Botox “lip-flip”? What do you think about putting Botox in the mouth area? (Photos)

Question

I lived in NY for a few years and my botox doctor recommended injecting the top part of my lip. It was only 4 or 5 units.. I trusted her opinion bc I didn’t know the difference...but here in SC, everyone is against it. They all have the same generic response or the complications.. I do think I saw a difference but I can’t tell for sure if it was lip filler.. also, where does botox need to go for brow lift? Is there anything around eyes to open them up??

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

It sounds good, but you need to fully understand how Botox works.  Before I take on a patient for Botox or Dysport treatment, I take some time to educate them on how it works. We look at a picture showing all the facial muscles and explain what each muscle does. By eliminating a muscle function in an area like the crows feet, the crows feet wrinkles disappear, but you also allow the forehead muscle to pull the tale of the brow up. same thing goes in the area between the eyebrows. By eliminating certain area function and leaving other areas untreated one can change certain features. For examples the brows can be elevated, and the corner of the mouth can be raised, as these facial elements maintain their position in balance between opposing forces. The best way to flip the lips is by using the appropriate filler in the border of the lips. Botox is used in small amount to help the vertical lip lines.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The "lip flip" with Botox usually requires about 4-6 units right above the upper lip line.  This technique can subtly help to give the upper lip a fuller appearance at rest, as well as when smiling by relaxing the muscles that curl the lip inward.  It is not a dramatic difference, however taking before and after photos can show the improvement.To achieve a brow lift, I usually inject into two muscle groups, medially into the frontalis (forehead) muscle and a couple units in each of the orbicularis oculi muscles right at the tail of the eyebrow.  Technique and precision are very important in achieving a successful brow lift and needs to be done by a professional.  It is important to seek an experienced injector who specializes in facial aesthetics for best results.  Good luck!

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Hi, the techniques you are asking about are absolutely possible. These are "off label" tricks that are used by experienced injectors all the time. However, if performed incorrectly, there are risks of unwanted side effects such as difficulty moving the mouth, drooling or drooping of the brows when attempting a brow lift. I would advise shopping around for someone who has a good reputation.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Your dermatologist is expressing reluctance to do a lip flip with Botox because, if done incorrectly, it may interfere with the function of your lips. You need to find someone with a lot of experience in this procedure. Also, Botox might not be the best choice to reveal more of your upper vermillion (red part of lip). Hyaluronic-acid based fillers such as Restylane Silk, Volbella, Belotero and Juvederm can do a beautiful job of that. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who has verifiable experience changing lip shape with Botox and fillers.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I’m sorry you’re having trouble finding an expert to help you in South Carolina. Botox is great for a nonsurgical brow lift, which would open your eyes. Most doctors won’t want to use Botox around the mouth because it takes a very light hand and a real knowledge of anatomy. My office is in Charlotte, NC, and I’d be happy to consult with you by Skype.  I hope this helps.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Any time you hear about a procedure that has essentially no before and after photos associated with it  you should be maximally skeptical about it.  This is one of those procedure.  I suspect that there may be someone out there who had improvement in their lip shape with a focal botox service. Mostly though, botox flattens the lip shape and the result is not beneficial.  Don't fall for this nonsense.  This does not work. Filler at the lip edge is reliable.  You need the right filler from the right injector.  Avoid runny fillers for this location.  That includes products like juvederm, belotero, and Restylane Silk.  Yes these are often pushed for lip edge treatment.  However, these products do not hold were they are placed but immediate drift in the tissues cause volume to escape into the surrounding lip rather than staying to help the vermillion edge.  Restylane is the best product for this.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

ajsanders23.  The problem with using Botox around the upper lip is the possible creation of a temporary paralysis, which can cause the mouth to look quite unusual, especially when smiling. Similar and even better results can be obtained with lip fillers, augmenting the lips. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Botox injections are more common in the upper face, because they are decreasing muscle movement. Injecting in the lower face can cause unwanted results and leave you with a facial droop that cannot be reversed until the Botox wears off.  To elevate the eyebrows, Botox can be injected in the forehead and upper crows feet to help elevate the brow.

Mohammed F. Ahmad, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question
The lip flip via botox is a subtle way to improve the appearance of the upper lip. Wit that said, some people don't like it as it can limit the way a person purses their lips for drinking out of a straw, smoking etc. so maybe thats why some have an aversion to it.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Yes, Botox/Dysport can be used in low doses to evert the lips. I usually start with lip fillers and then add Botox/Dysport if the patient has vertical lip lines. I don't commonly use Botox/Dysport by itself to every the lip. Best of luck!

Botox “lip-flip”? What do you think about putting Botox in the mouth area? (Photos)

Answers (18)

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