In this guide11 sections
A lip flip is a small dose of botulinum toxin injected into the orbicularis oris muscle just above the upper lip border. The muscle’s natural downward pull is partially relaxed, allowing the upper lip to evert slightly outward — showing more of the pink vermillion lip surface and creating the impression of a fuller upper lip without adding any actual volume.
The lip flip is sometimes confused with lip filler, but they work through fundamentally different mechanisms and produce different results. The lip flip changes how much of your existing lip shows; lip filler adds volume to the lip itself. This guide explains exactly what the lip flip does, who suits it, what to expect from the procedure and recovery, and when it’s the right or wrong treatment for what you actually want. If you are considering treatment, our page on lip flip in London covers how we do it, aftercare and prices.
What the lip flip actually does
The orbicularis oris is the circular muscle surrounding the mouth. Its function includes closing the lips, puckering for kissing or whistling, and — critically for the lip flip — providing the downward and inward tension that holds the upper lip in its resting position.
When small doses of botulinum toxin are placed in the muscle’s superior portion (just above the upper lip border), the muscle’s contraction is partially reduced. Without the same downward tension, the upper lip naturally everts (rolls outward and upward) slightly, exposing more of the pink vermillion tissue that was previously partially hidden.
The result: the upper lip appears fuller and more visible, even though no actual volume has been added. The lower lip is typically not affected — lip flip is an upper-lip-specific technique.
For the dedicated lip flip service page, see lip flip treatment.
What the lip flip changes — and what it doesn’t
The lip flip changes:
- The visible height of the upper lip — more pink vermillion shows
- The relationship between upper and lower lip — the upper lip appears more proportionate to the lower
- The amount of gum show when smiling — a “gummy smile” can be subtly reduced
- The visibility of the Cupid’s bow — slightly enhanced as the upper lip everts
- The overall perceived fullness of the upper lip area
The lip flip does NOT change:
- The actual volume of the lip tissue (no filler is added)
- The lower lip (treatment is upper-lip only)
- The vermillion border definition (it just becomes more visible)
- The position of the lip relative to the nose (philtrum length is unchanged)
- The structure of the Cupid’s bow itself
- Surface texture, lines, or skin quality of the lips
Understanding this distinction is the most important part of deciding whether the lip flip is the right treatment for you. Patients hoping for substantial volume increase from a lip flip are typically disappointed; patients wanting subtle upper-lip enhancement without adding material are typically satisfied.
The procedure
Consultation. Assessment of your lip anatomy, discussion of goals, examination of gummy smile if relevant, photographs for comparison. Realistic expectations established.
Pre-treatment.
- For two weeks before, if you can, avoid supplements that can increase bruising, such as fish oil and vitamin E, and ibuprofen or aspirin you have bought yourself; do not stop any blood thinner your doctor prescribed
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before
- Numbing cream can be applied for 20-30 minutes if you would like it; the injections are very small
The procedure.
- Detailed marking of injection points (typically 4-6 points along the upper lip border)
- Small doses using a fine needle; the dose depends on the product and the muscle, and your surgeon decides it
- The injections take a minute or two; about 30 minutes in all with numbing cream
- Mild stinging sensation; minimal discomfort
Aftercare.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Don’t lie down for 4 hours after treatment
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on the upper lip for 4 hours, and facials or vigorous massage of the area for the first week
- Mild bruising at injection sites possible but uncommon
- For the first 72 hours, avoid kissing, drinking through a straw, whistling, lipstick and other lip products, and very hot or spicy food
Result timeline.
- Effect begins to develop 3-5 days after treatment
- Full effect at about 2 weeks
- Result lasts 8-12 weeks
- Gradual return to baseline after 12 weeks
How long does a lip flip last?
A lip flip lasts 8 to 12 weeks — roughly 2 to 3 months — in most patients. The effect is temporary because the botulinum toxin gradually wears off and the orbicularis oris muscle returns to its normal resting tension, allowing the upper lip to settle back to its baseline position.
How long does a lip flip take to work? The effect is not instant. It begins to develop 3 to 5 days after treatment, with the full result visible at about 2 weeks as the muscle gradually relaxes.
To keep the result, most patients repeat the treatment every 8 to 12 weeks on a maintenance schedule. For context, lip filler lasts 6 to 12 months per session, while a surgical lip lift lasts essentially permanently — so the lip flip is the shortest-lasting of the three upper-lip enhancement options. Patients who want to maintain the effect year-round can book an ongoing lip flip treatment in London at regular intervals.
Who suits the lip flip
The ideal candidate has:
- A “tight” upper lip that doesn’t show much vermillion at rest, even though the underlying lip tissue is reasonable
- Mild gummy smile — excessive gum show when smiling that they’d like to reduce
- Modest goals — wanting subtle upper-lip enhancement, not dramatic fullness increase
- Preference for not adding filler — wanting enhancement without injection of material
- Comfortable with maintenance — willing to repeat treatment every 2-3 months
- First-time lip treatment patient — wanting a low-commitment trial before considering filler
The lip flip is less suitable for:
- Patients with very thin lips wanting substantial fullness
- Patients wanting lower lip enhancement
- Patients with severe gummy smile (substantial reduction may need surgical correction)
- Patients with significant volume loss from age (filler is more appropriate)
- Patients with elongated philtrum that’s making the upper lip recessive (lip lift is more appropriate)
- Patients wanting Cupid’s bow definition specifically (filler is more effective for this)
For a related guide on what filler addresses that the lip flip doesn’t, see our guide on enhancing the Cupid’s bow with fillers.
