What are lip flips, and are they worth it?
If you’re on social media, you’ve likely seen one trend dominating your feed: the lip flip. This “quick fix” procedure uses a small amount of neuromodulator like Botox or Xeomin instead of filler to create an upturned look on patients’ top lip. It can be an affordable alternative, but weighing the benefits all depends on your individual goals. Here’s what you need to know about lip flips:
How do lip flips work?
Lip flips use neuromodulators like Botox and Xeomin to relax the muscle in the upper lip, causing the lip to “flip” — this gives the appearance of a slightly fuller lip without increasing the actual volume of the lip. Only 2-4 units of Botox or Xeomin are needed to achieve this look. Lip flips are good for those who already have some lip volume but want to add more height, making lips look more voluminous in a subtle way.
What’s the difference between lip flips and dermal filler?
While both dermal fillers and lip flips can result in fuller-looking lips, lip flips simply relax the muscles around the upper lip so it turns upward. Filler like Juvéderm, on the other hand, actually adds volume to the lip via injection with a hyaluronic acid-based substance. So if you’re looking to change the actual size and enhance the shape of your lips, dermal filler may be the better option.
With a lip flip, you’ll begin to see results a few days after treatment, with full results around the two-week mark. Filler offers instant results that keep improving until the product fully settles in after about two weeks. And if you are looking for both a plumping and lifting effect, you can combine lip flips and lip fillers in one session!
How long does a lip flip last?
The reason the lip flip has been trending on social media is that it’s seen as a hack to get the filled look for less. But the cost is only lower because it’s such a small amount of Botox. In general, lip flips last about one to two months, while filler like Juvéderm lasts up to one year.
Due to its temporary nature, the lip flip is great for those wanting to test the waters of what an enhanced lip may look like. A lip flip can give a temporary sense of fuller lips for a low introductory cost. But if you want to maintain that full look over time, filler is likely a more practical option in cost and maintenance. The good news is that you can combine lip filler and lip flips for plumping and lifting of your lips — this will help you achieve more dramatic and long-lasting results, helping to create a more prominent upper lip and fuller pout.
Are lip flips reversible?
In short, Botox and Xeomin lip flips are irreversible. If you’re over your lip flip before the neuromodulator wears off, you’ll have to wait out the remainder of the time. Luckily, Botox and Xeomin are temporary, and the lip flip wears off with time — in fact, neuromodulators tend to wear off more quickly in the lip muscle compared to other areas of the face because the mouth and lips are used so often throughout the day for activities such as eating and talking.
To flip or not to flip…
If you’re considering enhancing your lips, do your research and remember not to let trends sway you. Lip flips can be an excellent option for the right patient, so make sure to go over your short and long-term goals (as well as your beauty budget) during your consultation to find the best solution for you.
Interested in learning more about Botox, Xeomin, or Juvéderm? Visit LaserAway to schedule a free consultation and speak with a treatment specialist.
References:
- “Heard About The Botox Lip Flip? Here are The Pros & Cons,” American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, April 13, 2021.
- “Lip Flips May Have Been Trending on TikTok, But Is It The Right Choice For You?,” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, September 6, 2022.
