Lip Flip
in Santa Rosa, CA
What is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a nonsurgical way to plump and define the upper lip by selectively relaxing part of the lip muscle. A small amount of neurotoxin is injected in the central lip and near the corners. The muscle, which we use to purse our lips, tightens and flattens the upper lip, so when it is relaxed, the lip expands, the margin projects more. The result is a lip that appears to have more volume with better definition of the Cupid’s bow. That purse-string muscle, called the orbicularis oris, also creates vertical lip lines, which a lip flip can soften.
Who is the procedure good for?
Patients of all ages who want more of a pouting upper lip—full and defined—are good candidates. Those with vertical lip lines and loss of upper lip definition as well as people with a gummy smile would also be good candidates.
Why choose a lip flip over filler?
A Santa Rosa lip flip is more subtle. Filler can round out the lip’s margin, giving an unnatural look, when not judiciously done. Relying on filler alone to soften vertical lip lines can yield an overdone, unnatural, even rubbery look. Overdone filler can also elongate the upper lip, accentuating the characteristics of an aging lip, which tends to elongate with age. A combination of a lip flip and filler can deliver an excellent result. It is not an either/or choice.
A lip flip doesn’t last as long as filler. Neurotoxins typically last 3-4 months and fillers 9-12 months, though there is individual variability.
The injection of neurotoxin without numbing stings, so a topical numbing ointment can help. Pressing a cold pack to the area immediately before is particularly effective, and a vibrating tool help near the area to be injected just before and during the injection can also lessen the pain.
How long is recovery?
There is no recovery, unless there is bruising. Bruising is more likely in patients who have recently taken a blood-thinning agent, including aspirin or ibuprofen. The results may take 2-3 days or longer to kick in. The muscle relaxation is greatest in the first 2-3 weeks, when patients might notice a softening when uttering fricatives, like “p” or “b.”
What are achievable/realistic results?
The effect of a lip flip is subtle, so it tends to be natural. Fillers would be needed to achieve a significant increase in volume.
