Approximately 10 to 20 minutes
Minimal; most patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment
Results typically begin appearing within several days and continue developing over the following two weeks
One treatment session
Maintenance treatments are typically needed every few months as the effects gradually wear off
Usually not required; topical numbing may be available depending on patient preference
If you want a little more upper lip definition without adding the volume of dermal filler, a lip flip offers a subtle approach to enhancement. A Lip Flip in Upper Arlington, OH, uses a small amount of neuromodulator to relax targeted muscles around the upper lip, allowing more of the lip to show when your face is at rest and when you smile.
At The Luxe MedSpa, every lip flip is customized to your natural lip shape, facial proportions, and aesthetic goals. Whether your upper lip tends to disappear when you smile, you want more definition along the lip border, or you are interested in a non-filler lip enhancement, the team can determine whether a lip flip fits your goals.
A lip flip is a minimally invasive injectable treatment that uses a small amount of a neuromodulator, commonly Botox, around the upper lip. Rather than adding volume, a Botox lip flip temporarily relaxes specific muscles around the mouth so the upper lip can gently roll outward and appear more visible.
The result is typically subtle, making a lip flip an option for patients who want to enhance their natural lip shape without dermal filler. It may also be used for certain patients who want to reduce how much gum shows when smiling.
A lip flip offers subtle enhancement for patients who want to improve the appearance of the upper lip without adding filler volume. Because treatment works by adjusting the movement of targeted muscles, results are designed to complement your existing lip shape rather than dramatically change it.
During a lip flip, small amounts of neuromodulator are precisely injected into targeted muscles around the upper lip. As these muscles relax, the upper lip can turn slightly outward, revealing more of the pink portion of the lip and creating the appearance of greater definition without physically adding volume.
The treatment can also reduce excessive elevation of the upper lip when smiling, which is why a lip flip may be incorporated into a gummy smile treatment for appropriate patients. Results develop gradually as the neuromodulator takes effect and are temporary, allowing treatment to be adjusted during future appointments based on your response and goals.
A lip flip focuses on the muscles surrounding the upper lip and mouth. Precise injection placement allows your provider to tailor treatment to your lip shape, movement, and desired degree of enhancement.
Helps more of the upper lip remain visible when smiling and at rest.
Enhances the appearance of the natural boundary between the lip and surrounding skin.
Can subtly improve definition at the center of the upper lip.
Targeted treatment around this area can influence how the central upper lip moves and appears.
Carefully placed injections around the mouth can help create a more balanced lip appearance.
Treatment may be used in appropriate cases to address muscle activity contributing to a downturned appearance.
A lip flip may be appropriate for several concerns related to upper lip shape, visibility, and movement. Your provider at The Luxe MedSpa will evaluate your facial anatomy and goals to determine whether a lip flip or another injectable treatment is the better fit.
You may be a candidate for a lip flip if you want subtle upper lip enhancement without adding the volume associated with dermal filler. Treatment may be especially appealing if your upper lip curls inward or becomes less visible when you smile, you want slightly more lip definition, or excessive upper lip movement contributes to a gummy smile.
A lip flip may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly if your primary goal is to significantly increase lip volume or reshape the lips beyond what neuromodulator treatment can achieve. Your provider at The Luxe MedSpa will evaluate your lip anatomy, muscle movement, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a lip flip, dermal filler, or another approach is best suited to your needs.
Your appointment begins with an evaluation of your lips at rest and while smiling so your provider can assess how the muscles around your mouth move. After discussing the amount of enhancement you want, small amounts of neuromodulator are precisely injected into targeted points around the upper lip.
The injections themselves typically take only a few minutes. Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or small bumps may temporarily appear at the injection sites, but downtime is generally minimal. Results develop gradually over the following days as the targeted muscles begin to relax, with the full effect typically becoming more apparent within about two weeks.
Preparing for your lip flip is generally simple, but following your provider’s recommendations can help support a comfortable treatment experience. Your instructions may vary based on your medical history, medications, and previous injectable treatments.
After a lip flip, downtime is typically minimal, but following your provider’s instructions can help the treatment settle appropriately. Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, or bruising may occur around the injection sites and usually improves on its own.
A lip flip is temporary because the effects of the neuromodulator gradually wear off as normal muscle activity returns. Results commonly last a few months, although longevity varies based on individual metabolism, muscle activity, the product used, and how your body responds to treatment.
