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05/08/2026How Is a Lip Flip Performed with Lip Botox?
Most clients who ask if we can make their lips a little more defined without fillers are actually describing a “lip flip.” A lip flip is a procedure that gently relaxes the muscle at the edge of the upper lip using a few units of botulinum toxin, causing the lip to turn outward—without adding volume. In other words, without injecting any filler into the lip, we alter the muscle’s curvature to bring the visible part of the upper lip slightly outward.
In this article, I’ll explain the lip flip without exaggeration: how it differs from lip fillers, who it suits, how it relates to your smile, and why its effects are short-lived. My goal is to set realistic expectations without confusing volume with subtlety.
Highlights
- Lip Botox relaxes the muscle along the edge of the upper lip, causing the lip to turn slightly outward; it does not add volume to the lip.
- During the procedure, a small dose—typically 4–6 units—is administered along the upper lip line.
- The effect is short-lived; in most people, the lips return to their original state after about 2–3 months.
- A lip flip can be used on its own or as a complementary procedure to soften a gummy smile.
- The natural result depends on keeping the dose low; too much toxin can make it difficult to move your lips and speak.
What is a lip flip, and how is it different from lip fillers?
The shortest answer to the question “What is a lip flip?” is: a small Botox injection that turns the inward-curving edge of the upper lip outward. The toxin relaxes the peripheral fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle around the upper lip. When the muscle relaxes slightly, the red part of the lip curls upward and outward, making the upper lip appear slightly fuller than it actually is.
The key distinction here is this: no volume is added to the lip. The visible effect comes from a shift in the position of the lip’s own tissue, not from the introduction of any external substance. That’s why the change is subtle; we’re talking about a difference of just a few millimeters, not a dramatic plumping effect.
Lip fillers, on the other hand, do the exact opposite. A hyaluronic acid-based filler is used to add real volume to the lips and reshape them. The difference between the two and when a filler makes more sense Lip Filler Guide I discussed this in detail in my article. The two methods are not competing; they address different needs.
How is upper lip Botox administered?
Upper lip Botox is performed by injecting small doses of the toxin into the corner points just above the upper lip using a fine needle. First, I observe you as you speak and smile; I don’t proceed with the injection until I see how your lip curves. Then, I typically mark a few symmetrical points around the center line of the lip.
The entire procedure takes just a few minutes; most patients describe the injection as feeling like a light touch. The total dose is kept very low here; 4–6 units are usually sufficient. To Wikipedia's article on botulinum toxin According to this, the toxin's muscle-relaxing effect is temporary, and nerve conduction returns to normal on its own over time.
The effects aren't immediate. You'll notice the first changes in 2–4 days, and it takes about a week for the results to fully set in. If you're wondering how the same toxin works on other areas of the face, what is botox That article would be a good place to start.
Its relationship to a "gummy smile" (where the gums are visible when smiling)
Bazı kişilerde gülerken üst diş etinin fazla görünmesi, üst dudağı yukarı çeken kasların güçlü çalışmasından kaynaklanır. Gülüşte diş eti görünmesi tıpta gummy smile olarak bilinir ve estetik bir kaygı olarak sık gündeme gelir. Diş hekimliği literatüründe dişeti gülüşünün yetişkinlerin yaklaşık %10’unda görüldüğü, kadınlarda biraz daha sık olduğu belirtilir.
The "lip flip" technique works well here. When the muscles that lift the upper lip too high are gently relaxed, the lip doesn’t rise as much when smiling, and less gum is visible. This approach yields good results for mild to moderate gummy smiles caused by muscle activity.
Not every gummy smile is caused by muscle issues. In cases where the issue stems from tooth length, jaw structure, or bone-related factors, Botox alone is not a solution. That’s why I’ll evaluate your smile while you’re moving and let you know during your exam whether it’s a suitable option.
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Lip Botox or Lip Fillers?
The choice between these two depends on what you want. If you have thin lips and really want more volume, a lip flip won’t satisfy you; fillers are a better option in that case. If your lips are a reasonable size but your upper lip curls inward when you speak, or if too much gum shows when you smile, Botox is a better choice.
Longevity is also a key factor. The effects of a lip flip are short-lived, while fillers last much longer, depending on the product. For those who want to try a small, easily reversible change, a lip flip is a low-risk starting point. In some cases, both procedures are planned together for certain patients.
The table below compares the two methods side by side.
| Comparison | Lip Botox (lip flip) | Lip fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of action | It relaxes the muscle and turns the lip outward | Adds volume, plumps the lips |
| Volume change | None | Exists |
| Apparent result | A difference of just a few millimeters | Noticeable fullness |
| Persistence | About 2–3 months | Longer than the product |
| The result appears | About a week | Mostly right away |
Who is it suitable for, and who is it not suitable for?
