Lip Flip
A lip flip uses a small dose of botulinum toxin type A (a prescription-only medicine) placed into the muscle just above the upper lip. By relaxing the muscle that curls the lip inward, the upper lip rolls gently outward and appears fuller and slightly more defined — without any filler being added. It's a subtle option for clients who want a softer, fuller look rather than a change in lip size. Your suitability is assessed in full at consultation before any treatment is arranged.
Individual assessment & treatment by a Prescribing Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. Suitability is assessed individually at your consultation.
Areas this treatment can help with
- A thin upper lip that curls inward
- A desire for subtle fullness without added volume
- Clients considering a lighter alternative to lip filler
- A gummy smile caused partly by the upper-lip muscles
The treatment in plain terms
A few tiny doses are placed along the orbicularis oris, the muscle around the mouth. As the muscle relaxes, the upper lip rolls gently outward, showing more of the pink lip and giving a fuller appearance. Because no volume is added, the change is subtle and temporary, typically lasting around two to three months, after which the muscle activity gradually returns and treatment can be repeated.
The Science Behind the Lip Flip
The orbicularis oris is the circular muscle that surrounds the mouth and controls lip movement, closure and expression. Where this muscle is naturally overactive, it can curl the upper lip inward so that less of the pink lip shows, giving a thinner appearance. Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription-only medicine that temporarily reduces the nerve signals telling this muscle to contract. With the muscle gently relaxed, the upper lip rolls outward a little, showing more of the pink lip and creating a subtly fuller, more defined look — without adding any volume. The effect is gradual and temporary, typically lasting around two to three months, after which muscle activity returns and treatment can be repeated. Because dosing is kept small and precisely placed, speech and function are preserved, and your natural expressions remain.
What the treatment can help with
From consultation to review
Consultation & assessment
Your clinician assesses your lip shape and movement, discusses whether a lip flip, lip filler, or both is most appropriate for the look you want, and confirms the treatment is suitable for you.
Tailored treatment
Small, precisely placed doses are placed along the muscle just above the upper lip. The appointment takes only a few minutes and is usually well tolerated, with no downtime.
Gradual improvement
Over the first few days the muscle softens and the upper lip rolls gently outward. You may notice a subtly fuller, more defined appearance as the lip settles.
Review & repeat
A review is arranged at around two weeks to assess the result and symmetry. Repeat treatment is typically planned every two to three months as the effect gradually fades.
Getting ready & looking after your treatment
A lip flip is straightforward, but a little preparation helps it go smoothly. We'll talk through your lip goals, medical history and any previous lip treatment at your consultation, and only proceed if it's right for you.
- Tell us about any previous lip or lower-face treatment, including filler or anti-wrinkle treatment
- Share details of any medicines and supplements, particularly biotin
- Let us know about any cold sores, as treatment near the lips can sometimes trigger a flare-up
- Mention any facial weakness or neuromuscular concerns
- Avoid blood-thinning medication and supplements for a few days beforehand where it's safe to do so
- On the day, arrive as normal — no fasting is needed
- After treatment, avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for the rest of the day
- Avoid strenuous exercise, lying flat and facials or lip massage for a few hours afterwards
- Keep your two-week review so we can assess your response and symmetry
Is this treatment suitable for me?
A lip flip suits adults who want a subtle increase in lip fullness without added volume. It isn't the right option for everyone — for example, where a change in lip size or shape is the goal, lip filler may be more appropriate — and it isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with certain neuromuscular conditions. Suitability is confirmed at consultation, and treatment is only offered when clinically appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
No. A lip flip relaxes the muscle so the lip rolls outward for a subtle fullness, but adds no volume. Lip filler adds volume and can change lip size and shape. They suit different goals, and we'll advise which is right for you at consultation.
You may also be interested in
Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Lines & Wrinkles)
Assessment and treatment for traditional facial areas: 1 Area £150, 2 Areas £180, 3 Areas £210, with a complimentary 2-week review.
Bruxism & Jaw Slimming
Treatment of the masseter (jaw) muscles to ease teeth-grinding tension and soften the appearance of a square jaw.
Chin & DAO Treatment
Softening a dimpled or pebbled chin and gently lifting the mouth corners by treating the chin and depressor anguli oris muscles.
Ready to discuss your treatment?
Your clinician will assess your suitability, answer your questions, and only recommend treatment when it's right for you.