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Mastering the Lip Flip – A Guide for Medical Aesthetic Injectors

Apr 04 2025

Reading Time: 7 Minutes

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For years, patients seeking fuller, more defined lips turned to dermal fillers, using hyaluronic acid-based injections to enhance volume and shape. While fillers remain a popular choice for lip augmentation, a new technique is gaining traction—the lip flip. This subtle yet powerful procedure uses neurotoxins to enhance the appearance of the upper lip without adding volume, creating a soft, natural-looking pout.

Unlike traditional lip fillers, which plump the lips, a lip flip works by relaxing the muscles around the mouth, allowing the upper lip to gently curl outward. The result is a more pronounced lip border, improved lip symmetry, and in some cases, a reduction in gummy smile appearance. Patients who have thin lips that disappear when they smile or those seeking a more understated enhancement are increasingly opting for this treatment.

As an aesthetic injector, mastering the lip flip technique requires more than just injecting neurotoxin. A successful outcome depends on proper patient selection, precise injection site placement, and appropriate dosing. Equally important is managing patient expectations, as many first-time clients may not fully understand the differences between a lip flip and lip fillers.

Whether you are new to aesthetic injectables or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about performing a lip flip. From patient assessment and expected results to lip flip injection sites and treatment longevity, this resource will help you build the confidence and expertise needed to offer this in-demand procedure to your patients.

What Does a Lip Flip Do and How Does It Work?

A lip flip is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle using a small amount of neurotoxin (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, or Nuceiva®). By inhibiting muscle contraction, the upper lip subtly curls outward, creating the illusion of a fuller lip without adding volume.

Unlike lip fillers, which plump the lips with hyaluronic acid, a lip flip simply relaxes the muscles that pull the upper lip inward. The result is a more prominent, defined upper lip that appears slightly lifted when smiling or at rest.

Key Benefits of a Lip Flip

✔ Enhances the appearance of the upper lip without increasing volume
✔ Reduces a gummy smile by relaxing the muscles that lift the upper lip too high
✔ Creates a subtle, natural-looking pout
✔ Quick procedure with minimal discomfort and downtime
✔ Lower cost compared to lip fillers

Assessing the Right Candidates for a Lip Flip

While many patients are eager to try the lip flip, not everyone is an ideal candidate. The key to achieving natural, satisfying results is proper patient selection.

Best Candidates for a Lip Flip

✔ Patients with a thin or disappearing upper lip when smiling
✔ Those who want a subtle enhancement rather than added volume
✔ Patients with a mild gummy smile who do not want surgical correction
✔ First-time neurotoxin patients who want to test results before committing to fillers

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate

✖ Patients looking for significant lip volume should consider dermal fillers instead
✖ Those with asymmetrical lips may require a combination of filler and neurotoxin for balanced results
✖ Patients with extremely weak lip muscles may experience excessive relaxation, affecting function
✖ Anyone with contraindications to neurotoxin injections should be advised against the procedure

A proper consultation and patient history are essential before performing a lip flip. Always discuss realistic expectations and ensure that the patient understands that the results will be subtle rather than dramatic.

Lip Flip Injection Sites and Technique

A successful lip flip requires precise placement of neurotoxin in the orbicularis oris muscle. Injectors must have a strong understanding of anatomy, dosage, and technique to avoid over-relaxation that could interfere with lip function.

Recommended Lip Flip Injection Sites

💉 Injection Site 1 Left Cupid’s bow (superior orbicularis oris)
💉 Injection Site 2 Right Cupid’s bow (superior orbicularis oris)
💉 Injection Site 3 Left lateral vermilion border
💉 Injection Site 4 Right lateral vermilion border

The standard lip flip dosage typically ranges from 4 to 8 units, depending on the patient’s muscle strength and desired effect. A conservative approach is recommended for first-time patients to prevent excessive relaxation.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last and When Do Results Show?

One of the most common questions patients ask is Botox Day 7 vs Day 14—when will they see the full results?

Neurotoxin treatments follow a gradual activation process. Patients may notice mild effects around day 3 to 5, but the full results typically appear between day 10 and day 14.

