Lip Flip

The so-called “ideal” lip proportion is a 2:1 ratio of the height of the lower lip to the height of the upper lip. As we age, the upper lip becomes longer. Restoring a more youthful lip contour can be accomplished in a number of ways:

• Lip filler to try to increase the height of the upper and lower lips
• Lip lift to surgically remove several millimeters from the upper lip to shorten and slightly evert it (flip it out slightly)
• Upper lip neurotoxin (BotoxÒ, DysportÒ, or XeominÒ) to try to lift the upper red lip and shorten the white lip by paralyzing the orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle that allows us to close the mouth and pucker)

The lip flip is a great option for someone who wants an easy procedure that is relatively inexpensive ($90-$170 depending on the number of units used) and provides predictable results with no downtime. The lip flip involves placing anywhere from 6-12 units of neurotoxin in the orbicularis oris muscle. Over the ensuing 5-14 days, the upper lip becomes slightly weakened (it may be difficult to pucker or to use a straw), the vertical upper lip lines are softened, and the upper lip flips outward exposing more of the red lip to make the red portion of the upper lip look bigger and therefore the upper white part of the lip therefore look shorter. It is great for people whose upper lip tends to “disappear” with smiling.

The lip lift effect lasts anywhere from 1-4 months depending on each person’s metabolism and how much they move their upper lip. The procedure can be repeated every few months. The mild noticeable upper lip weakness generally only lasts about a month and disappears before the positive effect of the neurotoxin wears off.