What is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a non-invasive treatment aimed at increasing the fullness of the upper lip. The treatment does not involve the injection of dermal fillers to enhance lip volume. There has been significant media attention recently about the lip flip procedure, with many celebrities choosing to have the procedure and talking about their experiences. The procedure involves the injection of neuromodulators into the facial muscles located close to the upper lip. The desired effect is to cause relaxation of these muscles, which results in the upper lip projecting outwards and upwards. This can give the impression of enhanced fullness of the upper lip. It is important to bear in mind that the actual volume of the lip has not changed. The injection of muscle relaxants is intended to alter the position of the lip so that more of the inner part of the lip is visible.

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Many people are naturally interested in a procedure which can enhance the appearance of the lips without the injection of lip filler. Lip filler injections most commonly involve the use of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, which are designed to plump up the lips. We have noticed a significant increase in enquiries about the lip flip treatment, and it has now emerged as a viable alternative to traditional lip filler injections using Juvederm, Belotero or Restylane.

Many people are unhappy about the appearance of a gummy smile and often choose to have a lip flip to reduce the amount of gum on show when smiling. Other reasons for having a lip flip include maintaining the visibility of the upper lip when smiling. Sometimes, people with thin lips may notice the upper lip disappearing when smiling. It is worth assessing first to see if you are suitable for the lip lift procedure. As part of the assessment, your aesthetic practitioner will assess your dentition as excessively small teeth that an excessively everted or outward-turning lip may conceal during facial movements such as speaking or smiling.

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Lip Lip Procedure

Lip flip treatment is conveniently undertaken as an outpatient and takes no more than 15 minutes to carry out. There is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure with no requirement for local anaesthetic injection. The treatment involves the injection of neurotoxin into three defined injection points. Two injection points are located on each side of the mouth, with the third injection point located in the middle of the upper lip, which is also known as Cupid’s bow. The injection containing muscle relaxant acts to cause muscle relaxation of the muscle surrounding the upper lip. This results in the upper lip evert or ‘flip’ outwards. This is why the procedure is called a lip flip. The procedure is designed to create the impression of enhancing the volume in the upper lip without the injection of lip fillers.

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Lip Flip Aftercare

Lip flip treatment does not require any time off work, and once the treatment is finished, patients can return to their regular daily routine immediately. Mild bruising, swelling, and localised redness around the injection sites are expected to occur, although this will resolve quickly. We would advise sleeping on your back in the first three days after treatment to prevent any pressure from being exerted on the treatment site. We would also advise excessively touching or massaging the lips, especially in the area where the injectable was placed, to prevent the spreading of the injection to unintended areas.

Lip flip results should be noticeable after 72 hours. Most patients can expect to see the final results of the treatment approximately two weeks later. A lip flip is designed to produce a pouty look that appears natural and in harmony with your facial features. This is compared with lip fillers, where excessive injection of lip fillers may result in an ‘overfilled’ look. This treatment has significantly increased in popularity due to its ability to produce natural-looking results lasting up to 3 months. After this time, top-up treatments will be required to maintain the results.

It is important to remember that a lip flip produces temporary effects, and after three months, repeat treatment will be needed. The procedure is not permanent. The treatment involves injecting tiny amounts of muscle relaxant into predefined injection points on either side of the mouth and in the midline of the upper lip. For patients who would like to achieve longer-lasting results of up to 12 months, we would recommend treatment with lip fillers. If you would like to achieve permanent results, a surgical lip lift procedure may be most appropriate to improve the upper lip’s projection permanently. Many patients choose to have further top-up injections after their initial lip flip treatment. When happy with the results, they often consider having a more permanent treatment such as a lip lift.

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Is a Lip Flip Safe?

Lip flip is a safe treatment with minimal risk of complications occurring as only very small quantities of injectables are placed into the upper lip. The risk of complications may increase significantly if you choose to have treatment by a beautician or other unqualified practitioners. In some cases, the muscles may become excessively relaxed due to injecting too much neurotoxin. This may result in functional symptoms, including difficulty in closing the mouth sufficiently, which may result in problems with drinking or articulating certain words while speaking. Drooling may also occur from the side of the mouth if the muscles have been excessively paralysed. Centre for Surgery only works with the most experienced aesthetic practitioners, many of whom have completed years of training in anti-ageing injectables. Any risks of treatment are therefore very low at Centre for Surgery. When considering injectable treatments, we always recommend thorough research and ensuring you are happy with your choice of aesthetic practitioner before proceeding with treatment.

Infrequent side effects of lip flip treatment may include fever and headache. By injecting only very small amounts with each treatment, the risk of these complications is very low. Every consultation at the Centre for Surgery involves a complete discussion of potential risks and complications associated with treatment. We recommend reflecting on all aspects of the consultation before choosing to have lip flip treatment at the Centre for Surgery in London.

Alternative Treatments to a Lip Flip

Although lip fillers are commonly used to enhance the volume of the lips, a lip flip is an excellent alternative for those not keen on injecting dermal filler into the lips. There are other non-invasive treatments designed to plump up the lips, including LipLase. LipLase is a non-invasive laser treatment designed for subtle enhancement in the volume of the lips without the need for needles or injections. Lip fillers remain the best treatment for enhancing the overall shape of the lips and improving symmetry. Vertical wrinkles found above the lips, also known as smoker lines, can be effectively treated with dermal filler. Lip fillers provide long-lasting lip enhancement results. Typical treatment durations are up to 12 months, depending on the filler injected before requiring top-up treatment. Choosing to have a lip flip is a great way to enhance the appearance of the upper lip. Treatment results last up to 3 months, so if you are unhappy with the appearance, the lip returns to its standard shape fairly quickly.

When you consult at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone, your practitioner will first perform a detailed clinical assessment followed by customised recommendations. You can then proceed with treatment on the same day or a future planned date to suit your preferences.