A lip flip may be suitable for healthy adults who want to slightly enhance the definition of their upper lip but do not want the volume associated with fillers. It produces excellent results for people who are bothered by their gums showing when they smile or whose upper lip disappears when they speak. Satisfaction is higher among clients with realistic expectations.
In some cases, I postpone the treatment or do not perform it at all. I avoid performing the treatment during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as well as in patients with neuromuscular disorders or allergies to the toxin. If there is an active cold sore or infection around the lips, we wait until the area heals.
I exercise caution with people who play wind instruments or whose professions require extensive speaking or clear pronunciation. This is because excessive relaxation of the upper lip muscle can temporarily make it difficult to whistle or pronounce certain letters.
How long does the effect last?
The effects of lip Botox last for a shorter period than those in other areas of the face. Since the dose administered to the upper lip muscle is very low, muscle movement returns to its previous strength in about 2–3 months for most people. Don’t expect the same 3–4-month duration as with Botox injections in the forehead or between the eyebrows.
This short duration is actually an advantage. If you don’t like the result, you won’t have to live with it for a long time; the effect fades on its own. Those who want to maintain the look, however, get it touched up a few times a year.
I prefer to keep the dose low during the first session. If necessary, we’ll increase it slightly after two weeks. It’s always safer to start with a low dose and increase it if needed than to start with too much and have to wait.
What factors affect the price of lip Botox?
The cost of lip Botox varies from person to person; it would not be accurate to give a single fixed price. The number of units used, the brand of toxin, and whether the procedure is planned as a lip flip alone or in combination with smile correction directly affect the price. Since a lip flip uses a lower dose, it is generally a less extensive procedure.
The treating physician’s experience and the clinic’s operating standards also factor into the total cost. Since the lips are a highly active area involved in speech and facial expressions, it’s wise to approach very low-cost offers with caution. The authenticity of the toxin and its proper storage are essential for safety.
Rakamlara bakınca yöntemin yaygınlığı nettir: Uluslararası Estetik Plastik Cerrahi Derneği’nin (ISAPS) küresel verilerine göre botulinum toksini, cerrahi olmayan estetik işlemlerin yaklaşık %40’ını tek başına oluşturur. Amerikan Plastik Cerrahi Derneği (ASPS) de botoks uygulamalarını yıllar boyunca en sık yapılan minimal invaziv işlem olarak raporlar. Yine de net fiyat ancak yüz yüze değerlendirmeyle çıkar.
Post-procedure care and expectations
No special recovery period is needed after this procedure; most clients return to their normal routine right away. It’s best to avoid touching the area around your lips for the first few hours, to avoid leaning forward for extended periods, and to postpone strenuous exercise. On the day of the procedure, I also recommend limiting very hot beverages and drinking through a straw.
I don’t recommend wearing heavy makeup or massaging the area around your lips on the same day. Letting your lips heal on their own as much as possible until the toxin settles helps ensure the results look natural.
The lips are one of the most expressive parts of your face. That’s why Botox My priority in my procedures is to make your lips stand out while keeping your speech and smile natural. How this same principle works in practice Get Botox You can find it in the article. If you’d like to discuss the right approach for your lips, Communication You can visit our website to schedule a preliminary consultation at our clinic in Caddebostan. Every set of lips is unique; I’ll create a personalized plan for you after your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lip Botox make your lips bigger?
It does not add actual volume. It makes the lip appear slightly fuller by turning the edge of the upper lip outward. Fillers are more suitable for people who want a noticeable increase in volume.
How many months does the effect last?
Because the dose used is very low, the effects generally last about 2–3 months. This is shorter than with Botox in other areas of the face. Several repeat treatments per year may be needed to maintain the results.
Will it affect my speech or my smile?
When administered correctly and at a low dose, this risk is low. Excessive toxin can temporarily make it difficult to whistle or pronounce certain letters. For this reason, the dose is kept conservative during the first session.
Does a lip flip help with a gummy smile?
It can help with mild to moderate gummy smiles caused by muscle tension. When the muscles that pull the upper lip upward relax, less gum tissue is visible when smiling. It is not sufficient on its own for cases caused by teeth or bone.
Can I also get lip fillers at the same time?
For some patients, both procedures are scheduled together; the filler adds volume, and the lip flip reshapes the lip line. However, I’ll make this decision during your consultation, based on the structure of your lips. It’s not always necessary to have both procedures done at the same time.
Will there be any pain or swelling after the procedure?
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You can have this procedure done at Dr. Melis Ülger’s office in Kadıköy Caddebostan.
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