What is a Lip Flip?

With the advent of social media and remote meetings, more people are considering lip augmentation. Not only are women enjoying the benefits of these cosmetic treatments, but men are also opting to add a little interest to their lips. At Port City Plastic Surgery, Dr. Widenhouse offers the most popular options for lip augmentation, including the latest lip enhancement technique – the lip flip procedure.

Types of Lip Augmentation

The goal of lip augmentation is to enhance the shape and size of the upper and lower lips. Because each person has a different vision for the results of the treatment, Dr. Widenhouse uses several techniques.

• Fillers: Traditional lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid that adds volume and softness to the lips by increasing the amount of water in the skin. It can be used for subtle enhancement or a more pronounced lip shape.
• Implants: Silicone implants produce the most dramatic results for lip augmentation. They’re placed during a quick cosmetic procedure through incisions in the corners of the mouth.
• Fat transfer: Small amounts of purified fat from your own body is used to add lip volume and shape.

What is the Lip Flip?

The lip flip is an innovative solution for men and women. Normally, the position of your upper lip is held in place by the orbicularis oris, or your upper lip muscle. Relaxing this muscle using Botox treatment allows the lip to flip upward slightly, and this gives the illusion of a fuller upper lip. The Botox lip flip is an ideal solution for men and women who want a fuller upper lip without adding volume to the lip itself. It can also help correct a gummy smile by exposing more of the teeth when you smile.

Lip Flip vs. Lip Augmentation with Fillers

Although both techniques fall under the category of lip augmentation, lip flips and fillers correct different issues. Lip flips essentially makes your upper lip look wider and broader by exposing more pink area. Additionally, this technique is less invasive because fewer injections are needed. Lip flip results take up to seven days. Lip fillers add volume to give you a pouty appearance, soften lines around your mouth, and enhance facial balance. Results are immediate.

How Lip Flips Work

The lip flip procedure only takes a few minutes. Dr. Widenhouse uses an injectable that contains botulinum toxin A, such as Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin®. An injection is made with a thin needle directly into the orbicularis oris muscle that is just above your upper lip. The muscle takes time to fully relax, so you see gradual changes over the next week. No recovery or downtime is needed, and side effects include only minor swelling. It creates minimal discomfort and can be performed with a topical numbing cream if needed.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?

Lip flips generally last as long as the botulinum toxin A temporarily relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, which is typically four to six months. You can maintain the results of your lip flip treatment by having follow-up injections every four months.

Lip Flip in Charleston, SC

With so many nonsurgical cosmetic treatment options available for your lip augmentation, you may not know if lip flipping is right for you. Rather than guess on your own and risk being unhappy with the results, entrust your care to Port City Plastic Surgery. Contact us today to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Widenhouse.