What happens before a lip flip procedure?
Before your lip flip procedure, you’ll meet with your healthcare provider. They’ll assess many factors, including your mental health and any social conditions. Your healthcare provider may ask the following questions:
- Why do you want a lip flip?
- What’re your expectations?
- Do you think a lot about imagined or very small defects with your body?
- Is a spouse, partner or friend encouraging you to get a lip flip or other cosmetic procedures?
Your healthcare provider will evaluate your general health, including any preexisting health conditions or risk factors. Talk to your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially cow milk — some botulinum toxin brands contain albumin, which is a protein in cow milk. Tell them about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you’re taking. These medications may interfere with the healing process.
Your healthcare provider will recommend avoiding the use of alcohol, cigarettes and aspirin at least one week before the procedure. Alcohol and aspirin thin your blood, which can make the healing process more difficult. Cigarettes may increase the risk of bruising at your injection sites.
Your healthcare provider may take photographs of your face and lips for your medical record.
What happens during a lip flip procedure?
A lip flip procedure isn’t very invasive, so your healthcare provider is unlikely to numb your lips. If you’re concerned about pain or have a fear of needles (aichmophobia), ask your healthcare provider if they’ll apply a numbing cream (topical anesthetic) or nerve block injection to your lips so they’ll be numb.
Your healthcare provider will use a thin needle to inject Botox in parts of your upper lip, including the corners of your mouth and the edges of your lips. You’ll feel a little bit of pain, and your eyes may water. On average, your healthcare provider will insert about two to four units of Botox into your upper lip and two units into your lower lip.
Your healthcare provider or an assistant may apply a cotton swab to your injection sites to absorb any dots of blood.
The entire procedure is quick, and it should only take 10 to 20 minutes.
What happens after a lip flip procedure?
After the procedure is complete, your healthcare provider will monitor you for up to 15 minutes to ensure you don’t experience any side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Swelling (angioedema).
- Substantial bleeding.
Once they determine that you no longer require monitoring, they’ll let you go home (discharge you). Botox won’t make you tired, so you can drive yourself home.
Your lips may be slightly swollen, sensitive or even numb. Swelling and sensitivity usually go away within 24 hours.
The following tips will help your lips as they heal and prevent Botox from migrating to other parts of your face:
- Apply an ice pack for up to 10 minutes to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.
- Avoid wearing lipstick, lip balm or any other product on your lips for at least three to four days.
- Refrain from putting pressure on your lips, including touching your lips, puckering your lips, kissing and sipping from a straw.
- Be careful while brushing your teeth.
- Refrain from sleeping facedown.
