A lip flip is a quick non-surgical procedure that uses anti-wrinkle injectables to help relax the top lip and “flip” it out. This stops your upper lip from flipping when you smile. It’s a great alternative to those not wishing to get lip filler and to achieve a subtle, natural-looking lip enlargement. The treatment involves a few injections into the muscle above the lip border. This relaxes the muscle around the mouth (the orbicularis oris muscle) which gently rolls out the top lip. The end result is a subtly, sexy pout with the illusion of more volume.
The effects of your lip flip will become apparent a few days following your treatment, with the full results visible after two weeks. This treatment is a non-permanent solution that typically lasts around three to four months in most patients. The procedure itself takes around 10 minutes to complete, is relatively painless and does not require any numbing. Please allow 60 minutes for your lip flip injectable appointment.
Benefits of Lip Flip
- Fast-acting results – You’ll notice the results from your lip flip within 2 weeks of treatment and all the way up to 3-4 months.
- Trial bigger lips – If you’ve been thinking about getting lip filler but don’t want to commit to 8-18 months of results, lip flip provides a practical means to trial a new look. You can get a feel for your results and after three months you can decide whether you’d like to repeat the lip flip, get lip filler or undergo both treatments together.
- Cost-effective – Starting at $50 per treatment, lip flip offers noticeable results at a portion of the cost of lip filler.
- Low risk and proven – Muscle relaxing injections have been used all over the world and pose minimal risk of complications. It is a neurotoxin which is low risk when administered by an experienced and licensed professional.
- Comfortable – This treatment is minimally invasive and relatively painless. If you have a low pain threshold we can use either a topical anaesthetic, vibrational therapy or both to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
What Can Be Improved With Lip Flip?
Upper Lip Size
While lip flip doesn’t actually add volume to your top lip, it creates the appearance of more volume. This is effectively done by flipping your top lip so that it turns upward resulting in increased visibility and a ‘plump’ effect.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you have a small upper lip that you’d like to appear bigger, or your top lip rolls inward when you smile – you’re likely to benefit from this cosmetic treatment.
To see if you’re a suitable candidate, book a free consultation with our registered nurse.
What to Expect
Your treatment begins with a consultation. In this appointment, you’ll be invited to share what you hope to achieve with a lip flip. If you hope to see any of the improvements outlined above, your nurse will assess your lips and determine the appropriate amount of product to use. If you’re hoping for extra volume that isn’t attainable with a lip flip alone, lip filler may also be recommended to you.
The products used will be explained to you in a detail and you will get to choose which is suitable for you. The risks of this procedure and any downtime and specific aftercare instructions will be explained to you in detail.
Once the consultation is complete and you have decided to continue with the treatment, you will have your photos taken. These will be stored confidentially for our injector to assess your progress. Then, your treatment can begin.
First, the area above your lip will be cleaned thoroughly with a medical-grade cleaning solution. Then, your injector will inject a few small strategically placed anti-wrinkle injections around the lip border into the orbicularis oris muscle. Once your treatment is complete, you will receive specific aftercare instructions and a complimentary follow-up appointment will be arranged within the next fortnight.
Lip Flip Frequently Asked Questions
Is lip flip the same as lip filler?
Anti-wrinkle injections to flip the lip and lip filler are not the same. Lip flip injections roll the lip slightly outward to give the effect of more volume while lip filler adds volumes and increases the size of the lips. Lip flip results last for a significantly shorter time compared to lip filler results.
Are lip flip results immediate?
You will be able to notice the results of your lip flip 2 weeks following your treatment.
How long does it take?
The best thing about the lip flip treatment is how quick it is. It takes less than five minutes to administer, making it great for those that are short on time.
How often will I need this treatment?
The results of your lip flip will last between 3-4 months so to maintain your results it’s recommended that you have follow-up appointments every three months.
Do I need a consultation?
Yes. This is a prescription treatment and you will need confirmation from a doctor to proceed. You will first consult with your registered nurse and they will liaise with Dr Doyle to authorise treatment. All injectable consultations at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery are free of charge.
Does lip flip hurt?
You may feel a slight pinch as the anti-wrinkle product is injected, but it is fairly tolerable. If you are concerned about the pain, you can ask your nurse to apply a topical anaesthetic or use vibrational therapy to make your experience more comfortable.
What’s the recovery period like?
Lip flip requires little downtime, allowing you to resume your daily tasks immediately after injection. You may experience slight bruising of the injection site but this will resolve within a few days.
What are the risks?
A lip flip generally has minimal risks. However, potential side effects might include:
- Temporary Bruising or Swelling
- Uneven Smile
- Temporary Changes in Lip Sensation
- Unintended Muscle Effects
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to have a consultation to discuss potential risks and your individual suitability for a lip flip. Choosing an experienced injector helps minimise the likelihood of complications.
What products do you use?
Please note that due to TGA guidelines, we are unable to advertise the brand names of anti-wrinkle injectables on our website. However, we stock the leading brands of all anti-wrinkle injectables and are able to discuss these freely during your consultation.
How much does it cost?
This depends on you as an individual and how strong your orbicularis oris muscle is. Treatment typically starts at $50.
Are there any downsides?
Lip flip may not be effective for some people. If you play a musical instrument or make speeches in your daily life, you may not like the feeling of your top lip being relaxed.
How do I book?
You can book your injectables appointment by calling us on 5598 0988 during clinic hours or by submitting an enquiry form on our website.
