LIP FLIP Small Treatment & Noticeable Confidence
If you’ve ever wished your lips looked just a little fuller, more defined, or naturally plump without the commitment of lip fillers, you’ve likely heard the term Lipflip. Over the last few years, lip flips have become one of the most requested options for individuals seeking subtle lip enhancement using Botox around the mouth, rather than dermal fillers.
The demand for lip flips, or Botox lip flips, has increased significantly in recent years. And for good reason: the lip flip is quick, affordable, minimally invasive, and ideal for those who want a natural upgrade without dramatic volume.
Keep reading if you wish to know what a lip flip is, how the Botox lip flip works, cost, results, units, benefits, risks, longevity, and who it’s for.
What Is a Lip Flip?
Lip flip is an affordable cosmetic procedure in which we use Botox (botulinum toxin). It relaxes the tiny muscles around the upper lip. By relaxing this muscle, the upper lip gently rolls outward (Flips). This Flip creates a fuller appearance, enhances lip shape and a more visible pink. The lip flip procedure is different from lip fillers; instead of adding volume as we do in lip fillers, it uncovers the lip you already have.
What Does a Lip Flip Do?
A lip flip is a minimally invasive Botox technique designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip without adding volume. By precisely relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle, the circular muscle that controls lip movement. The treatment allows the upper lip to subtly “roll” outward. This controlled relaxation results in a more visible, defined, and aesthetically balanced upper lip.
Creates the Appearance of Fuller Lips
A lip flip doesn’t physically enlarge the lips like dermal fillers do. Instead, it reduces the inward pull of the lip muscle. When the muscle tension softens, more of the vermilion (the pink part of the lip) is exposed, creating the illusion of natural fullness.
Produces a Softer, Natural Pout
Because Botox works on muscle activity rather than volume, the outcome is gentle and subtle. Patients achieve a relaxed, effortless pout without the added structure or projection that fillers create. This makes the lip flip an excellent option for those wanting improvement without a dramatic change.
Reduces the Appearance of a “Gummy Smile”
In individuals whose upper lip elevates excessively when smiling, the lip flip helps limit over-retraction. Relaxing the lifting action of the muscle keeps the lip slightly lower, reducing gum exposure and creating a more harmonious smile.
Softens Vertical Lip Lines (Smoker’s Lines)
Fine vertical lines around the mouth often develop due to repetitive puckering movements. A lip flip weakens the overactive muscle contractions responsible for these lines, smoothing the upper lip area over time.
Enhances Lip Symmetry and Balance
If one side of the lip elevates more than the other, targeted Botox dosing can balance the movement, improving overall facial symmetry.
Where Botox Is Injected for a Lip Flip
Centre of the Upper Lip (near the philtrum)
Micro-doses here reduce the inward pull of the central lip when you smile. As the muscle relaxes, the middle portion naturally unfurls, giving the lip a smoother, more projected look
Both Sides of Cupid’s Bow
These points refine shape and symmetry. By easing the tension around the cupid’s bow, the lip peaks lift slightly, enhancing definition and preventing the upper lip from disappearing during expressions.
Corners of the Mouth
Botox at the mouth corners minimises the downward pull from overactive muscles. This supports the lip flip’s upward effect, maintaining a balanced, relaxed, and pleasant overall expression.
Upper Portion of the Orbicularis Oris Muscle
This is the core of the treatment. Relaxing the upper fibres reduces the lip’s tendency to roll inward, allowing the upper lip to flip outward for a fuller, softer appearance while maintaining normal movement.
A lip flip is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure, making it a subtle and low-downtime alternative to fillers for patients seeking a natural enhancement.
How Many Units of Botox for a Lip Flip?
A typical lip flip uses 4 to 8 units of Botox, depending on the shape of the lip, strength of the muscle, natural size of the lips and most importantly: the desired outward roll you want. Typically, 2 units of Botox are placed above the cupid’s bow and 1 unit on each side of the upper lip; many doctors also use 1–2 units near the corners when needed.
Unit count matters because too few units will not give the desired results, and too many units can create difficulty with the lip movement or drooling. Your injector must strike the perfect balance.
What to Expect from a Lip Flip Procedure
Consultation for Lip Flip Procedure
Your injector first evaluates your natural lip anatomy: lip length, upper-lip visibility, muscle activity, smile dynamics, and how much the lip tucks under when you speak or smile. They also review your aesthetic goals, Subtle enhancement, more lip show, or improved balance.
During this assessment, the provider determines whether you are best suited for:
- A lip flip (ideal for subtle outward lift)
- Lip fillers (best for adding actual volume)
- A combination of both (for shape + fullness)
Treatment Preparation
The upper-lip area is cleansed thoroughly to maintain sterility. Numbing is optional and rarely needed because the injections are extremely superficial and use ultra-fine needles. Most patients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort.
Botox Injections
Your injector administers precise micro-doses of Botox into the standard lip flip points: the philtrum area, cupid’s bow peaks, corners of the mouth, and upper orbicularis oris fibres.
Each injection takes only a few seconds. The goal is controlled relaxation, not freezing, allowing the upper lip to gently evert without impacting speech or expression.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After the injections, you’ll be advised to:
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours to prevent migration
- Avoid touching or massaging the lip area
- Skip intense workouts for the rest of the day
These precautions help ensure the Botox settles exactly where placed.
