What is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses a small amount of botulinum toxin to relax the muscle just above the upper lip. It is the same medicine used in anti-wrinkle injections, but applied here in a very precise way. When that muscle relaxes, the lip gently rolls outward and upward, creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined upper lip without adding any physical volume.
According to the NHS, botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, and the effects typically begin to show within two to three days, with the full result visible after two to three weeks.
It is a quick treatment, usually completed in around ten minutes, and requires no downtime. The results are temporary, typically lasting between two and three months, which makes it a popular first step for people who want to try lip enhancement before committing to filler.
Unlike lip filler, a lip flip does not add volume or change the shape of the lower lip. What it does is enhance the natural shape of the upper lip, reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, and give the mouth a more open, relaxed look at rest.
Who is a good candidate for a lip flip?
A lip flip tends to suit people who are looking for a subtle, natural result rather than a noticeable change in lip size. It is particularly well-suited for those who:
- Want to enhance the upper lip without adding volume
- Have a thin or flat upper lip that tends to disappear when they smile
- Experience a gummy smile and want to reduce how much gum shows
- Are new to aesthetic treatments and want to start with something low-commitment
- Have had lip filler before but found the result felt too heavy or looked overdone
It is worth noting that the lip flip works on the upper lip only. If you want to add volume to both lips or significantly change the overall shape of your mouth, lip filler is likely to be the better option.
What does the treatment involve?
The treatment is straightforward. A small amount of botulinum toxin is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle, the ring of muscle that surrounds the mouth, at several precise points along the upper lip border. The injections are done with a very fine needle and take around ten minutes in total.
It is worth knowing that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. As the NHS explains on its guidance for choosing a cosmetic practitioner, it can only be prescribed following a face-to-face consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. At SABA Health Clinic, your appointment always begins with a consultation to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you, that your goals are realistic, and that you understand what to expect.
There is no significant downtime. You may notice mild redness or swelling around the injection sites for a short time after treatment, but most people return to their usual activities the same day. It is advisable to avoid vigorous exercise, sunbathing, and saunas for 48 hours after the procedure.
Lip flip vs lip filler: how do they compare?
This is the question most people arrive with, and the honest answer is that they are quite different treatments designed to achieve different outcomes.
Lip filler uses a hyaluronic acid gel injected directly into the lips to add volume, shape, and definition. According to the NHS, the results of dermal fillers are visible almost immediately and typically last between six and eighteen months, depending on the product used and the individual.
A lip flip, by contrast, uses botulinum toxin to relax a muscle rather than add volume. The result is a more subtle roll of the upper lip rather than a change in size. The two treatments can also be combined, and many people choose to have a small amount of filler for volume alongside a lip flip for definition and to soften the border of the upper lip.
Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide:
- Lip flip: A subtle, natural-looking result that affects the upper lip only. Results last two to three months and are priced at £250 at SABA. No volume is added.
- Lip filler: A more noticeable result that can treat both the upper and lower lips. Results last six to eighteen months and are priced from £300 at SABA. Volume and shape are added.
Neither treatment is better than the other in absolute terms. The right choice depends entirely on what you are hoping to achieve.
Is it the right treatment for you?
It is worth speaking to a qualified practitioner if:
- You are considering any form of lip enhancement for the first time
- You have had a previous lip treatment you were not happy with and want to understand your options
- You want a natural result but are unsure whether filler or botulinum toxin is more appropriate for you
- You are thinking about combining treatments and want expert guidance on what is safe and suitable
A good consultation will always explore what you want to achieve and be honest with you about whether the treatment you have in mind is the right route to get there.
How SABA Health Clinic can help
At SABA Health Clinic in Bishop's Stortford, our medical aesthetics service is led by a Consultant Anaesthetist with a background in precision, patient safety, and evidence-based medicine.
- Doctor-led lip flip treatment using prescription-grade botulinum toxin
- Lip flip priced at £250 per session; lip filler from £300
- Consultation is included before any treatment is carried out
- Same-week appointments available with no GP referral needed
- Natural results tailored to your face, not a one-size-fits-all approach
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