Lip flips may be trending on social media, but are you a good candidate? 

Trends in the plastic surgery world are often brought about by influencers on social media - once you’ve seen a certain procedure done successfully multiple times, it starts to stick and interest increases. The conversation surrounding such trends is made possible by platforms such as Instagram and Tik Tok, for example Lip Flips are currently a huge trend in cosmetic procedures - it is not a new concept at all, it has just been given far more exposure in recent times and therefore popularity has increased. 

WHAT IS A LIP FLIP?

The lip flip is a relatively new option in lip augmentation and, similarly to using fillers, involves injectables being placed into the lip to create a fuller appearance.

LIP LIFT PROCEDURE - WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? 

The lip flip is a quick, non-surgical procedure simply consisting of injections being placed into the muscles above the upper lip. No anaesthetic is required for the procedure and it takes minutes to achieve.  The injectables placed into the orbicularis oris muscles causes them to relax, the lip then naturally ‘flips’ slightly outwards to create a fuller effect using only the existing lip itself. The effects are noticeable very quickly - it takes only 5-7 days to see the full effects of the lip flip procedure and they last for around 3-4 months (metabolism depending). 

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE FOR A LIP LIFT?

Great news! There isn’t any recovery time. The only possible thing that may take a little getting used to is sipping through a straw or other reasons to tightly pucker the lips, but this won’t take long to rectify itself. You may experience very mild swelling or bruising which will also pass rapidly. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIP FILLERS AND A LIP LIFT?

Lip fillers add volume to the lip whereas the lip lift simply uses the existing volume by pushing it forward to create a fuller effect. The natural size of your lip does not change with a lip lift, it is just shifted to make it look more plump and pronounced.  Both procedures last for around the same amount of time and sometimes the practitioner may suggest a combination of the two to achieve optimal results. 

HOW DOES A LIP FLIP LOOK?

As mentioned above the lip lift uses an injection to relax the muscles in the upper lip, which then causes the lip itself to flip forwards. This creates a subtle, fuller looking lip and a more pronounced profile as it protrudes forward slightly more than before. Obviously all people will get a different result depending on their existing lip. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LIP FLIP? 

With the lip flip there’s no recovery time, no anaesthetic, no drastic alteration, minimal swelling or side effects, the result is rapid, and it is affordable.  If you aren’t happy with the outcome - within 3-4 months you can choose to do it differently, or not at all! 

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A LIP FLIP?

If you have a ‘gummy’ smile, are unhappy with ageing lip lines (barcode lines), want a subtle (yet obvious to you) change, want a fuller lip but would rather not have surgery, or prefer not to have fillers to alter the size of your lips, then yes this could be the option for you. 

Lip flips are an ideal solution for someone whose muscle around the mouth area pulls the lip in or under, or when smiling the lip is pulled up high. This overactive muscle is weakened by the injectable and therefore the lip movement reduced / relaxed resulting in a more attractive smile. 

IS A LIP FLIP SAFE?

Yes, a lip flip is safe, it is just the same as any similar injection. There is a very slight risk that the smile could become asymmetric - however, this is minimal. Ensure that you choose a board-certified, experienced practitioner to carry out the procedure. 

You may experience very minimal bruising just at the site where the injection was placed, this should heal within 1-2 days. 

DOES A LIP FLIP LAST FOREVER?

No, the lip flip will only last as long as the injectable stays in your system. The body will naturally ‘outgrow’, or reject, it over time. Most people see results for up to 3-4 months, but it varies from person to person depending on their individual metabolic rate.