A lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses a small amount of botulinum toxin, such as Botox, to subtly enhance the upper lip’s appearance. The toxin is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle, the circular muscle surrounding the mouth. By relaxing the muscle fibers, the lip gently “flips” outward, making the pink vermillion border more visible. This creates the illusion of a fuller, more pronounced upper lip without adding volume. The procedure requires careful adherence to aftercare instructions, especially concerning smoking.
Why Smoking Is Strongly Discouraged
Smoking is discouraged immediately following a lip flip procedure due to both mechanical action and physical risks. The repeated pursing motion required to inhale from a cigarette or vape pen causes the orbicularis oris muscle to contract forcefully. This muscle contraction can potentially displace the freshly injected botulinum toxin before it has fully settled and integrated into the muscle tissue. Toxin displacement could negatively impact the final aesthetic result.
The injection sites on the lips are tiny, open wounds susceptible to infection. Introducing smoke, heat, and irritants directly to the treated area increases the risk of bacterial contamination and inflammation. Furthermore, the hand-to-mouth action of smoking introduces bacteria from the hands to the injection sites, raising the chance of developing an infection. Avoiding smoking for at least 24 to 48 hours protects the injection sites from irritation and prevents toxin migration.
How Nicotine Affects Botulinum Toxin Results
Beyond the mechanical and hygiene risks, the chemical components of tobacco smoke, particularly nicotine and carbon monoxide, interfere with the healing process and the longevity of the botulinum toxin results. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes the narrowing of blood vessels. This constriction reduces blood flow to the treatment area, depriving tissues of the oxygen and nutrients required for optimal healing.
When blood flow is compromised, the body’s ability to clear inflammation, heal the minor injection wounds, and integrate the toxin is impaired, leading to a delayed and less efficient recovery. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, displacing oxygen and reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. This chronic deprivation of oxygen and nutrients is believed to accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin structure. Ultimately, this can shorten the duration of the botulinum toxin’s effect, causing the results to fade sooner than the typical two to four months.
Essential Recovery and Timeline for Resuming Habits
The recommended waiting period for resuming smoking is a minimum of 48 to 72 hours, though some providers may suggest longer abstinence. This timeframe allows the injection sites to close and the toxin to fully bind to the muscle’s nerve receptors, stabilizing the treatment. Following other aftercare protocols is important to ensure the best possible outcome for your lip flip.
For 24 to 48 hours following the procedure, patients should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Avoid any action that causes the lips to pucker, such as drinking through a straw or whistling.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as increased blood pressure and heart rate can promote swelling and bruising.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to excessive heat, such as in saunas, hot tubs, or prolonged sun exposure, for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid lying face down or massaging the lip area to prevent toxin displacement.