I have thin lips and my Dr. recommends .5ML of Juvederm and 4 units of botox for a “lip flip”. Do you think lip flips work?

Thank you for your question! It's difficult for me to say without a picture or an in-person consultation. I would highly recommend getting a formal evaluation with and treatment from a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and expert in facial sculpting. Technique is the key to a successful lip augmentation with fillers, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. An experienced physician will be able to determine which filler, how much filler, and which technique will give you the subtle result you're looking for. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hi there,Thank you for your question! Although lesser-known than lip fillers, a lip flip is a good option for some patients, giving the illusion of a fuller pout. Whether it’s a good choice or not will all depend on the individuals’ natural lips and desired results. In the right hands this procedure should achieve effective yet natural-looking results. Lip fillers are used to add subtle volume to the lips and for first time patients I would err on the side of caution, starting with 0.5ml-1ml and building volume over sessions if necessary. Hope this helps!Best Wishes,Dr. Rupert 

The main stay for enhancing lips is to add a hyaluronic acid(HA) filler to the lips , such as Juvederm. The advantage of using a HA filler is that if you develop asymetry or a lump, it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.   Some patients may benefit from a little BOTOX placed sparingly along the edge of the lip to add a lip flip. The results will of course vary from patient to patient and if you do not like it will generally wear off in 3-4 months. Many patients start with the fillers and see if that alone accomplishes their goal. Some prefer to do it at the same time.

Hello Charming812009, Thank you for sharing your concerns.  Filler is one of the most predictable ways to create fuller lips.  The use of neurotoxins like Botox can be used less predictably to create a "lip flip".  The two can definitely also be used in combination.  It should not make your smile look weird, but it can weaken the pursing of your lips.  I hope this is helpful and you are pleased with your results!All my best!Dr. Elizabeth

Thanks for your question. Lip enhancement with hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane work very well if performed by an experienced aesthetic physician. Depending on your goals, you may require more than one session and if you have thin lips, starting with a more softer filler like 0.55cc of Juvederm Volbella to give you a natural result may be a great option. Lip flip with botox is less predictable and results, if any, are very subtle for eversion of the red lip as compared to fillers. I would recommend, starting with lip filler and letting it settle for 2 weeks before deciding if you needed to go ahead with the lip flip.

Hope that helps.
Best
Dr Rosy Sandhu

Thank you for sharing your question.  A lip flip is a less predictable treatment to create lip eversion, compared to say treatment of a patient’s forehead.  Only through trial can you determine if it would work for you.  In general I would start with the dermal filler, allow it to heal, and then decide if additional filler, or attempts with Botox should be tried.  Hope this helps.

Botox and Juvederm are used in conjunction in the lips frequently. Whether or not your “lip flip” pleases you is based more on your expectations and your doctor’s experience with lip injections. Choosing someone who has a lot of experience with lip injections is important. “Lip flip” is an Instagram catch phrase and whether or not your expectations will be met depends on many factors, not just the products used. Good luck!

Dear Charming812009,
I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.
For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. The treatment plan your provider suggested works well depending on the patient and their goals. 
I from time to time use botox to perform a "lip flip" and am not opposed to it. At times, however, more product will be needed to achieve the flip which can cause things to feel weird during movement of the lips. Some patients do not mind the feeling while others do so it is a personal choice. Maybe give it a try and see if you are bothered by it, Botox will last 3-4 months in the area so it is short-term.

I love the lip flip! I don't think it makes the lips or smile look weird, but it will definitely feel a little weird for a few days. I inject Botox directly into the vermillion border, and it feels like two localized areas of numbness almost immediately and lasts for a few days. It also feels odd to put lipstick on for a few weeks. But it will make your lips have a better projection and usually that makes the smile look great! The good news is that Botox in the lips only lasts about 6 weeks, so if you don't like the feeling of it, it's very temporary. Combining it with a little filler is always nice too, but I've had a few patients who did not like the initial look of the swelling in the lips after filler in addition to the more raised upper lip. So you may want to do the filler first and then add the Botox if that makes you more comfortable.