Botox “Lip Flip” May Be Latest Trend in Injectables, But…

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In case this craze has somehow slipped past you unnoticed, let us please inform you: lip enhancement is one of the MOST popular aesthetic treatments being sought after these days. Every age, every gender, every nationality. People are flocking to their nearest injection providers for a prettier pout.

These treatments are most commonly performed with dermal-fillers such as Juvéderm, Volbella, Vollure, and Restylane. However as the demand for this treatments increases — injection providers are discovering new ways to utilize the available products at hand, and various ways to try and differentiate themselves from everyone else. Enter Botox (and Dysport) into the arena.

When used in a particular way, Botox / Dysport can also slightly shape up the lips to create a “poutier look.”

“When used alone, or in combination with fillers, a few units of Botox injected at the lip line helps give a subtle plumping effect by flipping out the lip line, which contributes to the overall appearance of a fuller, sexier lip,” shares injector Lauren Adamski at About Face Skin Care in Philadelphia.

Please keep in mind though, dermal-filler and Botox / Dysport are not the same, and do not bring the same results.

Filler adds volume, which makes the lip appear larger by literally making it bigger. Botox / Dysport relaxes muscles around the mouth (the “orbicularis oris) and rolls the lip outward (i.e. “flipping” it), creating the illusion of a bigger lip — without adding any volume. 

For the Botox Lip Flip, Botox is strategically injected into sections of the orbicularis oris to target “only the superficial layers of the muscle at the side of the upper and lower lip to relax the muscle fibers enough to flip the lip outward without affecting the function of the muscle,” says master-injector Nicole Ciasullo, also from Philadelphia’s About Face Skin Care.

If the procedure, which takes less than a minute to administer, sounds complicated, that’s because it is — and should only be done by board-certified professionals.

It is important to see an experienced provider for this treatment because there can be some unforeseen complications with this. “The tricky thing is that if you use too much product, your mouth will not move properly,” Ciasullo says. “Your lips would look really smooth, but your mouth wouldn’t move. Like, if your dosage is too high for this treatment, you may not be able to use a drinking-straw for a few months.”

To avoid the whole not-being-able-to-move-your-pretty-mouth situation, Ciasullo recommends very modest, controlled amounts of product.

The Botox Lip Flip requires about 10 units (or less) of Botox (a very small amount when compared to fillers), and due to the tiny doses — results of this treatment usually last about two to four months. Prices will vary based on your provider and location, but generally fall within $130 to $250 per session.