What's A Lip Lift? The Experts Explain Everything You Need To Know

Before TikTok got hold of the “lip lift” cosmetic treatment trend, it was actually a professional term used to refer to the cosmetic surgery procedure that shortened the distance between the top lip and nose. However, search for ‘lip lift’ now and you'll find that it's been going viral for very different reasons. Using Botox to create the illusion of plumped-up lips, it's being showcased as an alternative to dermal fillers.

But what's the difference, is it safe and will it give you the same results you want it to? We went straight to the experts to demystify the mouth contouring cosmetic treatment. We are all about ‘your beauty, your rules’, so if you have zero interest in cosmetic treatments, you do you. If, however, you're interested, read on for everything you need to know…

What is a lip lift?

“A lip lift is basically a ‘lip flip’ which has been around for a long time but has been re-jigged as a new term,” admits award-winning aesthetician, Dr Ahmed El Muntasar. “It used to insinuate surgery but now it's being used for Botox that's injected just above the lip. This weakens the muscle that inverts the lip meaning you see more of the body of the lip because it ‘lifts’ up and outwards.”

Injecting above the upper lip near the cupid's bow, around the edges of your mouth (the vermillion border) and near the corners, the injection sites remain the same as the dermal fillers but whereas dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to ‘fill’ the lips, add volume, correct any unwanted asymmetry and add definition to the outline, Botox uses Botulinum toxin. Essentially paralysing the orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle just above the lips), the treatment keeps the lip completely relaxed when smiling ensuring it always appears at its fullest while also preventing a gummy smile.

How are lip lifts performed?

Usually, cosmetic doctors use a small paediatric needle or cannula to inject dermal fillers and Botox into the lips. It's a quick treatment that takes minutes rather than hours.

Are lip lifts painful?

The experts assure us that lip lifts using Botox don't hurt. There is always the option to apply some numbing cream beforehand if you're especially worried.

Is a lip lift safe?

According to the renowned ‘lip doctor’, Dr Esho, lip flip Botox is a high risk, minimal gain procedure in terms of the result. “For a lip flip to work you must ensure Botox only affects the superficial layer of the obicularis oris muscle,” he says. “If it enters the deeper layer (which I’ve seen many times) it can lead to weakening of the lip and in some cases full paralysis, losing the ability to smile, speak and difficulty in eating and drinking.”

What's worse is that unlike dermal fillers, which can be immediately dissolved using a substance called hyaluronidase if you're not happy with the results, there's very little that can be done to correct a botched Botox procedure. “I prefer using filler for lips because it's a bit more predictable and you won't be stuck with it if you don't like it,” continues Dr Ahmed.

How long does a lip lift last for?

Botox normally wears off between three to six months, depending on how much was injected so if you're not sure you want your new lip look to stick around for a while, it might not be for you.

Does a lip lift look natural?

It can do but it's not guaranteed which is when you need to feel confident you trust your practitioner because even the best in the business don't love performing the treatment. “I find you get more controlled, tailored and accurate results when using filler to invert and lift the lip," says Dr Esho.

Dr Ahmed is in agreement: “I have seen some real horror stories where people get too much of the body of the lip becoming visible - if you start seeing the ‘wet border’ where things go from wet to dry on your lips it simply doesn't look right.”

Is a Botox lip lift better than lip filler?

Botox injections tend to be slightly less invasive than dermal fillers as the latter often requires a cannula inserted under and along the lip line. Botox injections may also be cheaper in total than dermal fillers due to the lesser volume of product needed to achieve the desired effect, however, cost should never be the deciding factor when determining whether or not to get a cosmetic treatment.

They are also a good option if your upper lip curls inwards when you smile as Botox can help to approve the appearance of the upper lip by ‘lifting' it.

How much does a lip lift cost in the UK?

While there's not a flat rate, in the UK a lip lift tends to cost around £300 but this will vary on how much Botox is used, your practitioner and where you live in the UK.

Are lip lifts a good idea?

If you do decide to try a lip lift, make sure you do you research to find a qualified practitioner. Check out the General Medical Council's medical register to check a doctor's credentials or the Nursing And Midwifery Council's register is your practitioner is a nurse. As Botox is classified as a medical substance and is prescription only, you should never accept treatment from someone who doesn't have medical training.

If you're considering dermal fillers, check out everything you need to know about them here.

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