What is a lip flip and how does it affect the lip?
A lip flip is a small-dose Botox treatment into the muscle that rings the mouth, along the edge of the upper lip. When the pull of the muscle is reduced, the red part of the upper lip turns slightly outward and the lip may show a little more when smiling. The real volume of the lip does not increase; only the posture of the lip changes.
The orbicularis oris, the muscle around the mouth, purses the lips and draws them inward. When its fibres along the upper edge are relaxed slightly, the pull on the lip edge lessens and the red part of the lip rolls out a little. As a result, an upper lip that looks thin, especially when smiling, may look somewhat more defined. The change is noticed not as an increase in volume but as a subtle difference in lip posture. Treatment is usually given at a few points along the upper border of the lip in very small doses, and it takes little time.
“Lip flip” is a popular name, not a medical classification, and it may be done with different doses and techniques in different places. It should be remembered that Botox for this purpose may not be among the licensed indications and may therefore be off-label; you should be given clear information about this. Before treatment, how your lip looks at rest and when smiling is examined and differences between the two sides are noted. Describing the look you are aiming for helps to set the plan correctly. Because the lip area is mobile and sensitive, a measured dose is preferred for a first treatment.
What is the difference between a lip flip and lip filler?
A lip flip reduces muscle movement to turn the lip slightly outward and adds no volume; lip filler gives the lip volume, contour and fullness with hyaluronic acid gel. They serve different purposes: one changes the posture of the lip, the other its volume and shape. Neither replaces the other.
A lip flip shows a little more of the red part of the lip, but because the lip is thin it may not be enough on its own if real volume is wanted. Filler is a substance placed within the lip and gives a real change in volume and contour; its effect also lasts longer than Botox. On the other hand, filler has risks of its own, including swelling, bruising and rare vascular problems. A lip flip can cause different problems linked to muscle movement, such as brief difficulty with speaking and drinking. When comparing the two methods, it is therefore necessary to separate the look you want: fullness, or lip posture.
For some people the two approaches may be considered together; order, timing and doses are then set for the individual at the consultation. Lip filler may also address other concerns, such as vertical lines around the lip or the corners of the mouth, which are outside the scope of a lip flip. Because a lip flip does not increase volume, if you want a plump look you need to clarify your expectation from the start. The decision depends on your lip structure, your smile and your expectations. For detailed information on filler, see the lip filler page; this page covers only the lip flip done with Botox.
Who might a lip flip suit?
A lip flip may be considered for people whose upper lip looks thin, in whom the red part turns markedly inward when smiling, and who want no volume or expect a subtle difference in lip posture. Lip structure, tooth position and the shape of the smile are assessed. If the expectation is more volume, a lip flip alone may not be suitable.
A suitable candidate is often someone who notices the upper lip pulling inward when smiling and who does not want filler or a marked change in the lip. If the lip is already full or the lip border already turns clearly outward, the change from a lip flip may be very small. In people whose teeth and gum show markedly when smiling, the behaviour of the lip is assessed separately, since the question of a gummy smile then comes to the fore. Which goal can be met by which method is clarified together at the consultation. Because even a small difference stands out in this area, keeping expectations realistic is important.
People whose work depends on lip movement, such as voice professionals, singers, speakers and players of wind instruments, should consider this treatment carefully before having it, as a temporary difficulty can affect everyday performance. In people who often get cold sores, lip injections can trigger an outbreak; be sure to mention your history, and if needed your doctor will discuss a preventive approach. Treatment is not given, or is postponed, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, neuromuscular conditions, infection at the site and hypersensitivity to the ingredients. Where expectations do not match the change a lip flip can offer, treatment may not be recommended.
How long does a lip flip last and what are its side effects?
The effect of a lip flip usually starts within a few days and may last less time than Botox in other areas; it varies from person to person. Common effects are redness, tenderness and bruising at the injection sites. There can be temporary difficulty drinking through a straw, making some sounds, kissing or pursing the lips.
The duration of the effect varies from person to person. Because the dose is very small and the lip muscle is used constantly, some people notice the effect lasting less time than in other areas of the face. The timing of a repeat is planned by how the lip posture returns, and intervals shorter than necessary are not advised. In the first hours after treatment you are advised not to press or rub the lip. Because of the blood vessels in the lip, bruising may be more likely than in some other areas; mention it if you take blood thinners or supplements.
The most commonly discussed temporary effect of this treatment is reduced ability to move the lip. Drinking through a straw, pursing the lips, whistling or making sounds such as p and b may feel difficult for a while, and liquid may dribble when eating. In some people the two sides look different when smiling. These effects mostly fade gradually; because no medicine quickly reverses the effect of Botox, they can last for weeks. Marked difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing is very rare but needs urgent medical assessment, and care should be sought at a health facility without delay.
What should be discussed before a lip flip, and what are its limits?
Before a lip flip, your goal, how you use your lips, your work, any cold-sore history and earlier lip treatments should be discussed. Its limits should also be known: it adds no volume, does not change lip contour or lines around the mouth on its own, its effect is temporary and results vary from person to person.
At the consultation, how your lip looks at rest and when smiling, what bothers you and the look you are aiming for are discussed. If you have had lip filler before, the type of product and the date matter. The medicines, supplements and allergies you have are also asked about. Keeping the first dose measured is a common approach, because too high a dose in the lip area can affect everyday speech and drinking more. It is sensible to assess the result at about two weeks, and a small correction can be made if needed.
Knowing the limits of a lip flip is an important part of satisfaction. It does not on its own correct lip volume, contour, vertical lines around the lip or downturned corners of the mouth; these need different approaches. It is also unrealistic to expect the full look you see in photos to be achievable with a lip flip. The result differs with your lip structure, muscle strength and the dose used. Aftercare and the signs to watch for are explained to you separately; this information does not replace medical advice. If you would like to think about it together with lip filler, you can discuss the order at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will a lip flip make my lip bigger?
No, a lip flip does not increase the volume of the lip. When the pull of the muscle around the lip is reduced, the red part of the upper lip turns slightly outward and may show a little more when smiling; this is a subtle change in lip posture. If a real change in volume and contour is wanted, other methods such as lip filler are discussed.
Is a lip flip done on the lower lip too?
A lip flip is generally discussed for the upper lip. Because the muscle around the lower lip and those that affect the corner of the mouth are more sensitive for speaking, eating and drinking, extra care is needed for treatment in this area. Whether treatment of the lower lip is suitable is assessed at the consultation; it is not recommended for everyone.
Will my lip be immobile after a lip flip?
Because the doses are kept very small, the lip is not expected to be completely immobile. Pursing the lips, drinking through a straw or making some sounds can, however, become temporarily harder. How much is felt depends on the dose and the person. If these movements matter for your work, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before treatment.
Can a lip flip and lip filler be done on the same day?
In some cases they can be planned in the same session, but the two treatments have different purposes and swelling and bruising may increase. Splitting them over separate days can make it easier to tell which treatment caused a side effect. The order and timing are set at the consultation according to your lip structure and goal.
When can I kiss or use a straw after a lip flip?
There is no fixed time for this. In the first hours after treatment you are advised not to press on the lip; after that, changes in lip movement differ from person to person. Drinking through a straw or pursing the lips may feel difficult for a while, and this generally improves gradually. Your doctor gives advice specific to you.
Can I have a lip flip if I often get cold sores?
Because injections around the lip can trigger cold sores, you should mention this history at the consultation. If there is an active cold sore, treatment is postponed until it has healed. In people with a history of cold sores, a preventive approach may be assessed separately by your doctor; this decision is made individually and you are advised not to take medicines on your own.
This content is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment.