by BR Kellie
I don't freak out about getting older. I embrace it. I love the silver sparkles that thread through my brunette locks. The ever-deepening lines around my eyes remind me of all the moments of joy I've experienced. And finding a grey hair down there just sent me into a fit of giggles. HOWEVER, one thing I'm not loving is seeing my lips lose their crispness, as explained in this article. Call me vain, but I like my lips lush.
The obvious go-to to fix this would be fillers, but they're not an option due to a) the price, and b) I'm a wimp and I've heard they hurt. So, for me, fillers are out, however there's another procedure I've heard about recently that's caught my imagination and made me wonder, 'what if?'. Introducing... the lip flip.
What is a lip flip and why would I want one?
A lip flip involves a few units of a botulinum toxin, aka Botox, being injected at points of the upper lip muscle, which then causes the lip muscles to relax and turn upward - hence the term 'lip flip'.
A quick and easy procedure that takes about ten to twenty minutes all up, a lip flip can be an option for someone who wants their lips to appear fuller, or someone whose upper lip had a tendency to disappear when they smile. It can also be an option for someone with a gummy smile as a lip flip relaxes the lip muscles, therefore stopping them riding up as much when you grin.
Overall, the result of a lip flip should be a natural 'your lips but better' look.
What are the complications?
Initially, there may be swelling or bruising at the injection site after the procedure, and following the appointment it's important that you don't rub at or massage your lips, exercise for the remainder of the day, or sleep with your lips pushed into your pillow, as this can cause the Botox to move, which can result in complications. You'll also want to avoid puckering your lips for a few days post-treatment (skip the straws and makeout sessions).
Other complications of a lip flip can include lip drooping, drooling, having trouble pronouncing words, an inability to whistle or kiss, and potentially even trouble getting liquid to stay in your mouth when drinking.
I'll be honest, this all sounds scary, but on the whole the lip flip is considered a low-risk and relatively painless procedure, however following the post-care advice is a must.
How long will a lip flip last?
On average a lip flip should last between six to eight weeks, with some saying up to three months before the look begins to wear off. So if you end up liking the lip flip you'll be popping into your local appearance medicine clinic relatively regularly.
What's the cost?
The cost of a lip flip (based on what I saw online) varied from $50 to $120, and can vary based on the amount of Botox units used.
It goes without saying - but I'll say it anyway - that a lip flip should only be administered by a trained medical professional, and that you should be comfortable with the provider before going through with the procedure. Ask questions, ask to see before and afters, and don't be afraid to say no if you decide it's not for you.
As for me? I could just learn to live with my lacklustre lips in the same way that I've learnt to live with my lacklustre height, but frankly I'm not willing to give this element of youth the kiss off just yet, so the pondering, the wondering, the maybe-ing shall continue...
So, the big questions is...Have you tried a lip flip? What was your experience? And if you've not tried one, is it something you'd consider trying? Get chatting below!
And its a NO from me