A botox lip flip is a quick, non-surgical cosmetic treatment where a medical professional injects a small amount of botox to give your upper lip a fuller appearance.
This guide will explain the procedure, how it compares to dermal lip fillers, and potential side effects to consider. How much is a lip flip.
What is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a simple, quick cosmetic procedure that uses a small amount of Botox to make your upper lip look a little fuller without adding any volume. Instead of filling the lip, the Botox relaxes the muscle around your mouth. This causes your upper lip to slightly “flip” or curl upward and outward, making it appear larger and more defined.
This procedure is great for people who feel their upper lip disappears when they smile or who have a “gummy” smile, where too much of their gums show. It can also help soften the look of vertical lines above the upper lip. The whole process is fast, usually taking only about 10 to 20 minutes, and there is no downtime.
How is it Different from Lip Fillers?
It’s easy to get a lip flip and a dermal lip filler confused, as both are meant to improve the appearance of your lips. The main difference is what they do and how long they last.
- Lip Flip: Uses Botox to relax the muscles, which “flips” the lip to make it look fuller. It doesn’t add any actual volume. The results are subtle and typically last for about 3 to 4 months.
- Lip Fillers: Involve injecting a substance, most commonly hyaluronic acid, directly into the lips to add physical volume. This can create a more dramatic change in size and shape. The effects are immediate and can last much longer, from 6 months to a year or more.
Since a lip flip doesn’t add volume, it’s a good choice for someone who wants a very natural, subtle enhancement or who wants to “try out” a fuller lip look without a big commitment.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before getting a lip flip, you’ll need to do a few things to get ready. The most important is to have a discussion with your doctor or practitioner to make sure you’re a good candidate and have realistic expectations. You should also:
- Stop drinking alcohol and avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, as these can make bruising and healing more difficult.
- Tell your practitioner about any health conditions or allergies, especially a cow’s milk allergy, as some Botox products contain a protein called albumin.
- Remove any piercings around your mouth before the appointment.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
The lip flip is a straightforward procedure. The practitioner will inject a small amount of Botox into a few specific spots: the center of your upper lip (the Cupid’s bow) and the corners of your mouth. The goal is to relax the muscles that pull the lip inward. For a “gummy smile,” the injections might also target the muscles that lift the upper lip. The procedure is usually painless, so you likely won’t need any numbing cream.
After the procedure, there is no real recovery time. You can get back to your daily life right away. However, it’s a good idea to be careful for a few days:.
- Don’t rub or massage your lips.
- Avoid activities that put pressure on your lips, like smoking, drinking through a straw, or kissing.
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth.
- Don’t wear lipstick for a couple of days.

How much is a lip flip cost?
The cost of a lip flip is generally much lower than lip fillers, but it can vary. In the UK, it can cost anywhere from £80 to £200. In the US, prices often range from $100 to $500. This is because it uses fewer units of Botox compared to other procedures. How much is a lip flip.
- The number of units used: The more Botox you need, the higher the cost.
- The location of the clinic: Prices are often higher in bigger cities.
- The provider’s experience: A highly experienced professional may charge more.
Because the results of a lip flip are temporary, you’ll need to get the procedure done more often than lip fillers to maintain the look. This is something to consider when you’re looking at the total cost over time.
How Much Botox is Used for a Lip Flip?
A lip flip typically requires a very small amount of Botox. The most common range is between 2 to 6 units, with some people needing up to 10 units depending on their unique anatomy and the desired result. The practitioner will decide on the right number of units for you during your consultation. Using too little Botox might not give you the result you want, while using too much could make it difficult to speak, drink, or pucker your lips.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like any medical procedure, a lip flip can have some temporary side effects, such as numbness, redness, bruising, or swelling. These usually go away quickly.
It’s very important to choose a qualified and experienced professional to do the injections. If the Botox is injected incorrectly or too much is used, you could have some issues with your mouth muscles, such as:
- Difficulty closing your mouth completely.
- Trouble whistling or drinking through a straw.
- A slight droop on one side of your mouth.
If any of these problems happen, you just have to wait for the Botox to wear off, which can take a few months. Because of this, some professionals advise people who sing, teach, or talk for a living to carefully consider the pros and cons.
In conclusion, a lip flip is a simple, non-surgical way to get a subtle change in your lips. It relaxes the muscles to give the appearance of a fuller upper lip, but it doesn’t add volume. If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, you might want to consider lip fillers, or even a combination of both. It’s always best to talk to a medical professional to figure out the right treatment plan for you.