If you’ve heard of the popular service called a “Lip Flip” but aren’t entirely sure what it is, you’re not alone! Don’t worry though, we’re here to explain all things lip flip: who it's for, how it’s different from other services, and whether or not it might be right for you. Class is in session!
Who is the right client for a lip flip?
To better understand how a lip flip works, it’s best to explain the type of client who is the best fit for a lip flip here in St. Pete at Coco Med Spa. The person who is most ideal for a lip flip tends to have a “gummy smile” due to their top lip tucking under and disappearing when smiling.
What exactly is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a technique performed with Botox or other neurotoxins that are injected into the top lip to relax the orbicularis muscle. This muscle, when hyperactive causes the lip to tuck under during a smile which makes the top lip look much smaller or conceals it entirely. Relaxing the muscle will help the lip point more forward instead of down when at rest. Then, during a smile, a top lip treated with a lip flip will just flatten against the teeth instead of tucking under. This gives the appearance of more volume. The purpose of this service is to remedy the hyperactive orbicularis muscle. In this case, filler is not the answer because the orbicularis, without treatment, can still tuck in a top lip with only filler and make it appear smaller than it is.
What is the difference between a lip flip and lip filler?
Although sometimes you can be a candidate for both lip filler and a lip flip, they are not the same. In some cases, even after relaxing the muscle and preventing the lip tuck, more volume is needed. In that event, a lip filler is done and then the lips are evaluated for filler afterward.
The major difference between a lip flip and lip filler is that they are two entirely different types of injectables. A lip flip is performed with Botox at our spa in St. Pete (or other neurotoxins) and lip filler is performed with hyaluronic acid filler. Also, the time between treatments varies greatly. Lip flips need maintenance about every 6-8 weeks, while lip filler can last a year or more. There are also dramatic differences in the price of each treatment. When it comes to results and healing time, there aren’t many similarities either. A lip flip takes about 10 days for results to kick in whereas lip filler corrects volume immediately. There’s less downtime with a lip flip, and filler generally creates bruising and swelling for several days after treatment.
When it comes to correcting a disappearing upper lip, remember that lip filler is only adding more volume. If a hyperactive orbicularis is your issue, more volume won’t correct your concern. However, a lip flip with Botox at Coco Med Spa in St. Pete will prevent that lip from curling up, correcting the disappearing lip and giving the look of more volume. Ready to see if a lip flip is right for you? Schedule your consultation today!