What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a quick, nonsurgical treatment that uses Botox to relax the upper lip so it turns gently outward, creating the look of a fuller lip without adding any volume.

Full lips are associated with youth and beauty, but not all of us are blessed with them. If your upper lip looks thin or seems to disappear when you smile, a lip flip may be the simplest fix available. Here is how it works, how it compares to lip filler, and how to know which is right for you.

How a Lip Flip Works

A lip flip procedure is an outpatient treatment option that uses Botox to create the illusion of fuller, more youthful lips. Botox is injected into the Cupid’s bow of your upper lip (the curved center of the lip). There, the neurotoxin goes to work blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle movement. The result? The inner portion of the upper lip relaxes and flips outward and upward, creating the look of fuller lips without the need for surgery.

In addition to the Cupid’s bow of the mouth, you will also receive Botox injections at each corner of the mouth. This further relaxes muscles in the lips and helps to create the plump, full look you want.

Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler

Both the lip flip and lip fillers can be used to achieve similar results. However, they are not identical. A Botox lip flip creates the illusion of fullness by flipping the inner portion of your upper lip. On the other hand, lip fillers actually create new volume by injecting hyaluronic acid (or another dermal filler) into your lips.

A lip flip offers a more subtle result and accentuates your lips’ natural curves. Lip fillers create more dramatic results and are better suited for some patients. Both are temporary, though. Botox will last three to four months while lip fillers can last up to a year.

In some cases, lip fillers and Botox can be combined to enhance volume and accentuate curves.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?

A lip flip lasts three to four months, the working life of Botox. As the Botox wears off, the lip gradually returns to how it looked before, and the treatment can simply be repeated. Many patients use a first lip flip as a low-commitment way to preview whether they like a fuller upper lip before considering filler.

Is a Lip Flip Right for Me?

The only way to tell for certain which procedure is right for your needs is to have a personal consultation with your surgeon. However, there are indications that one may be better than the other based on your goals. For instance, if you want a subtle pout to your lips, or you feel that your upper lip recedes too much when you smile, a lip flip may be right for you. The same is true if you want fuller-looking lips but don’t want to add volume.

On the other hand, if you want additional volume or you want more dramatic results, lip fillers may be better suited to your goals.

What Can Go Wrong with a Lip Flip?

Because Botox is temporary, any result you are unhappy with resolves on its own within a few months. The most common issues come from placement or dosing: too much relaxation can briefly make sipping through a straw, whistling, or pronouncing certain sounds feel different, and uneven placement can make the lip look asymmetric. These effects fade as the Botox wears off. Choosing an experienced injector who treats the lips regularly is the best way to avoid them.

What to Expect After a Lip Flip

A lip flip is an outpatient procedure and most patients can resume their regular activities immediately. There may be some redness, swelling, and/or soreness, but these usually fade within a few hours to a day after the procedure.

It is possible to create a subtle pout and enjoy the full, youthful lips you want. To find out whether a lip flip, filler, or a combination fits your goals, schedule a consultation with Sand Plastic Surgery at 509-324-2980.