The “Lip Flip” is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed for subtle upper lip enhancement. This treatment creates the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding volume. The procedure gently rolls the upper lip outward, making more of the natural lip tissue visible.
The Anatomical Mechanism of the Procedure
The scientific basis of the Lip Flip relies on the temporary relaxation of a specific facial muscle using a neurotoxin, such as Botulinum Toxin Type A. This substance is precisely injected into the superficial fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle, the circular muscle surrounding the mouth. The injections are typically placed just above the vermillion border, the line separating the colored part of the lip from the surrounding skin.
By temporarily blocking nerve signals to this targeted area, the neurotoxin weakens the muscle’s ability to contract and pull the upper lip inward. The slight loss of downward tension allows the upper lip’s border to gently roll outward (evert), revealing a greater surface area of the pink lip tissue. This mechanism prevents the upper lip from thinning or disappearing when smiling, which also helps reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile.”
Distinguishing Results and Duration
The aesthetic outcome of a Lip Flip is subtle and distinct from the results achieved with dermal fillers. Unlike fillers, which use a hyaluronic acid-based gel to physically add volume, the Lip Flip merely changes the position of the existing lip tissue. This results in a more natural-looking enhancement, primarily focused on defining the lip shape and reducing gum visibility when smiling.
The longevity of the enhancement is tied to the duration of the neurotoxin’s effect on the hyperactive muscle. Because a small amount of the substance is used and the mouth muscles are highly active, the results are relatively short-lived. Patients can expect the effects to last between two and four months. Maintaining the effect requires regular repeat treatments, making the Lip Flip a temporary, low-commitment option.
Understanding Potential Negative Outcomes
While the goal of the procedure is a subtle, upward ‘flip,’ over-relaxation of the muscle can lead to the ‘flop.’ This occurs if too many units of the neurotoxin are administered or if the substance spreads slightly beyond the intended injection site. Since the orbicularis oris muscle is crucial for fundamental mouth movements, excessive relaxation can impair oral motor function.
Common temporary side effects include difficulty with actions requiring precise lip control, such as whistling, drinking from a straw, or holding fluids in the mouth. Patients may also experience slight slurring, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, or temporary drooling. These functional impairments are not permanent; the neurotoxin’s effects are temporary and will wear off as the body metabolizes the substance, typically resolving within two to four months.