Botox lip flip – how does the treatment work?

Botox lip flip is a botulinum treatment for the lip area. In this treatment, a small amount of botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle surrounding the upper lip (orbicularis oris). When the muscle relaxes, the upper lip turns slightly outward. This reveals the red area of the lip that was previously covered by the overly tight lip.

A lip flip does not increase the size of the lips or change their structure. The change is caused by a change in the position of the lips.

Lip flip is one of the botulinum treatments for the lips.

• If you would like to read more about what Botox can do for your lips, you can find an overview here: Botox lips.
• A broad overview of botulinum treatments can be found here: Botox in Helsinki.

What is a lip flip?

A lip flip is a botulinum treatment in which a small amount of botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle surrounding the upper lip. In some people, this orbicularis oris muscle tightens the lip, hiding it—especially when smiling.

When muscle activity is weakened with a small dose of botulinum toxin, the lip turns slightly outward. This makes the red area of the lip more visible than usual.

The change is usually minor. A lip flip does not enlarge the lip or add filler to it.

The change is usually particularly noticeable when smiling, as the upper lip, which was previously turned inward, turns slightly outward.

Who is lip flip suitable for?

At my clinic, lip flip treatment is often requested by clients whose upper lip disappears almost completely when they smile.

Lip flip is suitable for the following situations:

• upper lip disappears when smiling
• The red area of the upper lip is not visible enough.
• the desire is for a very small aesthetic change

If the goal is clearly fuller lips than before, filler treatment is usually a more appropriate option than botulinum toxin treatment.

Who is lip flip not suitable for?

A lip flip does not produce visible changes for everyone. Some people have an anatomical structure of the lower face that results in a disappointingly minor effect.

The response to lip flip treatment is individual and cannot be predicted. Therefore, the first lip flip treatment should be considered a trial treatment.

How is a lip flip done?

A lip flip is performed by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscle surrounding the upper lip.

• usually 4–6 injections are given
• injections are targeted at the orbicularis oris muscle
• the procedure takes a few minutes

In most cases, injections are made in the upper lip area. In some situations, botulinum toxin can also be used around the lower lip, but this is quite rare.

Most customers experience the injections as minor pinches.

When will the lip flip start to show?

The effects of botulinum toxin are not immediately apparent after injection.

The first changes usually start to appear within 3–5 days. The final result is estimated to be visible after about two weeks.

How long does a lip flip last?

For most people, the effect lasts for about 2–4 months.

The muscles in the mouth area are constantly in use, which shortens the duration of the effect compared to, for example, botulinum toxin treatments on the forehead.

Botulinum toxin treatments for the lips are considered off-label treatments. Treatment response varies, and the final result cannot be predicted entirely in advance.

Is a lip flip the same as lip augmentation?

Lip flip and lip filler treatments are two different things. Lip flip changes the position of the lips by relaxing the muscles. Filler increases the volume of the tissue and makes the lips larger.

Does the lip flip look natural?

The results of lip flip treatment are usually very minor. The treatment does not enlarge the lip or change its shape, but only affects the function of the muscle surrounding the upper lip.

For most people, the effect is particularly noticeable when smiling, as the upper lip turns slightly outward and the red area of the lip becomes more visible than before. At rest, the change is initially very subtle.

How much does a lip flip cost?

A lip flip is usually performed as a botulinum treatment in one area.

In Finland, botulinum toxin treatment for one area typically costs a few hundred euros.

At my own clinics, a lip flip costs between €269 and €289.

If you would like to read more about the pricing of botulinum toxin treatments, you can find more information here: Botox treatment prices.