Lip flip vs lip filler
The fundamental difference: the lip flip changes muscle behaviour; lip filler adds volume.
For subtle upper-lip enhancement only: lip flip works well.
For substantial volume increase: filler is required — the lip flip doesn’t add volume.
For both effects: lip flip and filler can be combined in the same session. The lip flip everts the upper lip, allowing the filler effect to display more prominently. The combined result is often more refined than either alone.
For the detailed comparison, see our guide on lip flip vs lip filler.
Lip flip vs lip lift surgery
The lip flip is sometimes mistaken for a non-surgical alternative to lip lift surgery. They’re actually quite different:
Lip flip: temporarily relaxes muscle tension, allowing the upper lip to evert. Subtle, temporary (8-12 weeks), no incision.
Lip lift surgery: permanently shortens the philtrum (distance from nose to lip) by surgical excision of skin beneath the nose. Substantial, permanent, with a small incision and recovery period.
For patients with elongated philtrum producing a recessive upper lip, lip lift is the appropriate intervention — lip flip cannot address the underlying structural issue. For patients with adequate philtrum length but slightly “tight” upper lip, lip flip is more appropriate.
For the surgical option, see our guide on lip lift surgery and how long does a lip lift last.
Common side effects
Common (mild and self-limiting):
- Mild bruising at injection sites — uncommon because the injections are small
- Brief sensation of tightness around the upper lip as the effect develops
- Mild asymmetry that resolves naturally or with small touch-up at the 2-week review
Less common:
- Temporary mild difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (p, b, m) — typically settles within days as adjustment occurs
- Temporary mild difficulty drinking from a straw or whistling — also settles quickly
- Asymmetric effect if dosing is uneven between left and right sides — addressed at 2-week review if persistent
Rare:
- More substantial muscle weakness affecting eating or speaking — uncommon and resolves as toxin wears off
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
The complication profile is generally favourable. The main practical issue is patients with overaggressive dosing developing temporary functional issues — careful conservative dosing avoids this.
The gummy smile context
For patients with both thin upper lip and gummy smile (excessive gum show when smiling), a lip flip may reduce gum show a little, because the relaxed lip border sits slightly lower. When the gummy smile comes from the muscles that lift the upper lip, treating those muscles is a separate option, and it can be combined with a lip flip at the same visit.
For more on gummy smile specifically, see our comprehensive guide on gummy smile treatment.
Treating the lip-lifting muscles with botulinum toxin is a common non-surgical option for a mild to moderate gummy smile. Severe gummy smile sometimes requires surgical correction beyond what botulinum toxin can achieve.
Cost and maintenance
Lip flip pricing at Centre for Surgery:
- Maintenance schedule: every 8-12 weeks
Prices for these treatments are on our Skin & Aesthetics price list.
The price list also shows the price when a lip flip is added to lip filler at the same appointment.
Finance options through Chrysalis Finance are available, subject to status.
The lip flip is one of the most economical lip treatments per session, but the short duration means more frequent visits compared with longer-lasting filler. Patients calculating long-term value should consider both the per-session cost and the maintenance frequency.
Common questions
Does the lip flip actually make my lips bigger?
Not in the sense of adding volume. The upper lip everts to show more vermillion, which appears as a fuller upper lip. The change is real and visible, but it’s a positional change rather than a volume change.
How long until I see results?
The first change shows after 3-5 days, and the full effect at about 2 weeks, when your surgeon reviews it.
Will I notice the lip flip when I smile?
The change is most visible at rest and during mild expressions. Full smiles often partly override the muscle relaxation, so the change may be less dramatic during big smiles than at rest.
Can I have the lip flip if I’ve had lip filler before?
Yes — they don’t interact. Many patients combine the two treatments for layered enhancement.
What if I don’t like the effect?
The effect wears off naturally over 8-12 weeks. There’s no way to “reverse” botulinum toxin once injected — you simply wait for it to dissipate. The good news is that the duration is short.
Will the lip flip affect my ability to eat or speak?
At conservative dosing, no. Patients eat and speak normally during treatment. Some patients notice subtle changes in the way they form certain sounds for a few days, but this typically resolves quickly.
How often should I have the lip flip?
Every 8-12 weeks for ongoing maintenance. Some patients prefer to have it before specific events; others maintain it continuously.
Is the lip flip safe for men?
Yes — both sexes can have lip flip. Conservative dosing is particularly important for men to maintain masculine lip proportions.
Can I have other treatments in the same session?
Yes — the lip flip can be combined with lip filler, perioral filler for smoker’s lines, anti-wrinkle injections elsewhere on the face, or other treatments. A consultation establishes the appropriate combination for your goals.
What if I want my upper lip even more visible than the lip flip delivers?
Lip flip + filler combination produces more substantial enhancement. For patients wanting permanent change, lip lift surgery may be more appropriate. See our guide on the three-way comparison of lip enhancement options.
Will I be able to wear lipstick the same day?
No. Avoid lipstick and other lip products for the first 72 hours, and do not rub or press on your lips for the first 4 hours.
Centre for Surgery · CQC-regulated · GMC-registered surgeons · 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6RN · 020 7993 4849 · Book a consultation · Finance available, subject to status
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