Dysport for Lip Flip: Enhancing Lip Appearance with Neurotoxin Injections

In the United States, nearly 125 million women use lipsticks and lip glosses to enhance their lips. This surprising statistic highlights a widespread desire for fuller lips without invasive procedures. While these cosmetics can boost appearance, they provide only temporary effects and require frequent reapplication.

Dysport is a treatment that offers a lasting alternative to makeup products. This FDA-approved neurotoxin, initially designed for treating muscle disorders, is now gaining popularity for non-surgical lip enhancements. Known as the ‘Lip Flip,’ this technique uses Dysport’s muscle-relaxing properties to create a fuller, more defined lip contour.

In this article, we will explore the details of Dysport lip flips, how they work, their benefits, and what to expect during the procedure.

Key Takeaways

• Dysport can be used for the lip flip procedure to enhance lip appearance and achieve a subtle lip augmentation effect.
• The mechanism of action involves relaxing the muscles around the upper lip, resulting in a slight upward curl and the appearance of fuller lips.
• Injection techniques, dosage considerations, potential outcomes, and safety considerations are crucial when using Dysport for lip enhancement.

Understanding Dysport for Lip Flip

Dysport, the brand name for abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO), is a type A botulinum toxin used to paralyze muscles temporarily. Though it is a popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment that addresses facial lines and creases, healthcare professionals can also use this injection for lip enhancement.

When injected into the muscle above the upper lip, Dysport blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction. This action prevents the muscle from contracting, allowing the upper lip to relax and roll slightly outward. This gives the appearance of a fuller and more defined lip without altering its natural shape.

Benefits of Using Dysport for Lip Enhancement

There are several advantages to using Dysport for a lip flip:

• Subtle Enhancement: Dysport offers a more natural-looking result, unlike fillers that add volume. It enhances a person’s lip shape by creating a slight movement, making their upper lip appear fuller without looking overdone or delivering a ‘frozen’ expression. Aside from the lips, a specialist can administer Dysport in the chin to promote facial symmetry.
• Faster Results: Compared to Botox, another popular neurotoxin used for lip flips, Dysport works quickly. Patients may see noticeable results within a few days, with the full effect occurring within a week.
• Reduced Wrinkles: Relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle can also help soften fine lines and wrinkles above the upper lip, contributing to a smoother and younger-looking appearance. Dysport can also help prevent new wrinkles from forming around the treated area, as it limits muscle movements.
• Long-Lasting Effects: The results of a Dysport lip flip can last up to five months, providing a longer enhancement duration than some other treatments.
• Minimal Downtime: The lip flip procedure is minimally invasive and requires little to no downtime. Patients may experience some minor swelling or bruising at the injection site, but these typically resolve within a few days.

Injection Techniques for Dysport Lip Flip

When considering Dysport lip flip procedures, healthcare professionals must understand the injection techniques and target areas to achieve their patient’s desired aesthetic outcome.

Target Areas for Injection

The primary target area for a Dysport lip flip is the muscle just above the upper lip, the orbicularis oris. The injections are typically placed at the cupid’s bow and around the corners of the mouth. 

This muscle encircles the mouth and controls the movements of the lips. Dysport can effectively enhance the upper lip by carefully targeting this area, creating a subtle, natural-looking enhancement.

Recommended Injection Techniques for Optimal Results

• Precise Dosage: A small amount of Dysport, usually between one to two units, is injected into each half of the lip, depending on the individual’s muscle movement.
• Strategic Placement: The provider injects Dysport close to the margin of the pink part of the lip to ensure muscle relaxation, leading to a natural flip of the lip without altering its volume.
• Combination with Fillers: While Dysport is effective on its own, doctors can also use it with fillers for those seeking a fuller lip. This approach allows for a more pronounced effect while maintaining a natural appearance.
• Post-Treatment Care: Patients can apply a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, avoid using lip products for up to four days, and refrain from using a straw for at least three days to ensure proper healing and settling of the product.

Dosage Considerations for Dysport Lip Flip

Unlike fillers that add volume, Dysport aims for subtle eversion of the upper lip. So, when it comes to Dysport lip flips, determining the correct dosage is essential for achieving the desired results while minimizing potential side effects. 

Determining the Appropriate Dosage

The appropriate dosage of Dysport for a lip flip is typically minimal, as the goal is to relax the muscles just enough to flip the lip outward without affecting other facial movements. The standard practice is to start with a conservative dose, which a healthcare professional can adjust based on the individual’s response to the treatment.

