Lip Flip in Seattle

What is a Lip Flip? 

A Lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of fuller lips without actually adding volume. Unlike traditional lip fillers that add volume through hyaluronic acid injections, a lip flip works by modifying muscle activity. The result is a natural-looking enhancement that offers subtle refinement rather than dramatic change.

How Does a Lip Flip Work?

The lip flip procedure involves precise injections of botulinum toxin into specific points around the upper lip, particularly near the cupid’s bow and the corners of the mouth. The treatment typically requires less units of Botox or Dysport (less than 10 units) making it one of the most conservative neurotoxin applications in aesthetic medicine.

When the orbicularis oris muscle relaxes, it reduces the muscle’s ability to pull the upper lip inward and downward. This allows the lip to naturally evert (flip outward), displaying more of the inner lip surface. The effect is most noticeable when smiling, as the relaxed muscle prevents the lip from thinning and disappearing as much as it normally would.

The Procedure

Your lip flip appointment will begin with a thorough consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and determine if you’re an appropriate candidate. The actual treatment takes only a few minutes:

1. Our provider may apply a topical numbing cream if you’re sensitive to injections, though many patients find this unnecessary
2. Using a very fine needle, small amounts of neurotoxin are injected at strategic points around your upper lip
3. A cotton swab may be applied to any minor bleeding spots
4. You can immediately return to your normal activities with minimal restrictions

Benefits of a Lip Flip

• Creates a more defined, shapely upper lip
• Enhances the natural cupid’s bow
• Reduces a “gummy smile” by preventing excessive gum display
• Smooths vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines)
• Prevents lip from thinning when smiling
• Natural-looking results that enhance rather than transform
• Quick, in-office procedure with little downtime
• No incisions or permanent changes
• Minimal discomfort during treatment
• Can complement existing lip filler
• Temporary results allow you to try lip enhancement

Are You a Good Candidate?

This procedure may be suitable for:

• Individuals with a thin upper lip or one that disappears when smiling
• Those experiencing a “gummy smile” with excessive gum display
• People seeking enhancement without added volume
• Patients who want to enhance their natural lip shape and definition
• First-time treatment seekers exploring lip enhancement options
• Those looking for a more affordable alternative to fillers
• Individuals with asymmetrical lip appearance when smiling
• Patients wanting to reduce vertical lip lines

You may not be a good candidate if:

• You desire significant volume increase (fillers would be more appropriate)
• You have very weak lip muscles that may relax excessively
• You rely on precise lip control for your profession (singers, wind instrument players, public speakers)
• You have active oral infections, cold sores, or acne around the lip area
• You have a history of neuromuscular disorders
• You’re allergic to botulinum toxin
• You have extremely asymmetrical lips (may need combination treatment)

Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: What’s the Difference? 

While both procedures enhance lip appearance, they work in fundamentally different ways and produce distinct results. A lip flip uses small amounts of Botox to relax the muscles around the upper lip, creating a subtle outward curl for a fuller-looking shape without adding volume. Lip fillers, on the other hand, use hyaluronic acid-based injectables to add actual volume, enhance definition, and shape the lips more dramatically.

Can You Combine Both? 

Absolutely! Many patients choose to have both a lip flip and lip filler. The filler adds volume while the lip flip enhances definition and prevents the lip from thinning when smiling. This combination approach can create beautifully balanced, natural-looking results.

Results & Recovery 

You may experience minimal swelling, redness, or slight bruising at injection sites. Most people see no visible signs of treatment. Results from treatment typically appear gradually as the area settles and natural collagen activity increases. Recovery is minimal, with most people returning to normal routines right away, though mild swelling or redness may occur temporarily.

Aftercare Tips for Lip Flip

While recovery period is minimal, following these guidelines will optimize your results:

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area for 24 hours
• Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours to minimize swelling
• Avoid excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot yoga, sun exposure) for 24 hours
• Skip alcohol consumption for 24 hours before and after treatment
• Avoid blood-thinning medications if possible