Face icon

Upper Lip,
Gummy Smile, Lip Lines

Time icon

Procedure takes
from 15-20 mins

Risk icon

Risks include Bruising, Swelling, Tenderness, Temporary Lip Weakness, Asymmetry

Recovery icon

Recovery time
around 24 hours

Resume icon

Resume activities
from 24 hours

Info icon

Results develop over 7–14 days
typically last 2–3 months

What is a Lip Flip?

A Lip Flip is a subtle Botox treatment designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip without adding volume. Using small amounts of Botulinum Toxin A, carefully placed into the muscles around the upper lip, the treatment gently relaxes the muscle that causes the upper lip to curl or roll inwards.

As the muscle relaxes, the upper lip can subtly rotate upwards and outwards, creating the appearance of a slightly fuller and more defined upper lip. The result is a natural-looking enhancement rather than the added volume associated with dermal lip fillers.

A Lip Flip can be particularly suitable for clients who feel their upper lip appears thin when smiling, who would like to show slightly more of their upper lip, or who have a gummy smile where excessive upper-lip movement exposes more of the gums.

Because only a small amount of Botulinum Toxin is used, the treatment is designed to create a refined and understated result while maintaining natural facial movement. It is not expected to increase the size of the lip or volumise the lip.

At Asthetik London, each treatment is tailored to your individual lip shape, muscle movement and desired outcome. The aim is to achieve a subtle enhancement while maintaining the natural appearance and function of the lips.

Frequently asked questions

A Lip Flip uses small amounts of Botulinum Toxin A injected into specific muscles around the upper lip.

These muscles naturally pull the upper lip upwards and inwards. By temporarily relaxing them, the upper lip can rotate slightly upwards and outwards, creating the appearance of greater lip exposure and subtle fullness.

No. Unlike dermal fillers, a Lip Flip does not physically add volume to the lips. However, instead, it changes the position and movement of the upper lip, which creates the appearance of a fuller lip.

This makes it a popular option for people who want a subtle enhancement without adding.

It can. In suitable patients, relaxing the muscles responsible for excessive upward movement of the upper lip can reduce the amount of gum exposed when smiling.

However, not all gummy smiles are caused by excessive upper-lip movement. Your practitioner will assess the cause of your gummy smile to determine whether a Lip Flip is appropriate or whether the Gummy Smile treatment is recommended.

The treatment is relatively quick and typically takes around 5 minutes, however all new clients will have an initial consultation and medical history check prior to any treatment at Asthetik London, therefore please allow 30 mins in total for your first appointment.

Most clients tolerate the treatment well.  A very fine needle is used and each injection is quick. You may experience a brief pinch or mild stinging sensation at the injection sites.

Some temporary tenderness, redness or swelling may occur afterwards but this is temporary and settles.

As with all Botox treatments, effects are not immediate and the offset varies between clients. The effects of the treatment gradually develop over approximately 7–14 days as the muscles become more relaxed.  Your final result will depend on your individual muscle strength, anatomy and the amount of Botulinum Toxin used.

A Lip Flip is a temporary treatment and typically lasts around 2–3 months.

The duration can vary between individuals depending on factors such as metabolism, muscle activity and how your body responds to Botulinum Toxin.

Because the treatment uses a relatively small amount of product, its effects may wear off sooner than some other Botulinum Toxin treatments.

Yes, in suitable patients the treatments can be complementary but would not be carried out at the same time  We would usually carry out the lip flip first as the results can determine whether lip filler is needed or the placement of the filler.

The aim of a Lip Flip is to create a subtle reduction in muscle movement rather than completely immobilise the lips.  However, because the muscles around the mouth are involved in daily activities such as drinking and using a straw, treatment can make this feel slightly different, but will not stop you being able to do them.

As with all Botox treatments, the effects will wear off and all movement will return to normal.

Your practitioner will discuss these potential effects before treatment.

As with any injectable treatment, there are potential risks and side effects.

These can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness at the injection sites.

Because the treatment affects muscles around the mouth, temporary weakness or changes in lip movement can occur. In rare cases, asymmetry or difficulty with certain lip movements may occur.

There is generally minimal downtime following a Lip Flip.

Most people can return to their normal activities immediately. However, you may experience mild swelling, redness or bruising around the injection sites.

Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare advice following treatment.

There is no immediate reversal treatment for Botulinum Toxin.  The effect is temporary and gradually wears off as the muscles return to their normal activity.  Because the Lip Flip uses a small amount of Botulinum Toxin, any unwanted effects will generally improve naturally as the treatment wears off.

A Lip Flip can be repeated once the effects have worn off and normal muscle activity has returned which is approximately every 2–3 months, although the timing varies between individuals.

Your practitioner will assess your movement to determine whether treatment is ok.

Make a booking

See our full range of treatments and prices

Book now