From the traditional method of lip augmentation to the Russian lips trend, the landscape of lip augmentation is constantly evolving. As the sector continues to flourish, a new wave of lip augmentation has emerged. ‘The Lip Flip’ is proving to be a popular choice with patients who are searching for a plumper-looking pout, without the use of dermal fillers.
Stemming from the movement of minimally invasive, natural-looking treatments, lip flips are becoming increasingly common among patients who do not want the volume associated with traditional fillers. So, what is a lip flip? Read our insightful guide to find out.
The lip flip explained
Comparably to the conventional method of lip fillers, the lip flip technique is intended to create fuller-looking, poutier lips, without the added volume that dermal fillers provide. Instead, the lip flip method involves the injection of a neurotoxin such as BOTOX into the upper lip, creating the illusion of a larger lip. Rather than injecting a dermal filler like REVOLAX into the lip, the lip flip method offers a subtler way of enhancing a patient’s pout in one quick and easy treatment.
It is important to note that a lip flip procedure is an elective and off-label treatment. As such, the prescriber takes full responsibility for prescribing the medicine and for overseeing the patient’s care, monitoring, and any follow-up treatment.
How does a lip flip work?
An experienced practitioner will inject the neurotoxin botulinum toxin A into or above the upper lip, depending on their preferred technique, aiming to create the illusion of a poutier-looking lip. The neurotoxin injection works to relax the muscle above the lip, resulting in the upper lip “flipping” slightly upwards.
Although the procedure makes the lip look more prominent, it does not increase the volume of the lip like a dermal filler. Neurotoxins like BOTOX and Bocouture are much thinner in consistency. Unlike dermal filler injections, lip flip injections do not penetrate directly into the lip itself, but into the muscles bordering the lip, making it a less painful and quicker procedure.
How many units for a lip flip?
During a lip flip procedure, patients can expect to receive up to 10 units of a neurotoxin in order to evert the lip. The area above the lip is a lot smaller than other treatment areas on the face.
Fewer units may be required in some cases, depending on the patient and their objectives.
arma stocks everything your clinic needs to meet the aesthetic trends of summer.
What are the benefits of a lip flip?
There are many benefits to a lip flip. They include:
- Makes the lips appear fuller without adding additional volume
- Reduces the appearance of a “gummy smile”
- Reduces lines around the mouth
- Shows more of the lip when smiling
- Provides subtler results in comparison to dermal fillers
How long does a lip flip last?
Unlike hyaluronic acid-based (HA) dermal filler treatments, the results of a lip flip are not instantly visible. As this technique requires the injection of a neurotoxin, results will instead be visible within a week. For this reason, the injecting practitioner may not be able to gauge the outcome of the treatment right away. During this time, the orbicular muscle relaxes, which allows the upper lip to lift and ‘flip’. Once settled, patients should expect to see a slightly volumised and fuller-looking pout that is more prominent when smiling.
However, these results are temporary and usually last between three and four months. Neurotoxins such as BOTOX wear off over time, hence their short permanency. After a while, the injected muscle regains its ability to move, and the upper lip will slowly return to its initial position. If a patient wants to maintain their flipped look, regular top-up treatments are required.
Are there any side effects to a lip flip?
Lip flips are generally considered to be a safe procedure when carried out by a trained professional. However, as with any injectable, there are potential complications that must be considered. This risk can be heightened if a practitioner is not experienced in carrying out the lip flip technique, and side effects can include:
- Drooling
- Difficulty drinking
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Drooping of the mouth
- Inability to close the mouth because too much injectable was introduced to the muscle
Can lip flips be reversed?
Unfortunately, unlike dermal fillers, a lip flip cannot be reversed. There is currently no way to reverse the effects of a neurotoxin once it’s been injected. Despite this, the effects of neurotoxins typically wear off on their own without the need for a reversing agent, like hyaluronidase.
Depending on the type of neurotoxin used, it can take at least eight weeks for a neurotoxin to lose its effects and for the activity of nerve signals in the lip muscle to be restored. However, patients may be able to improve an undesirable outcome in the upper lip using targeted filler placement with the help of a skilled practitioner.
Lip flips at Fox Pharma
Overall, a lip flip is a fast, effective procedure that helps patients to achieve a fuller-looking lip without the addition of dermal filler. Lip flip is a less expensive treatment option in comparison to dermal filler injections as it utilises very few units of neurotoxin.
The procedure can be completed in as little as 20 minutes, making it a great augmentation alternative for those seeking poutier lips without the volume. As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to find a qualified practitioner to carry out the treatment to ensure the results are of the highest standard.
Shop our wide range of toxins online, including BOTOX 100IU. At Fox Pharma, we’re a trusted online pharmacy for aesthetic supplies. If you’d like to find out more about lip flips and the other types of treatments available at Fox Pharma, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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