For those seeking 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 plumper look. Here’s everything you need to know about what we’re calling a “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?”
The “Laser Lip Flip”, or LipLase, is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to enhance the lips. Unlike traditional lip augmentation methods involving needles and fillers, LipLase utilizes 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, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, the LipLase procedure employs the Fotona laser to treat the upper lip area, targeting barcode lip lines and plumping the vermilion borders (the white line outlining the lips). “The laser uses subablative energy to stimulate the mucosal tissue to build collagen,” she explains. “Then, using Erbium:YAG precise ablative settings, we treat the vermilion border to tighten the skin, giving it an enhanced look.”
Beverly Hills, CA, dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD adds that this dual approach tightens the tissue. “It uses these two modalities to tighten the tissue inside the upper and lower lip by stacking heat to plump and define the borderline.”
“It’s a super safe and satisfying treatment for younger patients who do not need lip fillers but want to enhance their natural shape and lip volume,” notes Dr. Hopkins.
Instagram @hopkinsdermatology_
Cost of a “Laser Lip Flip”
The cost of a “Laser Lip Flip” can vary widely depending on the location and the specific practice. On average, patients can expect to pay between $300 to $800 per session. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve and maintain the desired look.
Potential Side Effects
While the procedure is generally safe, some potential side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort. These effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few days. It is always advisable to consult with a certified dermatologist to discuss any potential risks.
If you’re worried about applying heat to the lips, Dr. Shamban says there’s no thermal effect on the surface. “This is a super safe and satisfying treatment for younger patients who really do not need lip fillers but want to enhance their natural shape and lip volume,” adds Dr. Hopkins. “It’s also great for more mature patients to reduce vertical lines and smooth and polish their lips.”
Laser Lip Flip vs. Lip Flip Injections
The primary difference between a “Laser Lip Flip” and traditional lip flip injections lies in the method and longevity of results. Lip flip injections typically use neurotoxins like Botox to relax the muscles around the lips, resulting in a subtle outward flip of the upper lip. In contrast, the “Laser Lip Flip” uses thermal energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin, providing a more natural and gradual enhancement.
Anchorage, AK dermatologist Janine Miller, MD says using an ablative laser on the upper lip works the same way. “This can somewhat reduce the length of the upper lip with multiple treatments, thus giving a slight lip flip by tightening the skin above the mucosal lip.”
Dr. Hopkins says it’s not an either-or situation. There are times she will combine both a laser with the traditional “lip flip” injectable treatment. “I often use LipLase along with a little neurotoxin to perfect the ‘Lip Flip’ result,” says Dr. Hopkins, who notes the number of treatments needed varies based on the patient. “It could be one or two sessions for a younger patient with no lines or three to five for a more aged lip.”
Who Should Consider a “Laser Lip Flip?”
The “Laser Lip Flip” is ideal for individuals seeking subtle enhancements without the use of needles or fillers. It is particularly beneficial for anyone who wants a natural-looking enhancement to boost lip volume.
Dayton, OH dermatologist Rishi K Gandhi, MD explains, “The Fotona 4D LipLase makes lips more defined. There is a plumping effect especially when using smooth mode and stacking pulses on mucosal lip.”
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 plumper, more defined look. The number of sessions needed can vary based on the patient’s age and the condition of their lips.
“We see great before-and-after results at my practice, but remember, it’s not meant to plump like a filler by adding volume,” notes Anaheim, CA dermatologist Kimberly Jerdan, MD. “It’s more about tightening and resurfacing, which gives the appearance of younger, hydrated lips. It plumps, but not the same ways as a filler.”
