Botox Lip Flip Sarasota | Sarasota Surgical Arts

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A thin upper lip is a perfectly normal part of the anatomy, but many patients want to address it by obtaining plumper or proportionate lips. There are multiple procedures that a patient can consider and explore to address thin lips, specifically a thin upper lip. Most treatments will treat both lips. However, in the cases where a patient only wants to treat the upper lip or does not want to add volume overall, there is a non-surgical option known as a Botox lip flip. Sarasota Surgical Arts provides the best Botox lip flip Sarasota offers.

Overview: What Is A Botox Lip Flip?

A Botox lip flip uses Botox injections to expose more of the red or pink part of the upper lip. This does result in a slightly plumper look, but it is subtler than lip fillers. Instead of injecting into the lips, Dr. Sessa or your injector will inject just above the lips to relax a portion of the orbicularis oris muscle.

By injecting a small amount of Botox into this muscle, the upper lip will slowly begin to relax, revealing more of the underside. The muscle is treated enough to release some of the upper lip. Once healed, you should maintain full lip movement such as smiling and drinking from a straw.

The Botox lip flip procedure is completely non-surgical, using Botox or another neurotoxin such as Dysport. The results are more subtle and natural looking than dermal fillers. While fillers can look exceptionally natural, since there is no plumping agent added to the lips, you get a subtle plump using only your anatomy.

Uses Of Botox

Botox has several cosmetic and medical uses. Dr. Sessa uses a similar technique to a lip flip to treat a gummy smile which is frequently caused by a thin top lip. Other than a gummy smile, other Botox treatments include:

  • Glabella lines (the 11s)
  • Forehead lines
  • Bunny lines
  • Face slimming (masseter)
  • Crow’s feet
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Chronic migraines
  • Muscle spasm disorders
  • Strabismus (lazy eye)

Dr. Sessa administers Botox injections for all cosmetic applications as well as to treat hyperhidrosis and migraines. Botox is used in several medical fields, is widely studied, and is considered safe and effective.

Benefits

There are many benefits to Botox injections for nearly any cosmetic application. Particularly, a lip flip carries advantages and benefits for patients wanting the most natural lip enhancement available. However, like any medically based treatment, there are possible risks. Overall, Botox is low risk when administered by an experienced provider.

Starting with the benefits, some of the main benefits include:

  • Plumper looking upper lip
  • More symmetrical lips
  • Enhancement of natural cupid’s bow
  • More defined lip shape
  • Can help treat smoker’s lines (vertical lines around the lips)
  • More of the lip shows when smiling
  • Subtler results than lip filler
  • Treatment of a gummy smile
  • Temporary results for peace of mind
  • Less risk than fillers
  • Easy to combine with other treatments
  • Often more cost effective than filler
  • Quick procedure (usually less than ten minutes)
  • Can use your preferred neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, etc.)
  • No required downtime
  • Few side effects
  • Performed by a provider with years of experience

Risks

As far as the risks, most are associated with unskilled providers. However, some people may have a higher risk than others. Dr. Sessa will evaluate you before you undergo treatment. Some of the associated risks include:

  • Prolonged or severe side effects (bruising, swelling, etc.)
  • Bleeding
  • Muscle overtreated
  • Wrong muscle treated
  • Problems with everyday expressions or movements (often normal at first, but should get better)
  • Flu-like symptoms (usually goes away and do not get overly severe)
  • Trouble speaking or swallowing (rare)
  • Crooked smile (rare)

Overall, as long as you are in good health and see a qualified provider, you are unlikely to experience any major side effects or complications. If you are prone to bruising or have had a reaction to a similar product before, it is best to relay this to Dr. Sessa. Normally, this will not disqualify you from the treatment, but it may lead him to alter his technique slightly.

Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler

As two of the most common lip enhancements, choosing between a Sarasota Botox lip flip and lip filler can be difficult for a patient. Additionally, patients who are good candidates for one of the procedures is most likely a good candidate for both. The table below details the differences between a lip flip and lip filler.

Lip Flip

  • Uses Botox
  • Can treat a gummy smile
  • May treat only top lip
  • More subtle results
  • Lasts three to four months on average
  • Less likely to see bruising or side effects
  • No risk of blood vessel occlusion
  • Injections are just above the lips
  • Less product used
  • Results appear in about a week

Lip Filler

  • Uses hyaluronic acid fillers
  • Both lips treated except in rare circumstances
  • More dramatic results
  • Can last between three and twelve months on average
  • More likely to see bruising or side effects
  • Little risk to the muscles
  • Injections are in the lips
  • Unlikely to affect muscle movement
  • Results can take two weeks to settle
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • HOW LONG DOES A BOTOX LIP FLIP LAST?

