Botox Lip Flip Explained: How It Works, Benefits, and What to Expect

Want a softer, fuller upper lip without committing to fillers?

A Botox lip flip uses tiny injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) to relax the upper lip muscle so the lip gently rolls outward. The result? A refined, natural-looking pout that shows a little more “pink” when you smile, without changing your natural lip shape.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how a lip flip works, who it’s for, what results look like, and what to expect before and after treatment.

What Is a Botox Lip Flip?

A Botox lip flip is a quick aesthetic treatment that uses Botox, a neuromodulator commonly used to soften expression lines, to relax the orbicularis oris muscle, the circular muscle around your mouth. When this muscle slightly relaxes, the top lip can roll outward, revealing more of the pink vermillion border and cupid's bow.

Unlike traditional lip fillers that add volume with hyaluronic acid, a lip flip simply refines how the lip rests. The effect is a subtle, natural change that's especially helpful for people whose top lip “disappears” when they smile.

If you want a little more definition without dramatically changing the size of your lips, a lip flip with Botox can be a great option.

How Botox Creates the "Lip Flip" Effect

Botox affects the tiny muscles around the mouth so the upper lip rests in a slightly more relaxed, outward position. The treatment takes just a few minutes, and results gradually develop over a couple of weeks.

Where to Inject Botox for Lip Flip

A small number of precise injections are placed along the upper lip at or just above the vermillion border, the natural line where the pink lip meets the surrounding skin. Some patients also benefit from additional points near the corners or just above the cupid’s bow.

Because these are very superficial injections, discomfort is minimal, and the procedure takes less than 1 minute. 

Why Consider a Botox Lip Flip

• Subtle lip enhancement that looks natural, perfect if you want a fuller upper lip without adding volume

• Can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile

• Softens vertical lip lines by relaxing the upper lip muscle

• Minimally invasive, with very minimal downtime

• Can be combined with lip filler for more definition while maintaining overall facial harmony

• More affordable compared with larger-volume lip augmentation procedures

Who Needs a Lip Flip?

You may be a good candidate for a lip flip if any of the following sound familiar:

• Your upper lip tucks under when you smile

• You want a subtle enhancement rather than added volume

• You’re curious about lip treatments but not ready for fillers

• You want more definition at the cupid’s bow

• You’re looking for a quick, low-commitment option with minimal downtime

If your goal is a noticeably fuller lip, hyaluronic acid fillers may be a better choice. You can also combine both treatments for a refined shape and added volume. Discuss your goals with your provider to determine the best approach for your desired look.

Botox Lip Flip Before and After at Eternity Wellness

A lip flip is straightforward, but it helps to know the beat-by-beat experience and the realistic timeline.

What Happens Before a Lip Flip Procedure?

You'll start with a consultation to talk through your goals, smile dynamics, and the ideal level of enhancement you're hoping for. Your provider will assess your facial anatomy, how much of your upper lip shows when you smile, and whether you've had other lip treatments such as filler.

They’ll also review your medical history, explain what results typically look like, and discuss any temporary changes in lip function. From there, they’ll recommend the number of Botox units that best match your unique features.

At Eternity Wellness Center, the focus is on subtle, natural-looking improvement, enhancing your lip definition while keeping your expressions and smile looking like you.

What Happens During a Lip Flip Procedure?

When you arrive for your lip flip appointment, the team will guide you into a comfortable treatment room.

1. Preparation: Your provider will begin by gently cleansing the upper lip area.

2. Injection: Using a very fine needle, the provider places small amounts of Botox at key points along the upper lip border, typically just above the vermillion edge and at the lip corners. This technique is thoughtfully planned to respect your natural anatomy and smile dynamics.

3. Duration: The entire procedure usually takes about 10 minutes, efficient and low-commitment for your schedule.

What Happens After a Lip Flip Procedure?

You can return to normal activities immediately. Avoid pressing on the lip area, heavy exercise, or lying face-down for about 4–6 hours. A simple lip balm can help keep the lips comfortable.

The effects will start to appear in 5–14 days, with full results visible at around two weeks. You'll notice that the upper lip looks slightly fuller and more defined, especially at the cupid's bow, and it doesn't tuck under as much when you smile.

Lip Flip Recovery and Aftercare

Expect mild swelling or tiny bumps at the injection sites for a few hours, sometimes a day. Skip strenuous workouts, saunas, and pressing the lips for the first afternoon. Don't massage the area, and keep lips hydrated with a simple lip balm. You can resume normal activities immediately, including work. Full results appear in about a week.

Potential short-term effects include temporary difficulty pursing the lips (such as when using a straw or whistling), mild asymmetry, or tenderness, but these typically resolve as the Botox settles. If anything feels off after a few days, follow up with your provider.

Take the Next Step Toward Lips You Love

A Botox lip flip is a small tweak with a big payoff, a gently lifted upper lip, refined shape, and a natural look that feels like you, without committing to fillers.

Curious if it’s the right fit? Talk with the team at Eternity Wellness to explore your options and create a personalized treatment plan. Book your consultation today.

FAQs

How long does a Botox lip flip last?

Most people enjoy their results for 6–8 weeks, sometimes up to 10–12, as the Botox gradually wears off. Because the dose used around the lips is small, the effect fades a little faster than treatments in areas like the forehead.

Quick touch-ups help preserve the subtle enhancement and naturally fuller look.

What does a Botox lip flip do?

It relaxes the upper lip muscle so the lip can flip outward, exposing more of the pink part and creating the look of a fuller upper lip without adding volume. It can also enhance your smile by showing less gum and smoothing upper lip lines.

Can a Botox lip flip go wrong?

Complications are uncommon but can occur if injection placement or dosing isn’t well-suited to your facial anatomy. Over-treatment may temporarily make the upper lip feel weak. Fortunately, Botox wears off, and careful dosing by a skilled provider helps avoid problems.

How many units of Botox do you need for a lip flip?

A lip flip usually requires 5–10 units of Botox. Your provider will tailor the dose to your unique anatomy.

Is a lip flip better than a filler?

They do different jobs. A lip flip relaxes the muscle for a subtle outward flip, while a lip filler (hyaluronic acid) adds volume and structure.

If you want gentle definition and a top lip that doesn’t tuck under as much, a lip flip is a great choice. If you’re looking for more fullness, filler may be better, or you can combine both for an even more defined, fuller look.

Can you get a lip flip while pregnant?

No. Botox and most cosmetic procedures aren't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.