Lip Flip Before and After: What to Expect from This Subtle Lip Enhancement

At Self Skin Studio in Wilmington, NC, we believe the best cosmetic treatments enhance what you already have—not change it completely. One of our favorite ways to create that effortless enhancement? The lip flip. It’s subtle, quick, and a great introduction to injectables for anyone who wants a little more definition in their smile without adding volume.

In this blog, we’re walking through everything you need to know about the lip flip treatment—how it works, what to expect, who it’s right for, and of course, a look at real before and after results.

A lip flip is a non-surgical treatment that uses a small amount of Botox (or a similar neuromodulator like Dysport or Daxxify) to create the appearance of a fuller upper lip. Instead of adding volume with filler, a lip flip works by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle—the muscle that wraps around the mouth. When this muscle is slightly relaxed, the upper lip gently rolls outward, making more of the pink part of your lip visible (1).

The result? A naturally enhanced lip shape and improved smile balance—all without adding any volume.

You might be a good candidate for a lip flip if:
- You feel like your upper lip disappears when you smile
- You want a fuller-looking upper lip without adding volume
- You’re interested in injectables but want something subtle
- You want to improve a “gummy” smile

The lip flip treatment itself is very quick and virtually painless. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Consultation: We’ll start with a short consultation to understand your goals, assess your lip anatomy, and ensure the lip flip is the right fit.
2. Injection: Using a very fine needle, your injector will place 4–6 units of Botox just above the upper lip, into the orbicularis oris muscle.
3. No Downtime: The treatment takes less than 10 minutes, and you can return to your day immediately. You’ll just need to avoid lying flat or exercising for the next few hours.

Results start to appear within 3 to 5 days and continue to improve over the first 7 to 14 days (2). The effect is subtle but noticeable, especially when you smile. Your upper lip won’t look “frozen”—you’ll still have full movement—but it will hold a slightly different shape that makes it appear fuller and more balanced.

Results typically last about 6–8 weeks, slightly shorter than traditional Botox in other areas. However, many patients choose to maintain the effect with regular touch-ups.

If you’re considering a lip flip in Wilmington, NC, we’d love to walk you through your options. At Self Skin Studio, we specialize in natural results that feel like you—just refreshed. Our experienced injectors will help you determine whether a lip flip, filler, or a combination of both is the best fit for your goals.

References:

1. Beer, K. (2010). Botulinum toxin injection for lip enhancement and perioral rejuvenation. J Drugs Dermatol.
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2024). Lip augmentation: What to expect. https://www.plasticsurgery.org