    A lip flip lasts about two to three months. Some patients may see results for up to four months. Since the lips move frequently, it may not last as long as Botox in other areas such as between the brows.

    If you play an instrument, sing, or give lectures, this may affect how long the Botox lip flip lasts. In these cases, you may want to consider another lip enhancement option because it may not be worth it. Additionally, in the rare event of an adverse reaction, it would impact you more than others. Dr. Sessa may discuss this with you during your consultation if it applies.

  • WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE LIKE?

    A Botox lip flip in Sarasota comes with limited aftercare. Patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the injections. To promote the best results, Dr. Sessa may advise you with aftercare instructions like:

    • Avoid bending over for a few hours after the injections
    • Do not exercise for the rest of the day and preferably 24 hours
    • Use caution when brushing your teeth or washing your face
    • Refrain from touching the area as much as possible
    • Do not drink alcohol for a day or so
    • Avoid smoking
    • Do not sleep on your stomach or face down the night after
    • Protect your face and the treatment area from the sun

  • DOES IT HURT?

    Unlike dermal fillers, Botox uses an extremely tiny needle. Also, when injecting it as part of a lip flip, only the tip of the needle is inserted. Pain is minor and most patients experience almost none at all. If you are concerned, we do offer numbing cream.

  • WHAT ARE THE INJECTION POINTS?

    A Botox lip flip consists of two to four injection sites just above the vermillion border of the lips. The injections are made symmetrically on either side of the philtrum and then a few millimeters down. The edges of the lips are not treated because this is where the risk of a bad result can occur. Plus, this method better accentuates the cupid’s bow.

  • CAN I KISS MY PARTNER AFTER LIP FLIP?

    Not immediately, you should wait a few days to put pressure on your lips. Sometimes you may have some temporary problems pursing the lips which could also make kissing more difficult. However, once you have passed three or four days post-treatment, you can generally resume normal activities such as kissing your partner.

  • WHAT IS A LIP FLIP FOR A GUMMY SMILE?

    A gummy smile is a term for when the top lip shows most of or the entirety of the upper gumline when smiling. There is no issue with this and it does not cause any problems with expression or movement. However, some patients do not like the look of a gummy smile.

    A Botox lip flip treats a gummy smile by revealing more of the lip when you smile to cover the gums for a more conventional smile. This should not affect your ability to smile or express yourself.

  • HOW MANY UNITS WILL I NEED?

    The average lip flip will only use two to four units of Botox per lip. While this may not seem like enough, using more risks inhibiting mouth movement too much. Despite the low number of units, an extremely skilled provider is necessary as the mouth can be a tricky area to treat for an inexperienced provider.

  • HOW MUCH IS A BOTOX LIP FLIP?

    The exact cost of a lip flip in Sarasota depends on a few factors. First, are you only treating the upper lip or do you want both lips? Second, which neurotoxin product are you using? Third, who is your provider? Finally, what are the specifics of your anatomy and the treatment?

    The exact cost of your Botox lip flip will be determined upon consultation with Dr. Sessa. You can find starting costs for our procedures on our price list or Price Simulator.

  • SHOULD I USE BOTOX OR DYSPORT?

    Either Botox or Dysport will provide similar lip flip results. Often, Dr. Sessa will leave it up to the patient. Some patients will have a preference based on previous experience with the products. Due to small molecular differences in proteins in each product, some patients may see one last longer than the other. Overall, patients should see comparable results from either Botox or Dysport.

  • CAN IT FLIP THE BOTTOM LIP TOO?

    Yes, it is not as common to get a bottom lip flip, but it is possible.

  • HOW CAN I GET THE RESULTS TO LAST LONGER?

    There is no guaranteed way to make Botox lip flip results last longer. However, some tips that may help include:

    • Eat a healthy diet
    • Exercise regularly (but do not over exercise)
    • Follow aftercare instructions
    • Avoid unnecessary lip movements
    • Protect your lips from the sun
    • Do not smoke

The Best Sarasota Botox At Sarasota Surgical Arts

Sarasota Surgical Arts offers the best lip fillers in Sarasota. With a facility designed to cater to both outpatient surgery and in-office injections, Dr. Sessa provides the top aesthetic injections in Florida. In addition to himself, Dr. Sessa also has another physician on staff to perform cosmetic injections. All of his providers are highly skilled and trained in Dr. Sessa’s own techniques. Sarasota Surgical Arts offers the best Botox lip flip Sarasota, Florida provides.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 941-923-1736. You can also reach out online via our Price Simulator™, contact forms, and chat.

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