A lip flip is a nonsurgical way to plump and define the upper lip by selectively relaxing part of the lip muscle. A small amount of neurotoxin is injected in the central lip and near the corners. The muscle, which we use to purse our lips, tightens and flattens the upper lip, so when it is relaxed, the lip expands, the margin projects more. The result is a lip that appears to have more volume with better definition of the Cupid’s bow. That purse-string muscle, called the orbicularis oris, also creates vertical lip lines, which a lip flip can soften.
A Lip Flip is a subtle tweak that can make a noticeable difference. By relaxing the muscles around your upper lip, it gently rolls the lip outward, creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined pout, without adding volume.
For many people, it's a small change that brings a big confidence boost. It can make your lips look more balanced and visible when you smile and give you that extra pop without the added fullness that comes with fillers. It's a quick fix with no downtime and a great way to explore lip enhancement if you're not quite ready to commit to filler.
Some of the most common benefits include:
This treatment is perfect for those seeking a modest enhancement that complements their natural features.
A Lip Flip is a popular option for people who want to fine-tune their look without dramatic changes. It’s especially helpful for those who feel like their upper lip vanishes when they smile or who want a more pronounced shape without committing to dermal fillers.
A Lip Flip can be an excellent solution for:
It's a great option for individuals seeking a gentle enhancement to their smile.
Patients of all ages who want more of a pouting upper lip—full and defined—are good candidates. Those with vertical lip lines and loss of upper lip definition as well as people with a gummy smile would also be good candidates.
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation at Allegro MedSpa. We'll discuss your aesthetic goals, assess your facial anatomy, and determine if a Lip Flip aligns with your desired outcome.
Preparation Tips:
These simple steps help ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results.
A Santa Rosa lip flip is more subtle. Filler can round out the lip’s margin, giving an unnatural look, when not judiciously done. Relying on filler alone to soften vertical lip lines can yield an overdone, unnatural, even rubbery look. Overdone filler can also elongate the upper lip, accentuating the characteristics of an aging lip, which tends to elongate with age. A combination of a lip flip and filler can deliver an excellent result. It is not an either/or choice.
A lip flip doesn’t last as long as filler. Neurotoxins typically last 3-4 months and fillers 9-12 months, though there is individual variability.
The injection of neurotoxin without numbing stings, so a topical numbing ointment can help. Pressing a cold pack to the area immediately before is particularly effective, and a vibrating tool help near the area to be injected just before and during the injection can also lessen the pain.
The Lip Flip is a quick and straightforward procedure:
The entire process takes abou
There is no recovery, unless there is bruising. Bruising is more likely in patients who have recently taken a blood-thinning agent, including aspirin or ibuprofen. The results may take 2–3 days or longer to kick in. The muscle relaxation is greatest in the first 2–3 weeks, when patients might notice a softening when uttering fricatives like “p” or “b.”
That said, most patients are able to go about their day right after the treatment with no interruption to their normal routine. Some mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site is possible, but it typically fades within a few days. To keep everything healing smoothly, we recommend avoiding alcohol, heavy workouts, or heat exposure (like saunas or hot yoga) for the first 24 hours.
The effect of a lip flip is subtle, so it tends to be natural. Most people start to see changes within three to five days, but the full effect usually settles in around the 10 to 14-day mark. The treatment subtly lifts and relaxes the upper lip, creating that softly defined look.
The results typically last about two to three months. If you love the look, you'll need occasional touch-ups to maintain it. For those wanting a more dramatic volume boost, we can also talk about pairing the Lip Flip with a bit of filler to enhance the shape and fullness even more, customized to your goals and facial features.
The cost of a Lip Flip at Allegro MedSpa can vary based on individual needs and the amount of product used. On average, prices range from $80 to $500. During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed breakdown tailored to your treatment plan.
Definitely, it's a very popular choice for people who want a subtle boost without jumping straight into fillers.
It’s pretty quick and easy—most people say it feels like a tiny pinch, and it's over in seconds.
Side effects are rare, but you might see a little bruising or swelling. If anything does show up, it usually fades fast.
It’s not permanent, but it’s also super low-commitment. Most people come back every couple of months to keep the look fresh.
Not at all. When done by experienced providers (like ours), it simply enhances what you already have, nothing overdone or artificial.
Totally. A lot of patients pair it with filler or other treatments for a more defined, balanced look that still feels natural.
