Botox© and other similar products can be placed in the upper lip to produce the effects of a non-surgical lip lift. The problem with this technique is that the effects tend to be minimal. There are also risks associated with asymmetry and temporary functional problems with the mouth. A surgical lip lift with or without filler (e.g., hyaluronic acid, fat) is usually a superior approach to addressing concerns about the upper lip. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck.
The Use of Botox© or Similar Products Around the Mouth is Considered Off-Label
The use of Botox© or similar products around the mouth is considered an off-label use because it is not an FDA-approved location. This is not necessarily the reason to not undergo treatment here. For example, the FDA did not approve Botox© for use in the forehead until 2017 though it had been used safely and off-label in this location for many years prior.
The Effects of a Lip Flip Tend to Be Minimal
Only 1 – 2 units of Botox© are placed at this location. Like a non-surgical brow lift, the effects of placing such a small number of units – by necessity for reasons that will be discussed below – usually demonstrates minimal results.
Visible Asymmetry is Possible
When only 1 – 2 units of Botox© are injected in a site there is a risk of an asymmetry in effectiveness, either due to random effects of the medication or due to asymmetric placement of the medication. This can be visible though it can be corrected with the placement of additional units of Botox© at follow up.
Functional Problems of the Mouth are Possible
Patients are generally counseled that they may have trouble using straws or pursing their lips for a few days after the medication begins to work. However, these functional problems can last for the entirety of the effect of the treatment, which usually ranges from three to four months in most individuals.
Lip Flip Versus Lip Lift is Temporary Muscle Adjustment Versus Structural Improvement
A lip lift is a precision surgical procedure that helps restore more youthful length and proportions to the upper lip. In contrast, a lip flip involves the use of a neuromodulator such as Botox® to selectively and temporarily weaken a specific area of the upper lip such that the now unopposed pull of the remainder of the upper lip muscles lifts the lip up. A lip flip is a temporary muscle adjustment performed centrally at the border between upper lip skin and the red lip, called the vermillion border. A lip lift requires carefully designed skin removal and lifting of the upper lip skin and deeper fascia into natural creases in the base of the nose and at the edge of the mouth.
Lip flip results last months. A lip flip is semi-permanent. A lip flip does not shorten the distance between the nose and the lip, change the height of the red lip, or roll out additional red lip, thereby providing more roundness to it. All these complex changes require surgery.
However, while lip lift surgery is a safe procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia with limited downtime, a lip flip is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure with little-to-no downtown. Moreover, it can be done in an exam/treatment room rather than an operating room. This makes a lip flip using a neuromodulator such as Botox a potential treatment option for a limited subset of patients.
Patients who may benefit from a lip lift versus lip flip include:
| Lip Lift | Lip Flip | |
| Age Range |
|
|
| Expected Results |
|
|
| Expected Length |
|
|
| Incision(s) |
|
|
| Anatomic Changes Can Help Address |
|
|
The best way to know what the most appropriate treatment is for concerns about your upper lip would be to have a consultation with a fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Jeffrey Harmon. Dr. Harmon not only trained in fellowship with one of the most renowned facial plastic surgeons in the world, but he also completed his residency training at one of the most prestigious programs in the country. He is supremely qualified to help guide patients on making a decision between a lip flip and lip lift surgery.
A Non-Surgical Lip Flip is a Poor Reflection of the Benefits of a Surgical Lip Lift
A surgical lip lift can not only elevate the red portion of the lip but also reduce the length of the lip between the base of the nose and the red lip, working above to the muscle. In contrast, Botox© is placed directly in the ring-shaped muscle around the mouth, which is the reason why the potential problems described above can occur. The surgical lip lift can simultaneously improve the height of the red lip and correct the length of the lip between the base of the nose and red lip but also increase lip pout without over-projecting the lip.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
- The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good.
- Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
- Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected.
- Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology.
- Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City.
Request a Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us to learn more!
Disclaimer
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice. It is essential that you have a consultation with a qualified medical provider prior to considering any treatment. This will allow you the opportunity to discuss any potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward enhancing your natural beauty by scheduling a personalized consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Harmon. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon trained by the pioneer of the extended deep plane facelift, Dr. Harmon offers expert guidance and care. Whether you're considering surgical or non-surgical options, our team is here to support your journey to renewed confidence.