow, as pressure to the lips can negatively affect the treatment results. Though some lip fullness will be apparent just a few days after treatment, most patients enjoy full results of the Botox lip flip injections two weeks after injection. Then, lip enhancement with the Botox lip flip can be repeated every four months to maintain these results.
Where to put Botox for lip flip
Small amounts of Botox are injected into key areas around the lips to create the Botox 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.
Before and after – 1 syringe Juvederm Ultra Plus to lips and Botox to upper lip area
How long does a lip flip take to work?
The cosmetic results of the Botox lip flip procedure are fully present in two weeks. Once the Botox is injected into the orbicularis oris muscles surrounding the mouth, it gradually starts relaxing the muscle, causing the upper lip to appear more prominent. The maximum results are typically presented two weeks after the procedure.
How long does Botox lip flip last?
The Botox lip flip is a temporary treatment that typically lasts three to four months after injection as the botulinum toxin gradually gets absorbed into the body. Most patients get touch-up treatments every four months to maintain the best cosmetic results.
How much does a lip flip cost with Botox?
The cost of the Botox lip flip will depend on several factors: the number of units needed to achieve your desired result, the geographic location, and the medical expertise of your injector. Although nurse injectors in a Medspa are typically less expensive than a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, they are generally less qualified and experienced. As such, seeking treatment from an expert, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, is always recommended to ensure the best results and reduce the risk of side effects. The Botox lip flip is typically less expensive than dermal lip fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, as Botox lip flip generally requires small units of Botox. As such, the Botox lip flip is a natural-looking, cost-effective way to achieve a perfect pout.
How many units of Botox for lips?
In general, only about 4-8 units of Botox are needed for the Botox lip flip, meaning patients can enjoy rejuvenating lip enhancement with a small amount of Botox formulation. The number of units required for a lip flip may vary depending on the brand of botulinum toxin type A being administered. For example, Botox formulation typically requires only 4-8 units, whereas Dysport (a similarly formulated neuromodulator) may require more units.
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 be too relaxed. This can cause side effects such as drooling and difficulty speaking and smiling. It is also much more likely to encounter asymmetry and poor cosmetic results with an inexperienced injector, so it is critical to have Botox injections with an expert. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to offer cosmetic Botox injections to her patients in Manhattan’s Upper East Side and has decades of experience providing what is referred to as the “best Botox in New York.”
What are the downsides of Botox lip flip?
The Botox lip flip is a simple and quick procedure requiring Botox’s injection into the areas surrounding the mouth, which paralyzes and relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle. It is currently an off-label treatment since Botox is not yet FDA-approved for injection into this particular area. This procedure has minimal side effects, including mild swelling or bruising that typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Botox injections around the lip area may cause lip asymmetry in rare cases. However, this is an uncommon side effect that can be avoided by consulting an experienced board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green, for your Botox injections. Medical spas, wellness centers, and “Botox parties” may offer less expensive Botox injections, but severe side effects of Botox can arise with an inexperienced injector. If too much Botox is used or injected into the wrong areas, difficulty speaking and breathing can occur. If you experience these symptoms after Botox treatment, contact a medical professional immediately. Dr. Green is an expert injector who uses a “less-is-more” approach to provide artful, natural-looking, subtle enhancement every time. When you work with Dr. Green, you can rest assured that your safety and satisfaction are her top priority.
When do you see lip flip results?
Once the Botox is injected into the lip area, it will gradually relax the orbicularis oris muscle. Some effects may be seen after one week, but the full effect of the Botox will be noticeable two weeks after injection.
How long does it take to see lip flip results?
Botox lip flip results are typically visible two weeks after the initial Botox injection. At this time, Botox will be absorbed into the body, and the temporary “freezing” effect on the muscle will subside. It is best to come four months after your initial injection for another Botox lip flip treatment to maintain your aesthetic results.
How to reverse Botox lip flip
Unfortunately, the Botox lip flip is not reversible. Once injected, you must wait three to four months for the Botox injections to wear off naturally. Thus, it is of utmost importance to find an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, who can safely inject the precise areas needed for the best cosmetic results.
