Pros: How you may benefit from the Botox lip flip

1. The lip flip subtly defines your upper lip

The primary benefit of the Botox lip flip is the subtle enhancement to your upper lip. Your lip will gain a sloped, ski jump-like aesthetic that defines your existing vermillion border (the edge of the lip). This creates the illusion that your lips are more plump.

2. Stops vertical lip lines that form above the upper lip

The lip flip can also have a wrinkle-reducing effect on your upper lip, smoothing vertical lip lines.

2. The lip flip can stop your gums from showing when you smile

If you have a “gummy smile,” or your gums show when you smile, specialized injections may relax your lip elevator muscles so that less of your gums show when you smile.

3. The lip flip allows more of your lip to show when you smile

Your muscles normally pull your upper lip tight when you grin, but a lip flip allows more of your lip to show when you are smiling.

4. The lip flip is more affordable than lip filler

While a full syringe of lip filler costs between $500 and $1000, the Botox lip flip typically requires only 4-6 units of Botox, which cost between $10 and $15 each. While Botox to treat an area of facial wrinkles may require as many as 50 units of Botox, a Botox lip flip will likely cost less than $100.

5. Requires zero downtime

After your Botox injections, you can immediately return to your normal activities.

6. The lip flip is temporary, lasting about 3-4 months

If you are experimenting with lip enhancement, the lip flip allows you a low-stakes treatment, as the results will wear off in 3-4 months.

Cons: Reasons you may not want the Botox lip flip

1. The results may be too subtle

The lip flip enhances the existing shape of your upper lip, letting the vermillion border roll outward very slightly. This result is subtle — especially when you are not smiling — and may be disappointing if you are hoping for a noticeable change in your lip shape or size.

2. You may have trouble spitting, whistling, and pronouncing certain words

Because Botox stops the muscle from moving normally, you may have difficulty doing some or all of the following as the Botox takes effect:

• Spitting, i.e. after brushing your teeth
• Whistling
• Eating with a spoon
• Drinking through a straw
• Rubbing your lips together, i.e. after applying lip balm
• Pronouncing certain words

If you sing, teach, talk, or lecture for a living, carefully weigh the risk of having temporarily impaired lip function against the benefit of a defined lip.