A lip flip is a small dose of Botox® (or a similar neuromodulator) placed just above the upper lip so the lip gently rolls outward and looks fuller. There's no filler, no risk of "duck lips," and the whole appointment takes about 10 minutes. It has become one of the most popular Botox® treatments in med spas across the country, and for good reason.
Below are real lip flip before and after photos from our Downtown LA office, followed by how the treatment works, how long it lasts, what it costs and how it compares to lip filler.
Lip Flip Before and After Photos
Lip flip results. Note the natural-looking fullness achieved in the upper lip.
Subtle upper lip enhancement.
Increased volume and subtle correction of asymmetry.
Ready to talk through your options? Book a visit at our Downtown LA office.
Book a ConsultationHow a Lip Flip Works
A lip flip involves injecting 4-8 units of Botox® or a similar product, like Dysport® or Daxxify®, just above the upper lip. The goal is to relax the orbicularis oris muscle, which causes the upper lip to "flip" outwards. This gives the subtle illusion of a fuller lip, and shows more of the upper lip when you smile.
The treatment entails about 4 injections with a tiny needle. Your injector will numb the area with ice first, and you're back to your day right after.
When You'll See Results, and How Long They Last
- Results appear: final results are seen in 7-12 days.
- Results last: most lip flips last 4-8 weeks, depending on how fast your body metabolizes the product.
- Downtime: none. You may see a little redness or a small bruise at an injection site.
Because the lip muscle moves constantly (talking, eating, drinking), a lip flip wears off sooner than Botox® in the forehead or between the brows.
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler vs. LipLase
Lip flip: a few units of neuromodulator relax the muscle above the upper lip, so the lip rolls outward. Subtle, filler-free and short-lived (4-8 weeks). Only the upper lip changes.
Lip filler: hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is injected into the lips. This instantly creates volume, and results can range from subtle to extremely dramatic, depending on your goals. Results typically last 12-14 months. See our natural-looking lip filler before and afters or learn about lip filler at MedBeautyLA.
LipLase (laser lip plumping): a form of lip shaping that does not require injections. Patients come in weekly for a series of five treatments, and results emerge in about 4 months. See LipLase before and afters or learn about LipLase at MedBeautyLA.
Many clients combine a lip flip with lip filler to get the poutiest top lip possible.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a good fit if you want a little more upper lip without filler, if your upper lip seems to disappear when you smile, or if you're curious about lip enhancement and want to try something temporary first. If you want noticeable volume in both lips, filler is usually the better tool. Your injector will tell you which option suits your lips at your consultation.
Lip Flip Aftercare
- Don't recline or lie down for four hours after your injections.
- Don't rub or massage the area the day of treatment.
- Expect drinking from a straw or whistling to feel a little different for the first few weeks.
Lip Flip FAQs
Do lip flips hurt?
Lip flips are quick and generally extremely tolerable. Your injector will numb the area with an ice pack for a few minutes before injecting, and you can also request a topical numbing gel if you know you are particularly sensitive. We recommend letting your injector know if this is the case, and arriving to your appointment a little early to allow time to apply the numbing product.
How long does a lip flip last?
Most lip flips last 4-8 weeks, depending on how fast your body metabolizes out the product.
Why would I want a lip flip if it might only last a month?
A lip flip is a fantastic way to "dip your toes in" to lip enhancement in a non-permanent way. We have many clients who are interested in lip filler but want to do a trial run with a lip flip to ensure they are comfortable with the results. Others simply prefer the extremely natural results of a non-filler option.
Does a lip flip need to be done with Botox®?
Definitely not! Any neurotoxin will have the same effect. This includes products like Dysport®, Daxxify®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®. The product used often just depends on client and injector preference.
How much does a lip flip cost?
A lip flip at MedBeautyLA is $200. It uses only 4-8 units, which makes it one of the smallest neurotoxin treatments, and many clients add it to a lip filler visit. See our Botox® page for more on the treatment, or call or text us at (213) 640-4008 with questions.
Are there any lip flip risks?
A Botox® lip flip is by and large extremely safe. However, as with any medical-grade treatment, it does come with minor risks. You may experience mild bruising at the injection sites. Additionally, some clients temporarily experience limited range of motion in their upper lip which makes drinking from straws a little challenging. This side effect completely subsides as your Botox® wears off.
Can I get a lip flip and lip filler at the same time?
Yes. Many clients get lip flips with their lip filler to achieve the poutiest top lip possible. Your injector can plan both at one visit.
Watch a lip flip in action on our YouTube channel.
Book a Lip Flip in Downtown Los Angeles
Interested in a lip flip? Call or text us at (213) 640-4008 or book online here.