Do you also notice that your upper lip bulges when you smile? Or do you feel like your lips are turning inward when you talk or smile? You may have heard of a solution called "Lip Flip" as a solution for this. Although many people confuse this with lip fillers , these are two completely different treatments. So, let's talk about this today, strictly from a medical perspective, but in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this Lip Flip?
A Lip Flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a very small amount of a drug called Botulinum Toxin into the muscles around your upper lip (specifically the orbicularis oris muscle). You may have heard of it under brand names like Botox and Dysport.
This medication works by temporarily relaxing that muscle. Think of it like loosening a tight rubber band. What happens is that your upper lip, which is curled inward, slowly flips up and starts to look outward. This gives your lips a natural, fuller look without adding anything to them. It doesn't add volume to your lips, but it does make them look better.
Typically, the results of a Lip Flip last between two and five months . This time can vary from person to person. There are several factors that affect this:
- Your body's metabolic rate
- your age
- Your lifestyle and overall health
- The amount of medication used by the doctor
Lip Flip and Lip Filler: Don't confuse them! Two!
Many people think that these two are the same. But that is wrong. The purposes and functions of these two are completely different. A Lip Flip is to highlight and show off the shape of your natural lips. But a Lip Filler is to inject a substance into the lips and increase their volume and size.
Simply put, Lip Flip gives your lips a "makeover." Lip Filler makes your lips "bigger."
Let's understand this difference more clearly from the table below.
| Comparison point | Lip Flip | Lip Filler |
|---|---|---|
| Material used | Botulinum Toxin | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Main objective | Relaxing the lip muscles and enhancing the appearance of the lips | Adding volume and enlargement to the lips |
| Result | Very subtle, natural look | A clearer, fuller look |
| Treatment time | About 10-20 minutes | About 30-45 minutes |
| Time to see results | Starts in a few days, full results are visible in 1-2 weeks | Results are visible immediately. |
| Durability | About 2-5 months | 8-12 months or more |
Reasons why someone might want to do a Lip Flip
There may be various reasons why someone might seek this treatment.
- As a solution to a "Gummy Smile": This is a condition where the upper lip rises too high when smiling, exposing too much gum. Lip Flip relaxes the muscles of the upper lip, controlling the upward movement of the lip when smiling.
- For lips that turn inward when smiling: Some people's lips turn inward when they smile and become thin. This is a good solution for that too.
- Reduce the appearance of aging: This treatment also helps reduce fine lines (lip lines or smokers' lines) that appear above the upper lip as we age.
- For those afraid of fillers: Some people are reluctant to use fillers to enlarge their lips. For them, Lip Flip is a great alternative to add beauty to their lips in a less expensive, less invasive way.
Who is this treatment best suited for?
Before getting a lip flip, it's important to know if you're a good candidate for it. Generally, it's possible for a healthy person to have it done. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Are you allergic to botulinum toxin ? If so, you cannot do this.
- Have you had lip surgery recently?
- This treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do you have an infection around your lips, such as cold sores, acne, or other skin conditions? If so, you should wait until it heals.
Another important thing is that if you have a special occasion coming up, like a wedding or a photo shoot, it's risky to do this about two weeks in advance. Because if the result doesn't turn out the way you expected, there's no time to fix it. Therefore, it's wise to plan something like this at least a month in advance.
What to expect during a Lip Flip?
If you decide to have a lip flip, be sure to choose a doctor who is experienced and qualified in this field .
Before treatment
Your doctor will talk to you about your health and your expectations. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescription or over-the-counter), vitamins, and any allergies you have. About a week before your treatment,
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen (after talking to your doctor).
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
During treatment
Keep your face clean during the treatment. The area around your lips will be cleaned with an antiseptic. If you are worried about pain, you can apply a numbing cream.
The doctor then uses a very fine needle to inject the medicine into several specific areas above the upper lip. You will only feel a slight sting, like a small ant sting. A few drops of blood may come out. The entire treatment will take no more than 10-20 minutes.
After treatment
After the treatment, you will be observed for about 20 minutes to see if there are any allergic reactions. Then you can go home. When you go home,
- Apply ice to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours.
- If you have pain, take Paracetamol. Do not take anything like Aspirin/Ibuprofen.
- Avoid facials or facial massages for two weeks.
What are the risks and side effects?
Although botulinum toxin is generally a safe drug, there are some risks with any injectable treatment.
Commonly seen minor side effects:
- Minor bruising, swelling, or soreness at the injection site.
- Some people may get a headache or fever.
Because Lip Flip changes the function of the lip muscles, you may experience some discomfort during the first two weeks , such as:
- Difficulty pronouncing some words.
- Difficulty eating with a spoon.
- Difficulty drinking liquids through a straw.
- Difficulty in spitting out saliva when brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth.
- Inability to close the lips.
- Inability to whistle.
Most of these discomforts are temporary. But you may not be happy with the results. Maybe the difference is very subtle, or you may not like the way it looks. Remember, the results of this are irreversible, but they are not permanent either. If you don't like it, you will have to wait a few months for the medication to wear off.
When to seek immediate medical advice
These are very rare, but serious symptoms. They can occur if the injected toxin spreads to other parts of the body. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
- Extreme weakness in the muscles of the body
- Vision changes (such as double vision)
Take-Home Message
- Lip Flip is a non-surgical treatment that relaxes the muscles of the upper lip, giving the lips a fuller appearance. It does not add volume to the lips.
- This is a good solution for a gummy smile and fine lines above the lips.
- This is a more subtle, temporary (2-5 months), and less expensive alternative to lip fillers.
- Be sure to choose only a qualified, experienced doctor for this treatment.
- Discuss all of your health information and medications with your doctor before treatment. It is not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with certain neuromuscular diseases (such as `myasthenia gravis`).
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