Pros & Cons of the Popular “Lip Flip,” According to Dr. Jay Lucas

If you’ve been reading online or scrolling social media lately to learn about non-surgical enhancements to your facial features, chances are you have heard the popular term “lip flip.”

The lip flip is an emerging trend of using BOTOX® or a similar product around the corners and edges of the mouth and lip area to create an upward flip, which can give the appearance of fuller lips without changing their actual volume or structure.

So, is a lip flip worth getting? 

To help you consider the pros and cons and pick a procedure or treatment that’s right for you, here’s a glance at Dr. Jay Lucas’s perspective and expertise on the issue . . . 

Pros & Cons of Lip Flips

Spoiler alert: this is not a procedure Dr. Lucas typically offers his patients (more on his preferred approach below). However, there are a few benefits to a lip flip that are only fair to mention. 

The Pros:

• By relaxing the muscles above the upper lip, a lip flip can help visibly improve:
  • Upper lips curling inward
  • Upper lips disappearing when smiling
  • A “gummy smile” (too much of the upper gums showing when smiling)
• Lip flips may also be cheaper than injectable fillers, depending on where you go.

The Cons:

• Paralytic products like BOTOX® may not last as long as fillers due to the frequent use of the mouth to talk, eat, etc.
• If too much BOTOX® is used, it can be difficult to use your upper lip properly until the product wears off (you might tend to drool or have difficulty properly using a straw). 
• If you don’t like the results, you have to wait for the paralytic to wear off, which could take anywhere from two to five months. 

Dr. Lucas’s Preferred Solution for Enhanced Lips

If you want to achieve the look of fuller lips, the lip flip is only one option. For the best results, Dr. Lucas recommends using soft filler agents instead:

“Since a lip flip requires ongoing maintenance just like fillers, you might as well opt for filler to get a more natural-looking increase in volume. Pouty, plump lips call for a soft filler agent to look most natural, versus a paralytic which simply relaxes the muscles and may not last as long.” – Dr. Jay Lucas, board-certified plastic surgeon

Making the Best Choice for You

Every face, mouth, and person is unique. Your needs and desired results are, too. That’s why Dr. Lucas always recommends consulting with a trusted professional to choose the best product or treatment for you. 

When you come for a consultation at The Lucas Center, we take the time to get to know you, set you at ease, and assess your unique anatomy before proceeding with any treatment. When you’re ready, you can call us at (865) 217-0572 or connect with us online to explore personalized, lasting options for the results you want!