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What is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a nonsurgical procedure that aims to subtly enhance the upper lip by using botulinum toxin to relax the muscles around your upper lip. The procedure involves using a fine needle to inject botox into the muscles near the upper lips, targeting specific areas to achieve the desired effect. When the targeted muscle relaxes in the upper lips, the upper lip “flips” outward, showing more of the lip surface and creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip without the need to add volume.
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Unlike traditional dermal lip filler or hyaluronic acid fillers, the lip flip does not change the actual volume of the lip tissue.
Lip Flip treatment overview
Sessions Required
Duration of Results
Downtime
Session Duration
Skin Concern
1 session and above
2 to 4 months
Minimal downtime
5 mins
Thin lips
Vertical lip lines (wrinkles around the lips)
Receding, curling, or disappearing upper lips when smiling or speaking
How Does it Work?
The lip flip procedure involves a small amount of botulinum toxin injections placed above the upper lip, typically along the vermillion border and near the cupid’s bow. This relaxes the muscles around your upper lip, reducing the tendency of the upper lip to curl inward when speaking or smiling.
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To minimize discomfort during the procedure, numbing cream may be applied beforehand.
When the upper lip tight muscle relaxes, a subtle outward rotation occurs, improving lip appearance and helping the lip stay visible even when you smile. Results from a lip flip typically appear within a few days. The procedure involves only a few units of botulinum toxin, a brief appointment, and minimal mild discomfort. Effects usually appear within about a week and last about three to four months, as botulinum toxin wears off after roughly 8–12 weeks. The lip flip typically lasts about 3 to 4 months before needing retreatment.
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: What’s the Difference?
A lip flip and lip filler both enhance the lips but work differently: the lip flip uses botulinum toxin to subtly relax muscles and create a fuller appearance without adding volume, while lip fillers use hyaluronic acid to directly increase lip volume and shape. The lip flip is temporary, minimally invasive, and ideal for natural-looking enhancement, whereas fillers provide longer-lasting volume and structural support .Lip Flip: Uses botulinum toxin to relax the muscles around the upper lip, causing it to gently roll outward and appear fuller.
Feature
Lip Flip
Method
Uses botulinum toxin to relax muscles around the upper lip
Lip Filler
Uses hyaluronic acid fillers to add volume and shape directly
Effect
Subtle enhancement, creates a fuller appearance when smiling
Adds volume for fuller lips and more defined contours
Duration
Lasts about 8–12 weeks
Ideal for
People whose upper lip disappears when smiling, addressing vertical lip lines or a gummy smile
Lasts 6–18 months depending on type and technique
Individuals with thin lips needing structure or volume
Outcome
Enhances lip shape and natural movement
Reshapes lip area, defines vermillion border, adds volume
Benefits of a Lip Flip
The lip flip provides a natural, subtle enhancement by relaxing the muscles around the upper lip, allowing more of the lip to show and creating a fuller upper lip when smiling. It can also enhance the definition of the cupid’s bow, smooth vertical lip lines, and help reduce excessive gingival display in cases of a gummy smile. As a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, it requires no downtime, is temporary and adjustable, and allows individuals to achieve a more defined lip shape without adding volume.
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Subtle, natural enhancement: Shows more of the upper lip and creates a fuller appearance when smiling without adding volume.
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Defined lip shape: Enhances the cupid’s bow and smooths vertical lip lines.
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Gummy smile improvement: Helps reduce excessive gingival display.
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Minimally invasive and adjustable: Procedure with no downtime; effects are temporary and customizable..
Who Is a Lip Flip For?
The lip flip procedure may be suitable for:
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Individuals who prefer subtle enhancement over volume.
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Those whose upper lip disappears or curls inward when they speak or smile.
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People who want a defined but natural-looking lip shape.
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Individuals seeking a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure without long-term commitment.
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Those who prefer not to use dermal filler due to concerns such as filler migration.
For individuals with very thin lips, unlike lip filler, a lip flip alone may not achieve the desired look, and dermal filler may be recommended instead.
How Much Is a Lip Flip?
