It’s still early in the year, but we are already seeing emerging plastic surgery trends for 2022. While many of these reigned supreme in 2020 and 2021 as well, there is one that has been gaining a lot of steam these first two months: the lip flip.
What’s a Lip Flip?
If you are an avid TikTok user, you probably already know what the lip flip is. This med spa procedure has been featured prominently by TikTokers, with the hashtag #lipflip well on its way to 100 million views.
A lip flip makes your top lip look larger without actually adding volume.
But if you aren’t on the platform or have just not come across this content, here are the key facts. The lip flip is a procedure designed to make the upper lip look fuller without the need for fillers. Instead, a neuromodulator (BOTOX and its alternatives) is injected into the muscle above the top lip. This releases the tension in the muscle, allowing the lip to flip up, making it appear fuller.
While it gives the illusion of volume without fillers, you actually can combine filler with a lip flip. This can allow you to use less filler while still achieving the look you want. Many patients start with the lip flip, then augment with filler if they still want more of a boost.
What’s the Time and Cost Commitment with a Lip Flip
The exact price of a lip flip will depend on the provider you select. However, the cost can be as low as $150. Compare this to lip filler, which is about $700 for the lips.
Application takes about 15 minutes, so you can get a lip flip on your lunch break and still have time to eat. Results develop quickly but aren’t instant. In most cases, they develop over 3 to 5 days. You should enjoy the results for about 6 to 8 weeks before they start to fade.
Can Anyone Get a Lip Flip?
It isn’t ideal in all cases. For example, if you have a prominent cupid’s bow and love that feature, getting a lip flip will reduce it. If your lips are already of equal fullness, the lip flip can also create an imbalance since it only works on the top lip.
Additionally, your anatomy may just not be suited to the lip flip regardless of personal preference. If your lips don’t curl under when you smile, you likely aren’t suited to treatment.
Is There an Adjustment Period?
Yes. Because BOTOX paralyzes the muscle, getting a lip flip changes the way you use your lips to speak. Most people adjust their speech within a couple of days after the treatment. However, numbness can continue for about a week.
This numbness can be less than ideal, depending on the situation. For example, some people report a little drooling in the initial days and struggle with drinking. However, if your goal is a fuller top lip that doesn’t disappear when you smile, a few days of adjustment to get the look you want can be a solid trade-off.
Is a Lip Flip Better Than Fillers?
It all comes down to your goals. To figure out which treatment is the best fit for you, speak with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Reo Pugao, M.D., D.D.S., FACS is a facial cosmetic surgeon who focuses on facial aesthetic procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts, as well as nonsurgical treatments like BOTOX® and fillers. Dr. Pugao joined Martin Plastic Surgery in 2019, helping men and women in Las Cruces, New Mexico and beyond look and feel like the best possible version of themselves through his perfected blend of highly-skilled technique and an artistic eye.
