You've probably seen the TikToks. A girl gets a few tiny pricks of Botox above her mouth, and suddenly, her upper lip looks twice as big without a drop of filler. It looks like magic. But then you see another before after lip flip photo where the change is so subtle you’re wondering if they just changed the lighting.
It’s confusing. Honestly, the lip flip is one of the most misunderstood "tweakments" in the aesthetic world right now.
People think it’s a cheaper version of filler. It isn't. Not even close. While filler adds volume (literally stuffing the lip with hyaluronic acid), a lip flip just changes the mechanics of how your muscles move. Specifically, it targets the orbicularis oris. That’s the circular muscle that acts like a drawstring around your mouth. By relaxing the tension in the upper part of that muscle, the "tucked" part of your lip rolls upward and outward. You aren't bigger. You're just showing more of what you already have.
The Anatomy of a Good Before After Lip Flip
When you're scrolling through results, you have to look at the "vermillion border." That’s the sharp line where your lip meets your skin. In a successful before after lip flip, that border looks slightly more defined and "flipped" toward the nose.
👉 See also: Why White and Pink French Tip Nails Are Basically the Only Manicure You Need
But here is the catch. If you have a very thin upper lip to begin with, there isn't much to flip. You can’t rotate skin that doesn't exist. This is why some people look like they had a transformation while others feel they wasted $100.
What actually happens in the chair?
The procedure is fast. Like, five minutes fast. Most injectors use between 2 to 6 units of a neurotoxin—usually Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin. They place these units at the "Cupid’s bow" and toward the corners of the mouth.
It doesn't hurt much. Just a little pinch. But the real weirdness starts about three days later.
Unlike filler, which is instant, the lip flip takes time to "kick in." You’ll wake up one morning and realize you can’t quite whistle. Or maybe drinking through a straw feels like a coordinated athletic event. That’s the muscle relaxing. By day 10, the full before after lip flip effect is visible. Your upper lip will stay put when you smile instead of disappearing into your gums. This is the "Gummy Smile" fix that many people are actually looking for when they book this.
Why Some Results Fail (And Others Pop)
Expert injectors like Dr. Lara Devgan often talk about the importance of "muscle graduation." If you over-relax the muscle, your lip might look flat or "long." It’s a delicate balance.
Let's talk about the "Long Lip" look. If the distance between your nose and your lip (the philtrum) is already long, a lip flip might actually make you look a bit older or "droopy." It’s because the muscle provides structure. Take away too much structure, and the mouth looks heavy.
Then there's the longevity issue.
- Filler lasts 6 to 12 months.
- A lip flip? You're lucky if it lasts 8 weeks.
The mouth is the most active part of your face. You talk, eat, pout, and breathe through it. All that movement burns through Botox fast. If you're looking at a before after lip flip and expecting it to last all summer, you're going to be disappointed. You have to maintain it almost as often as you get a manicure.
The "Sip Test" and Other Side Effects
Nobody mentions the soup. Or the spoons.
When your orbicularis oris is relaxed, your ability to "seal" your mouth is compromised. For the first two weeks, you might find yourself dribbling a little water. You might struggle to pronounce "P" or "B" sounds perfectly. It's temporary, but it's a real part of the "after" phase that doesn't show up in a still photo.
👉 See also: Angel Wing Cowboy Boots: Why They’re Still the Most Copied Style in Western Wear
Real Examples: Filler vs. Flip
Imagine a flat ribbon.
If you want the ribbon to be thicker, you add more fabric. That is filler. If you take that same ribbon and just rotate it so more of the flat side faces the front, that is a lip flip.
In a before after lip flip for someone with a "gummy smile," the change is dramatic. When they smile in the "before," you see a lot of pink gum tissue. In the "after," the lip hangs lower and flatter, covering the gums while showing more lip surface. It’s a win-win.
However, for someone wanting "Kylie Jenner" lips? A flip will never get you there. You’ll end up frustrated. Many people actually do a "hybrid" approach. They get a little filler for the structure and a flip for the pouty rotation.
Is It Worth the $80 to $150?
Price is usually the biggest draw. Since it only uses a few units, it’s the cheapest cosmetic procedure on the menu.
But "cheap" adds up.
If you’re going every 6 weeks to keep the flip fresh, you’re spending nearly $1,000 a year. At that point, a half-syringe of filler might actually be more cost-effective. You have to weigh the maintenance against the "natural" look. The flip is undeniably more natural-looking because it is your own tissue. There is zero risk of "duck lips" because there is no foreign substance adding bulk.
The Risks Nobody Talks About
It's rare, but migration can happen if you rub the area. If the Botox drifts too low, it can affect your smile muscles, leading to an asymmetrical grin. This is why you shouldn't go to a "Botox party" in someone's living room. Go to a pro who knows the specific depths of the lip layers.
Also, if you're a professional singer or a woodwind musician? Skip it. You need that muscle tension to do your job. Even a "perfect" before after lip flip can ruin your embouchure for a month.
How to Prep for Your Appointment
If you've decided to go for it, stop taking fish oil or ibuprofen a few days before. These thin your blood and make those tiny needle pricks bruise like crazy.
When you get to the clinic, tell your injector exactly what you hate about your smile. Is it the gums? Is it the way your lip curls under? This helps them decide exactly where to place the units.
Afterward, don't lay face down for four hours. Don't go for a heavy run. Just let the toxin settle into the muscle. You won't feel anything immediately. You'll leave looking exactly like you did when you walked in, maybe with a tiny red dot or two.
Wait. Be patient.
Around day four, try to drink through a straw. When it feels a little "leaky," you know it's working. By day seven, check the mirror and smile. That’s your true before after lip flip moment.
Summary of Actionable Steps
- Assess your anatomy: If your lip disappears when you smile, you’re a prime candidate. If your lip is already full and you just want more "oomph," look into filler instead.
- Check your calendar: Don't get this done two days before a wedding or a big speaking engagement. Give it 10 days to settle so your speech patterns return to normal.
- Manage expectations on duration: Budget for a refresh every 2 months. If that's too much work, consider the flip a "trial run" for future lip goals.
- Vet your injector: Look for photos specifically showing a before after lip flip on their Instagram. Ensure their style matches yours—some prefer a very subtle look, while others go heavier on the units.
- The "Straw Test": If you can't live without your daily iced coffee through a straw, be prepared for a clumsy first week. Switch to "open lid" drinking until the muscle adjustment feels natural.
The lip flip is a subtle art. It’s about the "vibe" of the mouth more than the size. It’s for the person who wants people to say "you look good" without being able to point out exactly why. If you want a radical change, you'll be disappointed. If you want your smile to feel a bit more balanced and "pretty," it’s probably the best $100 you’ll spend on your face.