A Botox lip flip is a non-surgical procedure that creates the appearance of fuller lips by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle along the upper lip. Unlike dermal fillers that add volume, the lip flip simply allows more of the natural lip to be visible by preventing the lip from curling under when smiling. The treatment involves a few strategic Botox injections along the upper lip border, causing the lip to gently roll outward and appear more prominent.
The lip flip botox technique targets the muscle that circles the mouth, specifically the portion running along the upper lip. When the injector places small amounts of Botox along the vermillion border—the line where the colored part of the lip meets the skin—the muscle relaxes. This relaxation prevents the upper lip from curling inward when smiling or talking, allowing more of the pink or red portion of the lip to show.
The procedure itself takes just 5-10 minutes and requires only 4-6 injection points. Most providers use between 4-6 units of Botox total, making it one of the more conservative Botox applications. The injections are placed strategically along the cupid’s bow and the sides of the upper lip for balanced, natural-looking enhancement.
Pro Tip
Results from botox for lips appear gradually over 3-7 days after treatment, with full enhancement visible by 10-14 days. The effect is subtle rather than dramatic—patients typically see their upper lip appear slightly fuller and more visible, particularly when smiling. The enhancement reveals more of the natural lip color and creates a softer, more relaxed appearance around the mouth.
The lip flip works best for patients who have:
Unlike lip fillers that add actual volume, the botox lip flip creates the illusion of fullness by changing how the lip sits at rest and moves during facial expressions. Patients maintain their natural lip texture and feel—there’s no added bulk or firmness that comes with injectable fillers. Results typically last 2-3 months, which is slightly shorter than Botox applications in other facial areas due to constant lip movement from talking, eating, and expressions.
The ideal candidate for botox lip enhancement has a thin upper lip that tends to curl under or become less visible when smiling. This treatment works particularly well for patients who want subtle improvement without the commitment or cost of dermal fillers. The lip flip also suits those testing aesthetic treatments for the first time, as the temporary nature and minimal downtime make it a low-risk entry point.
Patients should consider lip fillers instead if they want:
Did You Know?
The lip flip doesn’t work well for everyone. Patients with very thin lips overall may see minimal results, as there needs to be sufficient existing lip tissue to reveal. Those with naturally full lips or lips that already show prominently when smiling typically won’t benefit from this treatment.
A lip flip near me typically costs $50-150 per treatment, significantly less than lip filler procedures that range from $600-1,000 per syringe. The lower cost reflects the small amount of Botox used—just 4-6 units compared to the 20-60 units commonly used for forehead or crow’s feet treatments.
However, the shorter duration of results affects the overall value equation. While the per-treatment cost is lower than fillers, patients need repeat treatments every 2-3 months to maintain results. This works out to 4-6 treatments per year compared to 1-2 filler treatments. Over a full year, the total investment becomes similar to or sometimes more than filler treatments.
Cost factors that influence pricing:
Remember
Common side effects from a lip flip are typically mild and temporary. Most patients experience minor swelling and tenderness at injection sites for 24-48 hours. Small bruises may appear along the upper lip border but usually resolve within a few days and can be covered with makeup.
Temporary effects specific to lip treatments include:
Rare complications include excessive muscle relaxation causing drooling or difficulty controlling saliva, particularly when drinking. This occurs if too much Botox is used or if it migrates beyond the intended treatment area. The effect resolves as the Botox wears off but can be inconvenient for 2-4 weeks.
Allergic reactions to Botox are extremely rare but possible. Patients should inform their provider about any previous reactions to botulinum toxin products or allergies to human albumin. The treatment should be avoided during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as the safety profile for these situations hasn’t been established.
Most side effects resolve within 7-10 days as the Botox settles and any swelling or bruising heals. The temporary nature of Botox means that even unwanted results or complications will gradually reverse as the product metabolizes over 2-3 months. Following proper post-treatment care instructions and aftercare guidelines helps minimize side effects and optimize results.
Ready to explore whether a lip flip is right for achieving fuller-looking lips? Schedule a consultation to discuss natural lip enhancement options and create a personalized treatment plan.
Results typically last 2-3 months, which is slightly shorter than traditional Botox applications in other areas. The lip area experiences constant movement from talking, eating, and facial expressions, which causes the Botox to metabolize more quickly than in less active areas.
A lip flip uses Botox to relax the muscle and reveal more of the existing lip, while lip fillers add actual volume to the lips using hyaluronic acid. Lip flips create subtle enhancement and cost less, while fillers provide more dramatic volume increase and last 6-12 months.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. The injections involve tiny needles and only 4-6 injection points along the upper lip border. Many describe the sensation as quick pinches, and the entire procedure takes just a few minutes.
Patients can resume normal eating and drinking immediately after the procedure. However, it's recommended to avoid excessive lip movement, hot beverages, and spicy foods for the first 24 hours to allow the Botox to settle properly in the treatment area.
Still Time Beauty offers expert Botox lip flip treatments in Boulder, Colorado, with a focus on natural-looking results that complement patients' facial features. Located in Boulder's health-conscious community, the practice combines advanced injection techniques with personalized consultation to ensure optimal outcomes for each client's unique lip anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition or disease, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this content.
Individual results may vary. Treatment outcomes depend on various factors including individual health conditions, treatment compliance, and other personal circumstances.
Botox can be HSA-eligible when used for qualifying medical conditions like chronic migraines, excessive sweating, or muscle spasms. Cosmetic Botox for wrinkles and fine lines typically doesn't qualify, but medical documentation from your provider can help determine eligibility for your specific treatment.
Proper botox aftercare is simple but crucial for optimal results. The first 24 hours after treatment are most important - avoid lying down, touching the injection sites, or strenuous exercise. Most patients resume normal activities immediately with minimal restrictions, and results typically appear within 3-5 days as the treatment takes effect.
Masseter botox works by relaxing the large jaw muscles responsible for chewing, which gradually reduces their size and creates a softer, more contoured jawline. The treatment takes just 15 minutes and results typically appear within 2-4 weeks, lasting 4-6 months.
Schedule your personalized consultation at our Boulder location and discover how our expertise, precision, and genuine care can help you achieve your aesthetic goals naturally. Serving Boulder, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, and surrounding Colorado communities.
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