TikTok has done it again. The video-sharing platform has made another lip-enhancing procedure viral, with over 65 million views tagged with #lipflip. Not to be confused with a lip lift, the lip flip treatment uses injectables like Botox to make the upper lip flip. Whereas a lip lift uses injectables made with hyaluronic fillers that add volume and shape to lips, making them look lifted.
Still a little fuzzy on what makes these two lip enhancing treatments different?
Not to worry because we explain what a lip flip is and what's involved with the procedure. But, to better understand what a lip flip is, you need to know why people are getting this procedure done in the first place.
Before we describe what a lip flip is, it's important to know why people are getting this non-surgical lip enhancement procedure done.
It has to do with how your upper lip reacts when you smile. The center of a lip naturally stretches when the muscle contracts into a smile, but for some people, the upper lip not only stretches but tucks under, causing the lips to be thinner. A person with a "gummy" smile would be ideal for a lip flip. You see the gums above your teeth more than your actual lips when smiling.
A lip flip procedure uses neuromodulators (substances that deactivate the signal for muscle movement) to help relax the upper lip.
A lip flip is a non-invasive procedure involving a neuromodulator injectable, such as Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. These injectables use an active ingredient, botulinum toxin Type A, a bacteria that causes botulism and blocks nerve activity in the muscles. The injection goes directly into the center of the upper lip muscle (orbicularis oris), relaxing the muscle to not tuck under when a person smiles and instead stays flipped.
The goal for a lip flip is to stop the upper lip muscle from moving but to stay flipped. And the most commonly known and used injectables to make muscles move less would be Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport.
Here is a brief description of each neuromodulator injectable:
Botox was the first botulinum toxin Type A injectable for cosmetic use and is still the most recognizable brand in its category. The FDA approved the use of Botox for fine lines and wrinkles back in 1989 and since then has been approved to address migraines, TMJ, and sweat glands for under the arms.
Xeomin is also an FDA-approved botulinum toxin Type A injectable. Its claim to fame is the non-additive or preservative formulation compared to other injectables in the market. It's known as the "naked Botox" injectable, but even without the preservatives, it's just as effective as Botox.
Dysport has also been approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles and creases, but the formulation uses smaller molecules, allowing the injection to spread quicker in the treated area. Dysport produces final results in half the time compared to Botox or Xeomin.
Each of these neuromodulator injectables can be used for a lip flip treatment. It's mainly the patient's preference of which injection they feel the most comfortable injecting into their body. But with any cosmetic procedure, it's recommended to consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon before making a final decision.
A lip flip procedure is an outpatient doctor's visit that typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete. The cosmetic surgeon will ask the patient to smile and pretend to whistle so they can observe how much of the upper lip disappears in motion. The surgeon will then make the injection directly into the center of the lip muscle.
Patients might notice slight swelling but should dissipate within a few hours of the procedure. The final results of the treatment typically take 7-9 days, unless Dysport was used, which takes 3-4 days for the final results to appear.
A lip flip treatment does not produce permanent results, and the lasting effect will depend on which botulinum toxin injectable is used. But in general, results typically last 3-6 months.
Most cosmetic medical offices offer a maintenance program, so patients have their appointments scheduled in advance to maintain the results.
Thanks to the micro-video testimonials found on TikTok, you can view countless TikTokers trying out this lip enhancement procedure.
A lip flip is an ideal solution for someone a bit self-conscious of their smile or may have a "gummy" smile. This cosmetic procedure can help the muscles in your lips relax and stay flipped when you smile. Perfect for all the videos and pics you will share on social media.
We recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to examine your smile and discuss which injectable treatment is right for you.
To find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon experienced with a lip flip procedure use our “Find a Doctor” navigation tool for a medical professional in your area.
- VM
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