Botox Lip Flip

The pursuit of a perfectly plumped pout is on the rise. It seems like everywhere you turn either a Kardashian is posting pictures of their exceptionally full lips to social media or a new cosmetic is hitting the market with advertising taglines that seem to have the words "fuller" and "sexier" on auto-repeat. But, what if you're someone who just wants a "little" enhancement? A popular new trend, the BOTOX®® "Lip Flip" may be precisely what you're looking for to create a fuller-looking lip that is subtle and natural.

Before we understand how the "Lip Flip" works, it's important to understand the difference between how BOTOX® and dermal fillers, like Juvéderm, are used to enhance the lip area. Although both can be used in the lips, the way they work is very different.

"BOTOX® works by blocking the signal from your brain to a muscle that is telling it contract," explains Katie McClellan, a Certified Physician Assistant, and cosmetic injection specialist. "In turn, the contraction strength of that muscle is weakened which prevents it from forming a wrinkle," she continues. "But, there is an indirect effect to BOTOX® as well, in that when you prevent one muscle group from moving, another group may be recruited for movement and create really favorable outcomes like lifting the brows or the surface area of your lips!"

Unlike BOTOX®®, which is injected directly into a muscle, dermal fillers are injected into soft tissues to create instant volume. Most dermal fillers contain a substance called hyaluronic acid which attracts water from surrounding tissues to create a "plumping effect." This attribute makes fillers fantastic options to restore volume to deeper wrinkles, sagging skin, and lips!

Is BOTOX® Lip Flip Right for Me?

"I am seeing more and more patients who want their lips enhanced, but want to do it very conservatively," explains Katie. "Using BOTOX® to simply "flip" the upper lip so that more surface area shows is a great option for these patients because it almost allows them to "test drive" the results of what dermal fillers can do, but maintain a supernatural result they can get used to."

How does the BOTOX® "Lip Flip" work?

This innovative technique can be used alone or in conjunction with dermal fillers like Volbella®, Juvéderm® or Restylane®. When used alone, BOTOX® flips the upper lip line and creates a more defined, poutier look to the lips.

"It's almost like it rolls the upper lip gently outward and gives it a fuller look without the need for any dermal fillers," says Katie. "It looks beautiful, natural, and subtle when done alone and absolutely gorgeous when combined with dermal fillers if a patient wants a more pronounced appearance to their lips."

During your treatment Lip Flip, a tiny amount of BOTOX® (anywhere from 4 to 6 units) is strategically injected into your orbicularis oris muscle at the sides of the upper and lower lip line. In a few days, that muscle will relax, and the upper lip will flip outward. It is imperative to make sure your provider is a licensed medical professional who has experience in the "Lip Flip" technique to ensure that the function and movement of your upper lip are not compromised. If BOTOX® is improperly placed, or too much product is used, you may experience decreased mobility in the upper lip, making it hard to drink from straws and perform certain expressions. Always seek out an RN, PA-C, or physician for cosmetic injections.

"Because so little product is used and the mouth is an area with a high concentration of movement, only expect your BOTOX® "Lip Flip" to last 6 to 8 weeks," advises Katie. "An added perk is that this can also alleviate that small horizontal wrinkle that many of us get above our lip and can even prevent it from ever forming again," she says. "If you want a really natural-looking, subtle lip enhancement or want to accentuate your next lip filler appointment, the BOTOX® "Lip Flip" is definitely the way to go! I love the results!"

Are you interested in enhancing your lips but don't feel ready for dermal fillers? Do you love your dermal filler lip enhancement and are curious to see how adding BOTOX® to your next treatment may improve your results further? Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Physician Assistants to discuss the BOTOX® "Lip Flip!"