Lip Flip
With Botox
Fuller upper lip shape. No filler required.
How the Lip Flip Works
If your upper lip disappears or curls inward when you smile, the Lip Flip addresses that specific concern without adding volume.
A few precise units of neuromodulator (Botox or Dysport) are injected into the orbicularis oris muscle just above the upper lip. This temporarily relaxes the muscle tension in that area, causing the upper lip to gently roll outward.
The effect is a naturally fuller-looking upper lip and a softer smile line — without any dermal filler.
The Benefits
Upper Lip Definition
Relaxes the muscle above the upper lip so it rolls slightly outward, preventing the "disappearing lip" effect when smiling.
No Filler Required
Uses only neurotoxin — no hyaluronic acid filler is injected. Ideal for patients who want a subtle shape change without added volume.
Minimal Procedure
The treatment takes under five minutes, involves minimal discomfort, and requires no downtime. Results appear gradually over 3–14 days.
Concerns We Address
The Lip Flip is a targeted treatment for specific upper lip and smile concerns. Here's what it addresses.
A naturally thin upper lip can appear even thinner when smiling. The Lip Flip relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle so the upper lip rolls slightly outward, creating the appearance of more fullness without injecting any filler. For patients who want both shape and volume, the Lip Flip can be combined with lip filler for a more comprehensive result.
If your upper lip rises too high when you smile — exposing a significant amount of gum tissue — a Lip Flip can help. By relaxing the lip elevator muscles, the upper lip drops slightly to cover more of the gum line. The effect is a more balanced smile without surgery. This is often combined with Botox in the upper face during the same appointment.
Some patients have adequate lip volume at rest, but their upper lip curls inward or disappears completely when they smile. The Lip Flip specifically targets this concern by preventing the muscle from pulling the lip inward. The upper lip stays visible throughout your full range of expression — smiling, laughing, and talking.
Fine vertical lines above the upper lip — sometimes called smoker's lines or perioral lines — form from repeated muscle contraction over time. A Lip Flip softens these lines by reducing the muscle activity that creates them. For deeper etched lines, your provider may recommend combining this with a chemical peel or microneedling to resurface the skin.
Mild lip asymmetry — where one side of the upper lip is slightly higher or more prominent than the other — can be addressed with precise neurotoxin placement. Your provider can adjust the injection pattern to selectively relax specific areas, improving symmetry. For more significant asymmetry, dermal filler may be recommended as a complement.
Many patients are interested in lip enhancement but aren't ready for filler — whether due to concerns about volume, swelling, or the commitment of a 6–12 month result. The Lip Flip is a low-risk entry point: minimal units, minimal cost, and results that wear off naturally in 2–3 months. It's a way to test a subtle change before considering lip filler down the line.
What to Expect
The Lip Flip is one of the fastest treatments we perform. Here's what happens from start to finish.
Post-Treatment Tips
Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging the lip area for 4 hours. No strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid lying flat for at least 2 hours. Drink through a straw sparingly for the first day. For full guidance, visit our post-care instructions.
Treatment Options
The Lip Flip is charged as a flat fee — not by the unit. Your provider will use the exact amount needed for your anatomy.
The Lip Flip
Who Performs This Treatment
Thao Nguyen, RN BSN
How Often to Maintain
The Lip Flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin around a highly active muscle, so results wear off faster than standard Botox areas. Here's what to expect.
Your provider will recommend the right schedule based on how your body metabolizes neurotoxin. Patients who combine the Lip Flip with lip filler often find they can extend the interval between Lip Flip appointments since the filler provides structural support.
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler
These treatments aren't mutually exclusive. Many patients combine a Lip Flip with lip filler — the filler adds volume while the flip improves how the upper lip sits when smiling. Your provider can recommend the right approach during a consultation. Learn more about lip filler at ELLEMES.
Lip Flip Reviews
"I'm obsessed with my new lip flip! It gave me the subtle fullness I wanted without needing filler. Thao made me feel comfortable the entire time, and the results are so natural."
"This was my first time getting a lip flip, and I'm thrilled with the outcome. My upper lip looks more defined. The process was quick and gave me the perfect enhancement."
"I never liked how my top lip disappeared when I smiled. The lip flip changed that. I love it and will definitely be back for maintenance treatments."
"My upper lip was always thin, so I tried the lip flip along with a bit of Botox. The difference is amazing. I finally have that subtle shape without looking overdone."
"So happy with my lip flip results! Thao really listened to my concerns and delivered exactly what I was hoping for. Love it."
"The lip flip gave my smile a nice lift. I didn't realize how quick and easy the treatment would be. Highly recommend!"
"I've always been self-conscious about my thin upper lip. The lip flip was the perfect fix — no downtime, minimal discomfort, and I absolutely love the subtle plumpness."
"My wife convinced me to try a lip flip because my upper lip disappeared when I smiled. Surprised at how natural it looks. Thao was fantastic and very professional."
"I wanted a slightly fuller look without fillers, and the lip flip was exactly what I needed. I feel much more confident when I smile!"
"I'd considered lip filler before, but the flip was much more subtle and fit my needs perfectly. Thrilled with the end result!"
"If you want a subtle boost to your top lip, the lip flip is the way to go. Couldn't be happier with how easy it was!"
"I'm so impressed with how natural my lips look now. Thao was patient, informative, and very skilled. Highly recommend her."
"Didn't want full-on fillers just yet, so I tried the lip flip. The outcome is perfect, and I'll definitely be returning for touch-ups."
"The lip flip was very quick and my lips look so much better in photos now. My smile is completely transformed. Thanks, Thao!"
"I barely had an upper lip, and the lip flip made such a difference. It's a very subtle change, but so completely worth it to me."
"My results are fantastic. Just enough to enhance my upper lip without looking unnatural or overdone. Highly recommend Thao for a lip flip!"
Common
Questions
What to know before booking a Lip Flip at ELLEMES.
A Lip Flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin (Botox or Dysport) to relax muscles around the upper lip, causing it to roll outward and appear fuller. Fillers add hyaluronic acid gel to build volume directly. If you want a subtle shape change without added volume, a Lip Flip is the appropriate option.
Because a small amount of neurotoxin is used around a highly mobile muscle (the mouth), most patients see results for about 2 to 3 months before the effect gradually wears off.
A Lip Flip provides a subtle enhancement for thin lips by flipping the upper lip outward so it remains visible when you smile. However, it does not add physical volume. For significant plumping, dermal filler is required.
You'll typically notice a subtle difference in 3 to 5 days, with the full effect visible at about 14 days. The change is gradual as the muscles slowly relax.
Most patients describe minimal discomfort — a few quick pinches as the neurotoxin is injected just above the lip line. The treatment takes under five minutes and typically requires no numbing or anesthesia.
Yes. By strategically relaxing the upper lip elevator muscles, the upper lip drops slightly to cover more of the gum line, creating a more balanced smile.
Yes. Many patients combine a Lip Flip with their regular Botox or Dysport appointment for forehead lines or crow's feet. You can also combine a Lip Flip with lip filler for both shape and volume.
When you're ready.
Schedule a consultation and we'll recommend the right approach based on your anatomy, your goals, and your timeline.
Book a Consultation