Does a Botox lip flip hurt?
Many patients worry that non-invasive injectable cosmetic procedures may be painful and uncomfortable. However, these injectable treatments are incredibly mild, and most patients do not need to apply topical numbing cream before the injection, as the Botox lip flip is pain-free. A Botox lip flip typically has no side effects compared to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm, which can cause swelling and bruising.
Can you combine lip fillers with a Botox lip flip?
Yes! Combining lip fillers and a Botox lip flip to achieve even more lush and voluminous lips has soared in popularity. Many patients opt to use the Botox lip flip for their upper lip to enhance the shape while getting dermal fillers for their lower lip to extend the results. Some patients also 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 of the lips. Be sure to discuss your desired look with Dr. Green to see which option will provide you with the best cosmetic results.
Botox lip flip versus a surgical lip lift
Botox lip flip treatment is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can enhance a patient’s pout without surgery or downtime. Botox lip flip results are very different from a surgical lip lift. A surgical lip lift is an invasive procedure performed by plastic surgeons, where an incision is made above the upper lip, typically under the nose, and a small flap of skin is removed. The remaining skin is sutured, creating a pull on the upper lip that has a lifting effect on the lip itself. This procedure is much less popular than the Botox lip flip, as the results are permanent, with significant downtime. There are also potential surgical complications from a surgical lip lift, such as redness, keloid formation, and scarring. The Botox lip flip treatment offers patients flexible lip enhancement without the risk of scarring or any downtime.
Can you smile with Botox lip flip?
Yes! You can absolutely smile with a Botox lip flip. The lip flip procedure entails injecting Botox into specific areas of the orbicularis oris muscle to relax the muscle. This muscle is used to pucker the lips when drinking out of a straw, kissing, or smoking. Smiling involves a different muscle, the zygomaticus major, and thus will not affect your Botox lip flip.
Can you kiss after a Botox lip flip?
For the first day after treatment, we advise against kissing and any activities that could potentially put pressure on the lips, including but not limited to smoking, massaging the treatment area, rubbing your lips, and sleeping face down with your lips on the pillow. Any additional pressure might cause the injected Botox to migrate, negatively impacting the lip shape.
Botox lip flip and social media
With social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, cosmetic procedures such as the Botox lip flip are becoming increasingly well known. Social media has become an outlet for people to discuss and normalize the practice of receiving cosmetic procedures, such as Botox or dermal fillers, to achieve their ideal appearance. With celebrities and influencers sharing their beauty secrets, cosmetic techniques have become de-mystified and much more accessible. Be sure to adequately research the procedures you are interested in and consult with an expert, board-certified dermatologist to achieve the best results.
Do Botox lip flips work?
Yes! The Botox lip flip, when offered by an experienced injector like Dr. Green, is a highly effective way to improve your lips and achieve fuller lips without altering the natural shape of your lips without invasive plastic surgery or downtime. Patients who find that their natural lip disappears when they smile and those with a naturally gummy smile tend to achieve the most satisfactory results with Botox lip flip as opposed to conventional lip fillers. In addition, Botox lip flip can be enhanced by complementary dermal filler treatments. Some patients opt to receive Botox lip flip treatment in the upper lip and a small amount of lip filler added to the cupid’s bow to enhance fullness while maintaining a precise heart shape to the center of the lips.
How do I get started with a Botox lip flip today?
Dr. Michele S. Green is an expert cosmetic dermatologist who was among the first doctors in NYC to administer Botox® injections to her patients. With over 25 years of experience in dermal fillers and cosmetic injections, her “less is more” approach to facial rejuvenation leads to the most beautiful and natural-looking cosmetic results. 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.
If you’re interested in a non-invasive cosmetic approach that can improve the look of a thin lip or enhance lip volume without downtime, the Botox lip flip or dermal fillers may be right for you. To find out more about the Botox lip flip or any other cosmetic procedures like lip augmentation, cosmetic injectables, Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Kybella injections, laser treatments, laser hair removal, Thermage, and the best skin care and anti-aging procedures, please call the private dermatology office of Dr. Green today at 212-535-3088 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green.