A Subtle Way to Enhance the Upper Lip
If you like the idea of a slightly more visible upper lip but don't necessarily want lip filler, a lip flip may be worth discussing.
At De Luz Medical Aesthetics in Temecula, Dr. Robert Zieber uses a small amount of neuromodulator, such as Botox or Dysport, to relax the muscle in the upper lip. With the muscle relaxed, the upper lip can roll outward slightly, creating a little more visible lip.
The difference is subtle. A lip flip does not add physical volume to the lip. Instead, it changes how the upper lip sits and moves.
Dr. Robert Zieber Explains the Lip Flip
Watch the video below as Dr. Robert Zieber explains what a lip flip is, how it changes the position of the upper lip, and what you can expect from the treatment.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip uses a small amount of neuromodulator to relax the muscle in the upper lip. Once that muscle relaxes, the upper lip can "pooch out" slightly.
This can make more of the upper lip visible without placing dermal filler into the lip itself.
The effect can also be noticeable when you smile. According to Dr. Zieber, relaxing the upper lip can keep it from curling under as much, which may mean less upper gum is visible when you smile.
The treatment is designed for a subtle change rather than a dramatic transformation.
How Does a Lip Flip Work?
A small amount of neuromodulator is placed into the muscle around the upper lip. The medication temporarily relaxes the muscle, allowing the lip to sit slightly differently.
When using Botox, Dr. Zieber explains that the amount may be somewhere around 2 to 4 units on each side. The appropriate amount can vary based on the individual and the treatment being performed.
Because a lip flip works by relaxing muscle rather than adding material to the lip, it produces a different result from lip filler.
What Can a Lip Flip Change?
A lip flip may be considered when someone wants a subtle change to the appearance or movement of the upper lip.
Depending on the individual, the treatment may:
The amount of change depends on your individual lip shape and muscle movement.
Lip Flip Before and After
What Can You Expect?
When looking at lip flip before and after photos, it is important to know what you are looking for. A lip flip is not designed to produce the same type of change as lip filler.
There is no added volume being placed into the lip. Instead, relaxing the upper-lip muscle can allow more of the lip to show.
For some people, the difference may be easier to see when smiling, particularly if the upper lip tends to curl under. For others, the change may be quite subtle.
Your anatomy, muscle movement and treatment placement all play a role in the result. A consultation with Dr. Zieber is the best opportunity to discuss what you would like to change and whether a lip flip makes sense for you.
Lip Flip vs. Filler: What's the Difference?
The main difference between a lip flip and lip filler comes down to how the treatment creates its effect.
Lip Flip
Lip Filler
If you want a more visible upper lip without adding filler, a lip flip may be something to discuss with Dr. Zieber. If your primary goal is increased lip volume, filler is a different treatment approach.
Which option makes sense depends on your lips, muscle movement and what you want to change.
How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?
How long does a lip flip last? Dr. Zieber explains that a lip flip typically lasts about two to three months.
The treatment uses a smaller amount of neuromodulator than is typically used for many other cosmetic treatments, which is one reason the effect is shorter-lived.
The neuromodulator also takes some time to work. Dr. Zieber notes that it takes a few days for the treatment to begin taking effect, so the change is not immediate.
What Is the Lip Flip Treatment Like?
A lip flip involves small injections into the upper lip area. Since the upper lip can be sensitive, the injections may be uncomfortable.
Dr. Zieber notes that an ice pack can help with the discomfort.
After treatment, it takes several days for the neuromodulator to begin working. As the muscle relaxes, the upper lip can gradually begin to sit and move differently.
Is a Lip Flip Right for You?
A lip flip isn't intended to create significant lip volume. If you are looking for a substantial increase in lip size, a lip flip may not provide the type of change you have in mind.
It may be worth discussing if you like the shape of your lips but want a little more of your upper lip to show, particularly when you smile.
During a consultation, Dr. Zieber can look at how your upper lip moves and talk with you about what you would like to achieve. From there, you can determine whether a lip flip is an appropriate treatment for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lip flip add volume to your lips?
Not in the same way that lip filler does. A lip flip uses a neuromodulator to relax the upper-lip muscle, allowing the lip to roll outward slightly. This can make the upper lip appear a little fuller or more visible.
How long does it take for a lip flip to work?
It takes a few days for the neuromodulator to begin taking effect. The change develops as the upper-lip muscle relaxes.
Is a lip flip painful?
A lip flip involves small injections into the upper lip, which can be uncomfortable. Dr. Zieber notes that an ice pack can help with discomfort.
How long does a lip flip last?
Dr. Zieber explains that a lip flip generally lasts about two to three months. The duration can vary between individuals.
Can a lip flip reduce how much gum shows when I smile?
It can. Relaxing the upper-lip muscle may keep the lip from curling under as much when you smile, which can reduce how much upper gum is visible.
Is a lip flip the same as lip filler?
No. A lip flip uses a neuromodulator to relax the muscle around the upper lip. Lip filler adds volume to the lip. They create different types of changes.
Will my lips look dramatically different after a lip flip?
A lip flip is intended to create a subtle change. Rather than significantly increasing lip volume, the treatment changes how the upper lip sits and moves.
Call De Luz Medical Aesthetics at 951-694-3600 to schedule a consultation.