As the effects fade, the upper lip gradually returns to its pretreatment movement and appearance. Maintenance appointments can be scheduled based on your results and preferences. Patients interested in seeing examples of the practice’s aesthetic work can also explore The Luxe MedSpa’s Gallery for before-and-after results.
A lip flip can be performed on its own or incorporated into a more comprehensive facial aesthetic plan. Depending on your goals, your provider may recommend pairing it with other treatments available at The Luxe MedSpa.
Feature | Lip Flip | Lip Filler |
Primary Purpose | Enhances upper lip show and definition | Adds volume, shape, and structure |
How It Works | Relaxes targeted muscles around the upper lip | Places dermal filler into targeted areas of the lips |
Adds Volume | No | Yes |
Best Suited For | Subtle enhancement, disappearing upper lip, or gummy smile | Increased fullness, contouring, or more noticeable shaping |
Results | Develop gradually over several days | Visible immediately, with final appearance clearer after swelling subsides |
Longevity | Typically a few months | Varies depending on the filler used and individual response |
Located in Upper Arlington, The Luxe MedSpa welcomes patients seeking lip flip treatments from throughout the greater Columbus area, including:
A lip flip requires precise placement and a personalized understanding of how the muscles surrounding the mouth affect your smile and lip shape. At The Luxe MedSpa, injectable treatments are customized around each patient’s facial features, movement, and desired level of enhancement.
Lip flips and dermal fillers are different injectable treatments with their own potential side effects and risks, so one is not automatically safer than the other. A lip flip uses a small amount of neuromodulator to temporarily alter muscle activity, while lip filler adds volume using an injectable filler. Your provider can recommend the more appropriate option based on your goals, medical history, and lip anatomy.
A lip flip may not be appropriate for patients who want a significant increase in lip volume or more extensive reshaping, since the treatment does not add physical volume. Certain medical conditions, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, active infections near the treatment area, or previous reactions to neuromodulators may also affect candidacy. Your provider will review your health history before recommending treatment.
Individual experiences vary, but a lip flip typically involves only a few small injections around the upper lip. Lip filler generally requires more injections and places product directly into the sensitive lip tissue, so the treatment experience is different. Your provider can discuss comfort measures available for either procedure.
Most patients can continue eating normally after a lip flip, although temporary changes in how the upper lip moves can occur as the treatment takes effect. Some people notice mild difficulty with movements such as sipping through a straw, using certain utensils, or pronouncing particular words, especially if the muscles around the mouth are more affected. These effects are temporary and improve as the neuromodulator wears off.
A lip flip typically uses a relatively small amount of Botox, but there is no single number of units that is appropriate for everyone. The amount depends on your anatomy, muscle strength, desired degree of lip show, and the specific neuromodulator being used. Your provider at The Luxe MedSpa will determine the appropriate dose during your assessment.
A lip flip may help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile when excessive upper lip movement contributes to increased gum show. By relaxing targeted muscles around the upper lip, treatment can limit how high the lip rises when smiling. Your provider will evaluate your smile and facial anatomy to determine whether a lip flip is appropriate for your specific concern.
A lip flip involves only a few small injections, so anesthesia is generally not required. Topical numbing may be available depending on your comfort level and provider recommendations. The treatment itself typically takes only a few minutes.
The cost of a lip flip can vary based on the neuromodulator used, the number of units needed, and your individualized treatment plan. The Luxe MedSpa offers financing options through CareCredit and Cherry Payment Plans for qualified patients. Your provider can review treatment pricing during your consultation.
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising can occur around the injection sites. Because a lip flip temporarily relaxes muscles around the mouth, some patients may also experience short-term changes in lip movement that can affect activities such as drinking from a straw, eating, or speaking. Your provider will discuss potential side effects and appropriate dosing before treatment.
If you want more upper lip definition without adding filler volume, a lip flip offers a subtle way to enhance your natural lip shape and smile. The team at The Luxe MedSpa will evaluate your facial anatomy, listen to your goals, and customize your treatment to create a balanced result that still looks like you.
Ready to see if a lip flip is right for you? Schedule your consultation at The Luxe MedSpa, 3025 Northwest Blvd, Upper Arlington, OH 43221, or call 614-453-2056 to speak with the team about your lip enhancement options.