Thinking about a lip flip but want to see what really happens before you book that appointment?
You’re not alone.
The lip flip is a quick, non-invasive cosmetic treatment that subtly lifts your upper lip, without fillers.
And if you’re searching for lip flip before and after results or wondering how the process works, this article has you covered.
We’ll walk you through each step from consultation to aftercare, with clear, easy-to-understand visuals and practical info.
If you’re curious about the injection process, how it feels, or what your smile might look like after, we’ll break it down. You’ll also see what kind of results to expect and how long they’ll last.
Let’s learn the lip flip procedure and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your look.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a quick cosmetic treatment that relaxes the muscles around your upper lip using small amounts of Botox.
Unlike fillers that add volume, this procedure works by allowing your lip to roll slightly outward, creating the appearance of fuller lips without actually increasing size.
The process involves injecting 4-6 units of Botox into specific muscles around your mouth, targeting the orbicularis oris muscle that controls lip movement.
When this muscle relaxes, your upper lip naturally flips outward, showing more of the pink part of your lip. The entire treatment takes about 10-15 minutes with minimal discomfort, similar to a small pinch.
There’s no recovery time needed, and you can return to your normal activities right away, making it an ideal lunch-break procedure for busy individuals.
Lip Flip vs Lip Fillers: What’s the Difference?
Choosing between these two popular lip treatments depends on your goals and preferences. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
| FEATURE | LIP FLIP | LIP FILLERS |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Uses Botox to relax muscles | Uses hyaluronic acid injections |
| Results | Creates a subtle definition | Adds actual volume |
| Cost | $100-$300 | $500-$800 |
| Duration | Lasts 6-8 weeks | Lasts 6-12 months |
| Volume Change | No added volume | Increases lip size |
| Swelling | Minimal swelling | More swelling and downtime |
| Best For | Subtle enhancement | Noticeable volume increase |
Both treatments offer unique benefits, so understanding these differences helps you choose the right option for your lip betterment goals.
Lip Flip Before and After Smile Transformations
The most dramatic results from lip flips appear when patients smile. Many people notice their upper lip disappears or becomes very thin when they smile widely.
This common issue makes smiles look unbalanced or shows too much gum tissue.
After a lip flip, the upper lip maintains its position even during big smiles. This creates several benefits:
- Better lip-to-gum ratio
- More balanced smile proportions
- Increased confidence in photos
- Natural-looking lift
Smile transformations typically show the most significant improvement. Patients often report feeling more comfortable smiling widely in social situations and photos.
Lip Flip Before and After Smile: Real Results
Seeing actual patient transformations helps you understand what a lip flip can achieve for different lip types and concerns. These real cases show the subtle yet noticeable improvements possible with this treatment.
Case Study 1: Thin Upper Lip Enhancement
- Patient: 28-year-old woman
- Concern: Upper lip barely visible when smiling
- Treatment: 5 units of Botox
- Results: Upper lip now shows clearly when smiling, creating better balance with the lower lip
- Noticeable change: Smile looks fuller and more youthful
Before the treatment, this patient’s upper lip would curl inward when she smiled, making it nearly invisible. After the lip flip, her upper lip stays relaxed and visible, creating a more balanced and youthful smile.
Case Study 2: Gummy Smile Correction
- Patient: 32-year-old professional
- Concern: Too much gum showing when smiling
- Treatment: 6 units of Botox
- Results: Reduced gum exposure, more lip visibility
- Noticeable change: Smile looks more attractive, patient feels more confident
This patient felt embarrassed about showing too much gum tissue when smiling. The lip flip helped her upper lip cover more of her gums, creating a more confident smile she loves to show off.
Case Study 3: Cupid’s Bow Definition
- Patient: 25-year-old teacher
- Concern: Undefined lip shape
- Treatment: 4 units of Botox
- Results: More pronounced cupid’s bow and better lip definition
- Noticeable change: Natural boost; lips appear shaped without being overfilled or artificial
Her lips lacked definition, especially in the cupid’s bow area. The strategic Botox placement boosts her natural lip shape without looking overdone or artificial.
