For those looking for a fuller, more defined pout without the use of needles, the ‘Laser Lip Flip’ offers an innovative solution. This new treatment, known as LipLase, enhances lips using laser energy, providing a needle-free, filler-free method to achieve a fuller appearance. Here’s everything you need to know about what we call the “Laser Lip Flip.”
Featured experts
- Janine Hopkins, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Southlake, TX and Monroe, LA
- Ava Shamban, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, CA
- Janine Miller, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Anchorage, AK
- Rishi K Gandhi, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Dayton, OH
- Kimberly Jerdan, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Anaheim, CA
What is a “Laser Lip Flip?”
“Laser Lip Flip”, or LipLase, is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to enhance the lips. Unlike traditional lip augmentation methods that involve needles and fillers, LipLase uses a laser to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin around the lips. This results in a fuller and more defined appearance.
According to Southlake, TX and Monroe, Los Angeles dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, the LipLase procedure uses the Fotona laser to treat the upper lip area, targeting lip lines with a barcode and filling in the margins of the varnish (the white line outlining the lips). “The laser uses subablative energy to stimulate the mucosal tissue to make collagen,” he explains. “Then, using the precise Erbium:YAG ablation settings, we treat the contour of the vermilion to tighten the skin, giving it an improved appearance.”
Beverly Hills, CA, dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD adds that this dual approach tightens the tissue. “It uses these two ways to tighten the tissue inside the upper and lower lip by stacking heat to fill and define the border.”
“It is an extremely safe and satisfying treatment for younger patients who do not need lip fillers but want to enhance their natural lip shape and volume,” notes Dr. Hopkins.
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Cost “Laser Lip Flip”
The cost of a “Laser Lip Flip” can vary greatly depending on the location and the specific practice. On average, patients can expect to pay between $300 and $800 per session. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve and maintain the desired look.
Possible Side Effects
While the procedure is generally safe, some possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort. These effects are usually short-lived and subside within a few days. It is always recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss any potential risks.
If you’re concerned about applying heat to the lips, Dr. Shamban says there’s no thermal effect on the surface. “This is an extremely safe and rewarding treatment for younger patients who really don’t need lip fillers, but want to enhance their natural lip shape and volume,” adds Dr. Hopkins. “It’s also great for more mature patients to reduce vertical lines and smooth and plump their lips.”
Laser Lip Flip vs. Lip Flip Injections
The main difference between a “Laser Lip Flip” and traditional lip flip injections lies in the method and the longevity of the results. Lip injections typically use neurotoxins such as Botox to relax the muscles around the lips, resulting in a subtle outward twisting of the upper lip. Instead, the ‘Laser Lip Flip’ uses heat energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin, providing a more natural and gradual lift.
Anchorage dermatologist Janine Miller, MD says using laser removal on the upper lip works the same way. “This can reduce the length of the upper lip somewhat with multiple treatments, thereby giving a slight pucker of the lips by tightening the skin over the lip of the mucosa.”
Dr. Hopkins says it’s not an either-or situation. There are times when he will also combine the laser with the traditional “lip flip” injectable treatment. “I often use LipLase along with some neurotoxin to perfect the ‘Lip Flip’ effect,” says Dr. Hopkins, who notes that the number of treatments required varies by patient. “It could be one or two sessions for a younger patient without lines, or three to five for a more aged lip.”
Who should think of a “Lap Lip Flip?”
“Laser Lip Flip” is ideal for people looking for subtle improvements without the use of needles or fillers. It is especially beneficial for anyone who wants a natural-looking enhancement to boost lip volume.
Dayton, OH dermatologist Rishi K Gandhi, MD explains, “Fotona 4D LipLase makes lips more defined. There is a plumping effect especially when you use smoothing and pulse stacking on the lip of the mucosa.”
Downtime and maintenance
One of the advantages of the ‘Laser Lip Flip’ is minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. Dr. Hopkins recommends maintenance treatments every four to six months to maintain the plump, more defined look. The number of sessions required may vary depending on the age of the patient and the condition of their lips.
“We’re seeing great before-and-after results in my office, but remember, it’s not meant to fill like a bulking filler,” notes Anaheim, CA dermatologist Kimberly Jerdan, MD. “It’s more about firming and resurfacing, which gives the appearance of younger, hydrated lips. It fills, but not in the same way as a filler.”
