Concerns Addressed
Treats a thin upper lip, gummy smile, a “disappearing” upper lip that curls inward when smiling, fine lip-line wrinkles, and mild lip asymmetry. The lip flip is also ideal for filler-hesitant patients wanting a low-commitment, low-cost way to test a subtle change. It does not add volume — for fuller lips, see lip filler.
Ideal Candidate
Best for patients whose upper lip curls inward or disappears when they smile, those with a gummy smile, and anyone wanting subtle upper-lip definition without filler. A great low-commitment entry point for first-time injectable patients. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a neuromuscular disorder (e.g. myasthenia gravis), active infection at the injection site, or prior allergic reaction to botulinum toxin. Because the lip flip relaxes the muscle slightly, mention at consultation if you play a wind instrument or rely heavily on precise lip control professionally.
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler
A lip flip uses neurotoxin to relax the muscle so the upper lip rolls outward — a shape change with no added volume, lasting 2–3 months for $150. Lip filler uses HA gel to add physical volume, lasting 6–12 months from $700/syringe. They’re not mutually exclusive — many patients combine both for shape plus volume. If you’re unsure, the lip flip is the lower-risk way to start.
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 — staying visible through your full range of expression.
The effect is a naturally fuller-looking upper lip and a softer smile line — without any dermal filler. It’s the lowest-commitment, lowest-cost lip enhancement available, and a popular way to test a subtle change before considering 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.
Thin Upper Lip
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.
Gummy Smile
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.
Disappearing Lip
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.
Lip Line Wrinkles
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.
Asymmetric Lips
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.
Filler-Hesitant
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.
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler
The lip flip and lip filler are the two most common cosmetic lip treatments, but they work through entirely different mechanisms. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach — or combination — for your goals.
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.
What to Expect
The Lip Flip is one of the fastest treatments we perform — the whole visit takes under 15 minutes. Here’s what happens from start to finish.
Consultation & Assessment
Your provider examines your lip anatomy at rest and while smiling. You’ll discuss your goals — whether that’s addressing a gummy smile, a disappearing upper lip, or subtle enhancement. They’ll confirm whether the Lip Flip alone or a combination with filler is appropriate.
Marking & Preparation
Small marks are placed above the upper lip to map the injection points — typically along the Cupid’s bow and at the corners of the mouth. The area is cleansed. Most patients do not require numbing for this treatment.
Injection
A small number of units of Botox or Dysport are injected into the orbicularis oris muscle at the marked points. Most patients describe a few quick pinches. The entire injection process takes under two minutes.
Immediate Aftercare
There’s no downtime. You can return to normal activities immediately. Your provider will advise you to avoid pressing or massaging the lip area for 4 hours and to stay upright for at least 2 hours after treatment.
Results Timeline
You’ll notice a subtle difference in 3–5 days as the muscle begins to relax. Full results are visible at approximately 14 days. The effect lasts 2–3 months, after which the muscle activity gradually returns to normal.
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. Full guidance on our post-care instructions page.
Treatment Cost
The Lip Flip is charged as a flat fee — not by the unit. Your provider uses the exact amount needed for your anatomy.
The Lip Flip
A precise amount of Botox or Dysport is placed around the Cupid’s bow and corners of the mouth. The neurotoxin relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, allowing the upper lip to roll gently outward.
Book Lip FlipGood to know
- ✓ Flat $150 regardless of units used — the right dosage for your anatomy, no per-unit math
- ✓ Add to your Botox visit — book the lip flip alongside forehead or crow’s feet treatment in one appointment
- ✓ Results last 2–3 months — a low-commitment way to try lip enhancement
Patients who combine a lip flip with lip filler often find they can extend the interval between flip appointments.
Who Performs This Treatment
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.
The standard schedule. Because the orbicularis oris is a highly mobile muscle used for speaking, eating, and drinking, the neurotoxin metabolizes faster here than in the forehead or crow’s feet. Most patients return every 8–12 weeks.
Patients who book the Lip Flip alongside their regular Botox or Dysport appointment for forehead lines, crow’s feet, or brow lift. Scheduling both together every 3–4 months keeps all treated areas consistent and reduces total visits.
A single session scheduled 2 weeks before a specific event — a wedding, photoshoot, or reunion — to ensure the Lip Flip is at peak effect. No ongoing commitment. Many patients try this approach first before transitioning to maintenance.
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 Questions
What to know before booking a Lip Flip at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Atlanta.
How is a Lip Flip different from lip fillers?
How long do Lip Flip results typically last?
Does a Lip Flip work for very thin lips?
When will I see results after a Lip Flip?
Is the Lip Flip procedure painful?
Can a Lip Flip fix a gummy smile?
Can I combine a Lip Flip with other treatments?
When You’re Ready
Schedule a consultation at our Sandy Springs clinic. We’ll recommend the right approach based on your anatomy, your goals, and your timeline.
Book a Consultation →Or call (470) 222-6581