The Lip Flip Explained: What It Is, How It Works, and Who It Is Best For

When clients sit in my chair at Elite MedAesthetic in Bearden, one of the most common questions I hear is about the lip flip. A lot of people want a subtle enhancement to their smile without committing to dermal filler, and that is where this treatment shines.

As an injector, I love performing lip flips because they offer a gorgeous, natural looking result with almost zero downtime. Whether you are curious about how it works or wondering if it is the right fit for your aesthetic goals, here is everything you need to know from my perspective in the treatment room.

What Exactly Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a quick, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a tiny amount of neurotoxin, like Dysport or Botox, placed into the muscle surrounding your upper lip.

Instead of adding volume with gel filler, a lip flip relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle. When this muscle relaxes, the top lip gently rolls outward and upward. This gives the illusion of a fuller, more prominent upper lip when you smile, while also reducing the appearance of a gummy smile where too much gum shows.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The process is remarkably fast and straightforward. When you come into our Bearden studio, we start with a quick consultation to look at your natural lip anatomy and discuss what kind of result you want.

Using an ultra fine needle, I place just a few tiny units of neurotoxin along the border of your upper lip. The entire injection process takes less than five minutes. There is no numbing cream required, and you can walk right out of the studio and resume your normal day immediately.

While you will not see an overnight change, the neurotoxin gradually relaxes the muscle over the course of three to seven days, with your final result settling in around day ten. The effect typically lasts between two to three months.

Who Is the Lip Flip Best For?

A lip flip is not meant to replace dermal filler if you want a significant boost in volume, structure, or projection. However, it is an incredible option for specific clients:

  • The Subtly Curious: If you want a touch of enhancement without committing to filler or changing your baseline lip size, this is a great introduction to injectables.
  • The Gummy Smile: If your upper lip curls inward significantly when you smile and exposes a lot of gum tissue, a lip flip relaxes that pull so your lip rests more gracefully.
  • The Lipstick Disappearer: If your upper lip tends to completely disappear or roll inward when you smile or talk, a lip flip keeps your lip visible and expressive.

How to Pair It for the Ultimate Elite Glow

While I handle the precise injectable side of things here at Elite, maintaining your overall look is a team effort. Pairing your lip flip with a refreshing HydraFacial or a custom facial from our skilled clinical staff ensures your skin is just as radiant as your refreshed smile. Clean, deeply hydrated skin provides the perfect canvas for any aesthetic enhancement.

If you are ready to try a lip flip or want to chat about your aesthetic goals, book a consultation with us at our Bearden studio and let us get you looking and feeling your absolute best!