Before getting a lip flip, I never fixated on my top lips lack of volume.
I come from a long line of family members whose lips are as thin as sheets of paper.
If anything, I was grateful to have a little extra something on the bottom.

Courtesy of subject/Getty
My nose is fine.
I like my brows.
I get compliments on my different-colored eyes.

Pre-lip-flip
My lips, I thought, will just have to be the runt of the facial-feature litter.
And then, as the story typically goes,the pandemic happened.
Throughout lockdown, hours of staring at myselfin a tiny box during meetingscaught up to me.

One month post-lip-flip
What is a lip flip?
This prevents the top lip from curling inward when you smile.
The Botox or other toxins temporarily relax muscles around the lips, explains plastic surgeonAndrew Peredo, MD.

As a result, your upper lip flips upward and outward, making it look plumper.
Who is the best candidate for a lip flip?
Lip flips are a great choice for people who are looking for poutier definition but dont want drastic change.
Also, people whose upper lip seems to recede or disappear while talking or smiling.
I decided to go toNicole Frontera, an aesthetic nurse practitioner in New York who specializes in natural-looking injectables.
Will I notice a difference with a lip flip?
The lip flip before and after depends on a few factors.
My own results were too subtle for anyone but me and close family to notice.
Do lip flips look natural?
Most doctors agree that lip flips are a natural-looking lip enhancement.
They look slightly fuller and very natural.
Pre-lip-flip
One month post-lip-flip
How long does a lip flip last?
According to Dr. Peredo and Dr. King, a lip flip will last about two to three months.
Just as with traditional facial Botox, lip flip results take time.
Most people getfour to five units of injectables, meaning its just a few injection sites here and there.
The actual procedure takes less than two minutes, and I was in and out within 15.
What are lip flip side effects and risks?
Unlike with traditional lip fillers, lip flip treatments have minimal side effects and no major downtime.
Minor bruising may occur and your lips may be swollen briefly.
After 12 to 24 hours, any pain and swelling should go away."
There are no major risks to lip flips.
That said, ensure your doctor is experienced with the procedure.