Supple lips have been one of the defining traits of beauty for the past decade, with entire cosmetic empires built on the trend. Associated with youth and sensuality, full lips can enhance facial symmetry and balance, contributing to an overall attractive appearance. As a result, interest in lip augmentation procedures have been at an all-time high.
A lip flip is an excellent way to achieve fuller lips without any surgery or downtime. If you’re deciding whether this procedure is right for you, here’s an overview of how it works, and what kind of results you can expect.
What is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to increase lip fullness without adding volume to the lips. Instead of using dermal fillers to plump up the lips, a lip flip simply uses Botox or a similar neuromodulator injected into the corners of the mouth to relax the muscles around the lips. This temporary relaxation of the muscles pulls the upper lip down and allows it to flip upward, exposing more of the upper lip and allowing the mouth to appear larger.
The effects of a lip flip are subtle and natural-looking, improving proportions by helping thin upper lips more closely match the fullness of bottom lips. The results of this procedure typically last between two to five months — the same length of time as a Botox procedure to relax fine lines and wrinkles.
The natural beauty of a lip flip
Whenever people think of lip augmentation, the most common procedure that comes to mind is the use of dermal fillers. However, this approach to volumizing lips comes with several inherent risks.
One potential risk is overfilling, which can lead to an unnatural and exaggerated appearance of the lips. Another possibility is the formation of lumps under the skin, creating an unwanted texture that undermines your aesthetic goals. Filler migration can also create lip asymmetry, resulting in more undesirable proportions. In addition, lip fillers tend to have a longer recovery time than Botox, including the potential for prolonged swelling.
As a simple Botox or neuromodulator injection, lip flips are an alternative option for patients who want more minimal yet effective results compared to lip fillers. The solution offers a number of benefits, including:
- More natural-looking results. A lip flip provides a subtle enhancement to lip appearance without adding any actual volume. Relaxing the muscles around the lips allows them to look naturally fuller without the exaggerated or over-plumped appearance that can come from lip fillers.
- Lower risk of side effects. Lip fillers involve injecting foreign materials under the skin to create volume, while a lip flip simply relaxes facial muscles with neuromodulators. As a result, the procedure carries a reduced risk of side effects, making it a safer option for some individuals.
- Less discomfort and recovery time. Since a lip flip doesn’t add volume with injections, the procedure is generally less invasive and painful, with minimal discomfort both during and after the treatment. As a result, lip flips have a shorter recovery time, allowing for a quicker return to daily activities.
- Temporary results. The effects of a lip flip are temporary, lasting only a few months, which offers patients the flexibility to adjust their lip appearance or explore different options in the future. This makes the lip flip an ideal choice for younger patients who want less permanent results.
Achieving facial harmony with a lip flip
Lip augmentations are among the most popular cosmetic procedures as patients try to achieve fuller and more defined lips. Fortunately, not all augmentations require the use of invasive surgeries or even semi-permanent fillers. The lip flip procedure has emerged as an attractive option for those seeking natural-looking results with a lower risk of side effects.
Regardless of the procedure a patient chooses, working with skilled and experienced plastic surgeons is crucial to achieving safe and satisfying results. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Murphy and the team at Palm Beach Facial Plastic Surgery who have decades of experience in natural aesthetics and can tailor treatments to maximize facial balance and harmony.
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