What to Expect: Day-by-Day Results
Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations for your lip flip results.
Days 1-2: You might notice slight swelling or tenderness at injection sites. Your lips will look mostly the same as before treatment.
Days 3-5: The Botox begins working, and you’ll see the first signs of the “flip” effect. Your upper lip starts to relax and roll outward slightly.
Days 7-10: Full results become visible. Your upper lip shows maximum definition, and the flip effect is complete.
Weeks 2-6: You’ll enjoy peak results during this period. Your lip flip looks natural and raises your smile.
Weeks 6-8: Effects gradually fade as the Botox wears off. You can schedule touch-up treatments to maintain results.
Month 3: Most patients need retreatment around this time to maintain their lip appearance.
The Treatment Process
Here’s what happens during your lip flip appointment:
- Consultation (5-10 minutes): Your provider examines your lips and discusses your goals. They’ll explain realistic outcomes and answer questions.
- Preparation (2-3 minutes): The treatment area is cleaned. Some providers apply numbing cream for comfort.
- Injection (5-10 minutes): Using a very fine needle, your provider injects small amounts of Botox into specific points around your upper lip.
- Aftercare instructions (2-3 minutes): You’ll receive guidelines for the next 24-48 hours to optimize results.
The entire visit typically takes 20-30 minutes, including consultation time.
Cost and Value Considerations
Compared to lip fillers ($500-$800), lip flips offer an affordable way to amplify your lips. However, the shorter duration (6-8 weeks vs. 6-12 months for fillers) means more frequent treatments.
| TREATMENT | PER SESSION COST | DURATION | ANNUAL COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lip Flip | $100-$300 | 6-8 weeks | $600-$1,200 (treating every 2 months) |
| Lip Filler | $500-$800 | 6-12 months | $500-$800 (treating once yearly) |
Many patients start with lip flips to test how they like lifted lips before committing to longer-lasting fillers.
Potential Side Effects of Lip Flip
Most patients experience minimal side effects from lip flips. Common temporary effects include:
- Mild swelling (24-48 hours)
- Small bruises at injection sites
- Slight tenderness
- Temporary difficulty using straws
- Minor asymmetry (resolves within days)
Serious complications are rare when performed by qualified providers. However, contact your provider if you experience:
- Severe swelling or pain
- Signs of infection
- Significant asymmetry lasting more than one week
- Difficulty speaking or eating
Aftercare Tips for Best Results
Following proper aftercare helps ensure optimal results and reduces side effects. These simple steps make a significant difference in your treatment outcome.
- Avoid lying flat for 4 hours after treatment and skip intense exercise or alcohol consumption today
- Don’t massage or rub the treated area, and stay upright as much as possible during recovery
- Use gentle lip balm if your lips feel dry, and avoid dental work or facial treatments this week
- Sleep with your head slightly raised, and don’t use straws if you experience any difficulty drinking
- Apply ice for swelling in 10-minute intervals and communicate any concerns to your treatment provider immediately
- Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended and maintain good lip hydration with sunscreen protection for longevity
These aftercare guidelines help maximize your results and minimize potential complications. Consistent care leads to better outcomes and satisfaction.
Combining Lip Flips With Other Treatments
Some patients combine lip flips with other procedures for better results:
Lip flip + minimal filler: Adds subtle volume while maintaining the flip effect. This combination works well for patients wanting more noticeable differences.
Lip flip + lip lines treatment: Botox can also reduce vertical lines around the mouth, creating an overall smoother appearance.
Lip flip + gummy smile treatment: Additional Botox injections can further reduce gum exposure for patients with pronounced gummy smiles.
Your provider can recommend combination treatments based on your individual needs and goals.
The Final Thoughts
A lip flip is a subtle, low-commitment way to increase your upper lip; no filler needed.
From the initial consultation to the quick injection and simple aftercare, the process is fast, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
You’ll start to see results in just a few days, with your smile looking naturally fuller and more defined.
If you’ve been searching for lip flip before and after photos or wondering what the procedure actually involves, we hope this step-by-step article cleared things up.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your overall look.
Still have questions or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment below; we’d love to hear from you!
