What Is a Lip Flip?
From subtle enhancements to a fuller, more defined look, achieving your ideal lips is now more accessible than ever. If you've been wondering about the best way to get that perfect pout, this guide breaks down the differences between a lip flip, lip filler, and lip hydration to help you choose the right treatment.
What is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a popular non-surgical treatment that uses a small amount of a neuromodulator, like Botox, to enhance the appearance of your upper lip. Unlike fillers that add volume, a lip flip works by gently relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle, which sits just above your upper lip. When this muscle relaxes, it causes the upper lip to subtly "roll" outward, creating the illusion of a fuller, more defined lip without actually adding any volume.
Lip Filler, Lip Flip, and Lip Hydration: What's the Difference?
Lip filler involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) directly into your lips to add volume, shape, and structure, making your lips look plumper, more defined, and often a little poutier. Since HA is excellent at holding moisture, lip fillers also provide deep hydration, giving you those benefits along with added volume.
Lip hydration is a treatment that uses a specialized form of HA to deeply moisturize and smooth your lips. Unlike traditional fillers, this HA isn't designed to add significant volume, but rather to make your lips healthier, subtly fuller, and improve their texture and dryness.
On the other hand, a lip flip uses a small amount of neuromodulator, like Botox, to relax the muscle above your upper lip. This makes your upper lip gently "flip" upward, giving the appearance of a slightly more visible, poutier upper lip.
How long does a lip flip really last?
A lip flip typically lasts an average of 8 weeks. Since a very small amount of neuromodulator is used, its effects tend to wear off more quickly than Botox injected for deeper facial wrinkles. To maintain your results, you'll need to schedule touch-up appointments.
What looks more natural, lip flip or filler?
Both a lip flip and lip filler can look very natural when performed by a skilled and experienced injector.
A lip flip is great for a subtle, natural-looking enhancement because it doesn't add any volume. It works by relaxing your upper lip muscle, allowing it to gently roll upward and appear fuller. A fantastic side benefit is that this same process can also soften and help prevent vertical "smoker's lines" or "barcode lines" from forming above your lip.
Lip filler can also look incredibly natural. The key is a combination of the injector's technique and the specific product used. There are different types of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, and during your consultation, your injector will help choose the perfect one to achieve your desired outcome. Some HA fillers are ideal for creating soft, subtle definition, while others are designed for a more plump and dramatic look. An expert injector will enhance your natural lip shape, ensuring the result is beautifully balanced and never "overdone."
Ultimately, the most natural-looking result comes down to your personal goals and the expertise of your injector.
The Lip Flip Procedure
Getting a lip flip is a quick and straightforward procedure. It typically takes about 15 minutes. After your consultation to discuss your goals and medical history, your Nurse Injector will administer a few tiny, superficial injections of a neuromodulator just above your upper lip. Most people find the discomfort minimal. You can usually get back to your normal activities right away, though you'll want to follow some simple aftercare instructions. The full effects usually become noticeable within a few days to a week.
What are the downsides of a lip flip?
While a lip flip is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
Subtle results: If you're looking for a dramatic increase in lip volume, a lip flip won't provide that. Its effects are much more subtle compared to lip fillers.
Temporary: The results only last 8 weeksmonths, so you'll need regular treatments to maintain the look.
Potential for temporary speech or eating changes: Because the muscle around the mouth is relaxed, some people report slight, temporary difficulty with certain pronunciations or sipping through a straw right after the procedure. This typically resolves as you adjust.
Does a lip flip change your smile?
Yes, a lip flip can subtly change your smile. For people whose upper lip tends to disappear or thin out significantly when they smile, a lip flip can help by relaxing the muscle that pulls the lip upward and inward. This allows more of the upper lip to show when you smile, creating a fuller and more visible upper lip. The goal for many is a more pleasing smile, sometimes reducing a "gummy" appearance.
Does a lip flip change kissing?
For most people, a lip flip doesn't significantly change kissing. You might notice a very subtle difference in the sensation of your upper lip initially, but it shouldn't impair your ability to kiss normally. The muscle relaxation is localized and designed to enhance appearance, not to alter function.
Who shouldn't get a lip flip?
You might not be an ideal candidate if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have certain neuromuscular conditions (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome)
Have an active infection at the injection site
Are looking for a significant increase in lip volume (In this case, lip filler is a more suitable option.)
Have unrealistic expectations about the results
Have a known allergy to neuromodulators
The Bottom Line
Whether you're curious about a subtle lip flip, want to add noticeable volume with lip filler, or boost the hydration and smoothness of your lips, there's an aesthetic solution for you. Each treatment offers distinct benefits and results, from a gentle eversion of the upper lip to plump, beautifully hydrated lips. The key to achieving natural-looking results you'll love is to understand your options and choose an experienced injector.
If you're in Calgary and considering lip enhancement, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our expert Nurse Injectors at PHI Medical Aesthetics. We're here to discuss your goals, answer all your questions, and help you find the perfect treatment to achieve the look you desire.