Results Timeline of Lip Flip Development
Botox does not work instantly, so the lip flip develops gradually:
- Day 1–2: Mild tightness or a slightly different sensation when speaking or sipping
- Day 3–5: The upper lip begins to relax and roll outward
- Day 7–10: The full lip flip effect becomes visible, more lip show, a softer pout, and improved upper-lip definition.
How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?
A Botox lip flip is a subtle yet dynamic enhancement, but its results are intentionally temporary. On average, a lip flip lasts 8 to 12 weeks, though the exact duration can vary based on individual muscle activity and metabolism.
The longevity depends on how quickly your body breaks down neuromodulators and how active the orbicularis oris muscle is. Because this muscle is engaged constantly, speaking, sipping, smiling, and using a straw. Botox in the lip area tends to wear off faster than injections in less active areas like the forehead.
During the 8–12 week window, the treated muscle fibres remain partially relaxed, allowing the upper lip to stay gently everted. Over time, as the neuromodulator effect fades, the muscle regains full strength, and the lip slowly returns to its natural inward curl.
For first-time patients, the effect may last closer to 8 weeks, simply because the muscle is stronger and more resistant. With consistent treatments, the muscle becomes conditioned, and results may extend toward 10–12 weeks or even slightly beyond in some cases.
Although shorter-lasting than lip fillers, the lip flip’s quick, subtle, and affordable nature makes it an ideal option for clients seeking a soft enhancement without commitment. Regular maintenance sessions every 2–3 months help preserve the lifted, defined upper-lip appearance year-round.
Why Lip Flip Results Are Shorter Than Fillers
Lip flip results naturally last a shorter time than dermal fillers because the two treatments work in completely different ways. A lip flip relies on Botox to relax specific fibers of the orbicularis oris, the muscle responsible for puckering, speaking, sipping, and lip movement.
This muscle is one of the most active in the entire face. Because it’s constantly contracting throughout the day, the neuromodulator breaks down more quickly here compared to low-movement areas like the forehead or between the brows.
Botox does not add structure or volume. Instead, it temporarily reduces the muscle’s inward pull, allowing the lip to roll outward. Once the body metabolizes the neuromodulator, it is typically within 8 to 12 weeks. The muscle regains strength, and the lip returns to its natural position.
In contrast, lip fillers use hyaluronic acid gel, which physically adds volume, shape, and support to the lip tissue. HA fillers integrate into the dermal layers and break down slowly over time, providing results that last 6 to 12 months or more, depending on the product used and the patient’s metabolism.
In short:
- Lip flip = muscle relaxation (shorter duration)
- Lip filler = added volume and structure (longer duration)
Because the lip muscles are highly active and continuously engaged, Botox wears off faster, making the lip flip a subtle, temporary enhancement designed for those who want flexibility and low commitment.
How Much Does a Lip Flip Cost?
The average Lip Flip Cost in the U.S. varies between $75 to $200. The cost depends on the number of Botox units used, the Experience of the injector, the Clinic location and most importantly, whether Lip flip is combined with other treatments or not.
Many people ask why it is affordable. The answer is because a lip flip only uses 4–8 units; the cost is significantly lower compared to other Botox treatments. Many patients choose a lip flip first before investing in fillers.
Are you a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?
If you want fuller-looking lips that too without filler, or your upper lip disappears when you smile, or you have a gummy smile, a Botox lip flip is ideal for you. Many people want subtle enhancement, not a dramatic change, or they want a low-cost option, so they are also perfect candidates for a lip flip procedure.
How to Know If You Need a Lip Flip or Lip Filler?
Choose a Lip Flip if you want a natural and affordable enhancement with a bigger smile. A less tight lip or a more defined upper lip.
You should choose a lip filler if you want actual plumpness, better lip symmetry and long-lasting fullness with significant volume. Most patients start with a lip flip because it’s subtle, inexpensive, and low-risk.
Lip Flip for Smoker’s Lines & Lip Lines
Vertical lip lines are often called smoker’s lines, lip wrinkles, or barcode lines. Smoker lines are caused by Sun exposure, repetitive puckering and often the reason becomes aging and collagen loss. Of course as the name suggests, smoking also contributes to it.
A lip flip helps soften smoker lines by relaxing the overactive muscles around the mouth.
Best Treatment Combination for Smoker’s Lines
Treatments that work best for smoker’s lines are Lip Flip, or you can call them Botox, especially Botox around the mouth. If the lines are deeper, lip filler gives good results. This modern approach makes the wrinkles smooth while restoring the youthful structure of the face.
Lip Flip Risks & Side Effects
The lip flip is generally very safe when performed by an experienced injector. But, like any cosmetic procedure, it carries possible side effects. Some temporary side effects that go away in a day or two are mild swelling, tenderness or slight difficulty in using a straw. Choosing a skilled provider minimises these risks.
Why the Lip Flip Is One of the Most Popular Lip Enhancements Today
The lip flip has gained popularity as a renowned treatment due to its natural results, minimal commitment, and affordability as an alternative to fillers. Whether you’re curious about how many units of Botox for a lip flip, how long a lip flip lasts, where Botox is injected, or how much a lip flip costs, we answered your every question.
If you want a soft, pretty, subtle lip enhancement that looks effortless, the lip flip is one of the best options available.