Lip Flip Botox: Everything you need to know

Have you ever wanted a fuller upper lip without using fillers? A lip flip can be the perfect choice. This quick, non-surgical treatment uses a small amount of Botox to relax the muscles around your top lip. As your muscles relax, your lip gently turns outward, creating a soft, natural look.

Many people love it for fixing a gummy smile or adding a little lift to their face without extra volume. It takes just minutes, has almost no downtime, and the results can last a few months.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through how a lip flip works, who it suits, what to expect, and how to care for your lips afterwards. Let’s get started.

What is Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a simple and non-surgical treatment that helps your upper lip look fuller and more defined. Instead of adding volume like lip fillers do, a lip flip uses a small amount of Botox to relax the muscles around the top lip.

During the treatment, your doctor carefully injects Botox into the areas near the corners of your mouth and just above your upper lip, especially around Cupid’s bow. Generally, about 4 to 6 Botox units are used.

When the muscles in this area (called the orbicularis oris) relax, the top lip gently flips outward. This slight outward movement makes the lip look naturally fuller and gives a more noticeable shape, especially when you smile. It’s a great option for those who want a subtle enhancement without adding artificial volume.

How the Lip Flip Cotox Works?

Before the Procedure

Before your lip flip Botox treatment, your doctor will discuss your goals and see if this treatment is right for you. They will examine your lip shape, how your lips move when you smile or talk and explain how Botox will work in your case. Your doctor will also suggest a few things to follow prior to your treatment, like:

• Avoiding alcohol or blood thinning medicines like aspirin for 24-48 hours before treatment to reduce any chance of bruising.
• Letting them know if you’ve had Botox before or any allergies.
• Keeping your face clean and no makeup around your lips when you arrive for the treatment.

The consultation is a great time to ask questions and set realistic expectations.

During the Procedure

The lip flip procedure is quick and simple. It usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Once you arrive, your doctor will clean the skin around your upper lip to keep the area sterile. They may gently mark the injection points, which are typically just above the Cupid’s bow and near the corners of your mouth.

Using a very fine needle, a small amount of Botox, usually 4 to 6 units, is injected into the targeted areas. Most people feel it like a tiny pinch and minimal discomfort. Since no numbing cream is usually required, the process is straightforward and smooth.

After the injections, there’s no need for bandages or downtime. You’ll be given simple aftercare instructions and can return to your day right away. The entire session feels more like a short appointment than a medical procedure, making it a convenient option even for those with busy schedules.

After the Procedure

Right after your treatment, you might notice some slight redness or swelling in the injection areas. This usually fades within a few hours.

Here are some basic aftercare tips:

• Avoid touching or rubbing your lips for at least 4 to 6 hours.
• Don’t lie flat for a few hours after the procedure.
• Skip intense workouts, hot drinks, or alcohol for the rest of the day.
• Try not to pout or use straws for the first 24 hours.

You can go back to your regular routine the same day, but take it easy and follow your doctor’s advice.

When Do You See Lip Flip Results?

Botox treatment typically doesn’t show immediate results. Patients usually need to wait about 2 to 3 days before they start noticing the effects of a lip flip. The best results for a Botox lip flip are usually seen after around 10 days.

On average, the effects of the Botox lip flip last for about 2 months. This is shorter as compared to other areas of the face, like the forehead, because we use the orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle around the lips) a lot throughout the day when we talk, eat, and drink. These constant movements can cause the results to fade more quickly.

What is the Recovery Time?

Most people feel completely fine within a day. Any mild pain or swelling usually goes away within 12 to 24 hours after the treatment.

Your lips will start to look fuller gradually, with the full effect showing up after about one week. If you’re getting a lip flip for a special occasion, like a wedding or event, it’s a good idea to book your appointment at least two weeks in advance. This gives your lips time to settle and ensures the Botox has fully worked.

You can eat and drink not long after your treatment, but try to avoid messy foods that could make you wipe your lips. Be extra careful for the first few days.

Also, avoid using straws or smoking for at least three days. These movements make your lips move, which could affect how Botox works.

It’s best to skip alcohol for 24 hours too, since it can thin your blood and increase the chance of bruising around your lips.

Who Needs a Lip Flip Botox?

Getting a lip flip is a personal choice and can be a great way to feel more confident in your appearance. It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about doing something that makes you feel good.

You might be a good candidate for a lip flip if:

• You are in overall good health.
• You have realistic expectations about the results.
• You don’t have any active infections around your mouth, like cold sores or canker sores.

Benefits of a Lip Flip Botox

The lip flip Botox offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for lip enhancement. Here are the key benefits:

1. Gives a natural lift to your upper lip

The lip flip gently rolls out the top lip, making it look more defined and slightly fuller without adding volume.

2. Softens fine lines above the lip

It can help smooth out small vertical lines around your mouth, often called “smoker’s lines.”

3. Helps reduce a gummy smile

If your smile shows too much of your gums, the lip flip can help relax the upper lip so it covers more of your gum line.

4. No recovery time needed

You can go back to your normal routine right after the treatment, no rest or healing time is required.

5. Temporary and low-commitment

The results last around 3 to 4 months, making it a great option if you’re trying lip enhancement for the first time.

Risks of Lip Flip Botox

While a Botox lip flip is generally safe, it’s important to understand potential risks. These are usually mild and temporary but should be considered:

• Shorter-lasting results: Unlike lip fillers, the results from a lip flip typically don’t last as long and may need more frequent touch-ups.

• Muscle relaxation side effects: If the Botox spreads too close to certain muscles, it can cause temporary issues like slight drooling, difficulty drinking from a straw, or mild speech changes.

• Not instantly reversible: If you’re unhappy with the look, there’s no quick fix, you’ll need to wait for the Botox to naturally wear off.

• Mild flu-like symptoms: Some people may experience a headache, low-grade fever, or chills shortly after the treatment.

• Temporary skin reactions: You might notice some tenderness, slight bruising, or discolouration around the injection area, but this usually fades quickly.

If you’re based in the UK and exploring options for a lip flip, you can find several reputable clinics offering Botox in London that specialize in non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

Final Thoughts

A lip flip Botox is a quick and easy way to enhance your smile without adding volume. It’s perfect for those who want a subtle, natural look with minimal downtime. While the results don’t last as long as fillers, many love the softer appearance it creates. 

As with any cosmetic treatment, it’s important to choose a qualified provider and understand both the benefits and possible risks. If you’re looking for a gentle boost to your upper lip, a Botox lip flip might be just what you need.