Factors Influencing Dosage Decisions

Several factors can influence the decision on how much Dysport to use for a lip flip, including:

• Lip Size and Muscle Strength: The strength and thickness of the orbicularis oris muscle can vary between individuals, requiring dosage adjustments.
• Desired Effect: Some patients may choose a more subtle flip, while others may want a more pronounced effect. A subtle eversion might require only 2-3 units per side, while a more dramatic lift might necessitate closer to 4 units per side.
• Previous Treatments: Patients who have had previous botulinum toxin treatments or other cosmetic procedures involving the lips may require different dosages based on their past responses.
• Individual Anatomy and Response: Variations in lip and facial anatomy can affect how Dysport spreads and works, influencing the dosage. Moreover, people vary in their sensitivity to Dysport. A qualified healthcare professional will assess a patient’s response during the initial consultation and adjust the dosage accordingly.

It is crucial to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it, if necessary, to avoid overcorrection. Overdoing it with Dysport can lead to an unnatural appearance, difficulty smiling or speaking, and drooling. An experienced doctor will prioritize a natural-looking outcome and ensure you have full control over lip movement.

Potential Outcomes and Results

The primary outcome of a Dysport lip flip is a slightly fuller and more defined upper lip. The treatment works by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle, causing the lip to roll outward slightly. This effect creates the illusion of fuller lips without adding volume. Here are some specific improvements patients might notice after the treatment:

• Subtle Eversion: The upper lip will have a slight outward curl, appearing fuller and more pouty.
• Enhanced Lip Shape: The procedure can help define the Cupid’s bow and improve the overall shape of the upper lip.
• Reduced Fine Lines: Relaxation of the muscles can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles above the upper lip.
• More Balanced Appearance: A lip flip can help balance out a gummy smile or an upper lip that appears thin compared to the lower lip.
• Natural Results: The upper lip looks naturally full as Dysport enhances its appearance without altering the shape. Dysport also preserves natural lip movement to ensure that expressions remain genuine.

Duration of Results and Maintenance

The results of a Dysport lip flip generally last between 3 to 4 months. However, this can vary from person to person, with factors such as age, lifestyle habits, and skin type affecting the longevity of the results. Patients can get regular touch-up appointments to maintain the effects. Good skincare habits, including hydration and sun protection, can also help prolong the results.

Safety and Considerations

Common side effects of Dysport include mild pain and redness at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. To manage discomfort, patients can:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication if approved by their healthcare provider.
• Apply a cold compress to the injection site for 15-20 minutes to reduce discomfort.
• Contact their healthcare provider if pain or redness persists or worsens.

Bruising may also occur, and patients should avoid strenuous exercise and sleeping facedown for the night following the procedure.

Patient Selection and Contraindications for Dysport Lip Flip

Ideal candidates for Dysport lip flips are adults over 18 who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, have no known allergies to botulinum toxin products, and do not have skin infections at the treatment site. Contraindications include:

• Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
• Allergic reactions to any botulinum toxin product.
• Infection at the proposed injection site.

Conclusion

Dysport lip flips offer a minimally invasive and temporary way to achieve subtle lip enhancement. By understanding the procedure, potential benefits, and safety considerations, prospective patients can decide whether this treatment aligns with their goals. 

The first step for patients interested in this procedure is to consult a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess a patient’s suitability, discuss the desired outcome, and create a personalized treatment plan to help patients achieve a natural-looking and balanced enhancement.

About: DoctorMedica is your trusted supplier of top-quality dermal fillers, viscosupplements, and more for your medical practice. If you’re looking to order Dysport, contact our dedicated sales agents for guidance.

FAQs

1. What is Dysport?

Dysport is an injectable neuromodulator that temporarily blocks nerve signals to muscles, resulting in smoother, wrinkle-free skin.

2. How does Dysport work in lip flips?

Dysport works in lip flips by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle above the upper lip, causing it to “flip” outward and create the illusion of a fuller lip.

3. How long does it take for Dysport to show results on my lips?

Dysport typically begins to show results on the lips within 2-3 days after treatment, with full effects visible after about two weeks.

References

Statista. Usage of lipstick and lipgloss in the U.S. 2020. Statista. Published February 5, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/276161/us-households-usage-of-lipstick-and-lipgloss/

Dysport Dosage Guide. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/dosage/dysport.html