The cost of a lip flip in Singapore typically depends on the clinic, doctor experience, and the number of units of botulinum toxin required. At fundamental aesthetic medical clinic, our lip flip cost starts from $150. A lip flip is generally less expensive than dermal fillers, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking enhancement. Factors influencing cost include pre-assessment, treatment goals, and techniqu
Lip Flip Treatment in Singapore
A lip flip is a minimally invasive procedure that subtly enhances the upper lip by relaxing the muscles around it, creating a fuller appearance and a more defined lip shape without adding volume. The procedure involves small botulinum toxin injections at targeted points above the lip, with most patients experiencing only minor swelling or bruising at the injection site. There is no required downtime, and normal activities can resume immediately. Consulting a qualified practitioner ensures proper assessment of lip anatomy, muscle strength, and potential side effects, making the lip flip a safe and temporary option for subtle lip enhancement.
Lip Flip Procedure
The lip flip procedure usually takes around 15mins, nonsurgical treatment that subtly enhances the upper lip without adding volume. A small number of botulinum toxin injections are placed at targeted points around the cupid’s bow and corners of the mouth, relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle to allow the upper lip to roll outward and create a more defined lip shape. The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes, requires no downtime, and results in a fuller-looking lip and improved lip appearance, especially when smiling, offering a temporary and minimally invasive option for subtle lip enhancement.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your lip flip procedure, following proper aftercare is key to achieving the best results and minimizing any side effects. Most patients experience only mild discomfort, slight swelling, or minor bruising at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days. To help reduce the risk of bruising, it’s best to avoid alcohol, over-the-counter blood thinners, and strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the lip area can help ease swelling and discomfort.
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It’s also important not to rub or massage the treated area, as this could cause the botulinum toxin to spread beyond the intended injection sites. While you can return to your normal daily activities right after the procedure, it’s recommended to avoid heavy exercise or anything that might cause excessive sweating for the first day. By following these simple aftercare steps, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and enjoy the subtle enhancement of your upper lip from your lip flip.
Risks and Side Effects
As with any cosmetic procedure, the lip flip carries some potential risks and side effects. Most commonly, patients may notice mild discomfort, swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own within a few days. In rare cases, there may be allergic reactions or filler migration, though these are uncommon with botulinum toxin. Some individuals may experience temporarily impaired lip function, such as difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain words, but these effects are usually short-lived.
FAQ
How much does a lip flip cost in Singapore?
A lip flip in Singapore typically costs $200–$540, depending on the clinic, number of botulinum toxin units used, and the doctor’s fees.
Does a lip flip actually work?
Yes, a lip flip works by relaxing the upper-lip muscle to create a subtle, fuller-looking lip without adding volume, making it ideal for those wanting a natural, temporary enhancement or help with a gummy smile.
How long does a lip flip really last?
A lip flip typically lasts 2 to 5 months, with most people seeing results for about 3 to 4 months before the neurotoxin wears off and the lips return to normal.
How painful is a lip flip?
A lip flip is generally only mildly uncomfortable, with most people feeling a quick pinch from the tiny injections, often made even easier with numbing cream or ice.
What are the risks of a lip flip?
A lip flip carries mostly mild, temporary risks such as swelling, bruising, or slight difficulty with lip movements, with rarer issues like asymmetry or over-relaxation of the lip muscles usually avoidable by choosing an experienced injector.
Who is not a good candidate for a lip flip?
A lip flip is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to botulinum toxin, have active oral infections or neuromuscular conditions, or are seeking dramatic lip volume.
Can you still smile normally with a lip flip?
Yes, you can still smile normally with a lip flip, as long as it’s done by an experienced injector, with only minor temporary swelling or stiffness that typically resolves within a few days.
Can you still kiss with a lip flip?
Yes, you can kiss after a lip flip, but you should wait 24–48 hours to let it settle and avoid pressure on the lips.
What’s cheaper, lip flip or filler?.
A lip flip is cheaper upfront, costing around $200–$450, while lip fillers typically cost $500–$1,000+, though fillers last longer.