✔ Day 3 to 5 – Subtle relaxation begins
✔ Day 7 – Some patients see a difference, but not full results
✔ Day 10 to 14 – Full effect of the lip flip
✔ Week 6 to 8 – Effects start to fade
✔ Week 8 to 12 – Patients may require a touch-up treatment

Most lip flips last between 8 to 12 weeks, making them a shorter-term solution compared to dermal fillers, which can last 6 to 12 months. Patients interested in maintaining results will require repeat treatments every 2 to 3 months.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Patients

Managing patient expectations is crucial for a positive treatment experience. Many first-time patients expect dramatic volume enhancement, similar to dermal fillers. However, it is important to clarify that a lip flip only relaxes the upper lip, making it appear slightly more visible rather than adding true volume.

What Patients Can Expect

✔ A subtle lift of the upper lip
✔ More definition at rest and when smiling
✔ A reduction in gummy smile appearance (if applicable)
✔ No added volume, only an enhancement of natural lip shape

Some patients may initially find it difficult to drink from a straw or pronounce certain words while the neurotoxin settles. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few days.

If a patient desires more volume or longer-lasting results, they may benefit from combining a lip flip with dermal fillers.

FAQ – Can a Lip Flip Go Wrong?

One of the biggest concerns among new injectors is whether a lip flip can have unwanted side effects. While the procedure is considered safe and effective when performed correctly, complications can occur if the injection sites, dosing, or patient selection are not carefully managed. As with any neurotoxin treatment, achieving optimal results requires an understanding of anatomy, muscle function, and proper technique.

When performed incorrectly, a lip flip can result in undesirable effects that may impact a patient’s speech, smile, or overall lip function. Because the orbicularis oris muscle plays a key role in both aesthetic appearance and movement, it is essential to use a conservative approach when injecting neurotoxins in this area.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

🚫 Injecting too much neurotoxin
Over-relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle can lead to functional issues, such as difficulty pronouncing certain words, an unnatural stiffness in lip movement, or trouble drinking from a straw. This is why it is always recommended to start with a lower dose and reassess at follow-up appointments.

🚫 Incorrect injection placement
Misplacing neurotoxin injections can result in uneven relaxation of the upper lip, leading to an asymmetrical or unnatural appearance. Precise placement along the Cupid’s bow and lateral vermilion border ensures balanced and subtle results.

🚫 Treating the wrong patient
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for a lip flip. Patients who desire significant volume enhancement may be disappointed with the subtle effects of a neurotoxin-based treatment. Proper patient education and expectation management are crucial in avoiding dissatisfaction and ensuring that the treatment aligns with the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Why Proper Training is Essential for a Successful Lip Flip

Mastering the lip flip technique requires hands-on experience and expert guidance from skilled trainers. The key to avoiding complications is understanding how much neurotoxin to inject, where to place it, and which patients will benefit most from the treatment.

For injectors looking to build confidence in their technique and ensure safe, natural-looking results, proper medical aesthetics training is non-negotiable. Learning from experienced mentors in a clinical setting can help reduce risks, improve precision, and enhance overall patient satisfaction.

Master the Art of Lip Flips with APT Injection Training

Are you ready to perfect your technique and confidently offer lip flips to your patients? As medical aesthetics continues to evolve, staying ahead with the latest techniques is essential for any injector looking to provide natural, high-quality results. Whether you are new to injectables or a seasoned practitioner looking to refine your expertise, mastering the lip flip can expand your skill set, enhance your practice, and improve patient satisfaction.

At APT Injection Training, we provide comprehensive, hands-on training designed specifically for healthcare professionals who want to excel in the field of cosmetic injectables. Our training goes beyond theory, giving you the opportunity to practice real-life techniques in a clinical setting under expert guidance. You will learn the science, art, and precision of performing lip flips safely and effectively, ensuring that you feel confident in every injection you perform.

A person getting her lips injection

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What Our Neurotoxin Training Covers

✔ Beginner and advanced neurotoxin techniques that allow you to perfect your injection skills
✔ Precise lip flip injection sites and proper dosing to achieve subtle, natural enhancements
✔ Patient assessment and consultation strategies to identify the right candidates for treatment
✔ Live, hands-on practice with expert mentorship to refine your technique and boost confidence

At APT Injection Training, we are committed to helping our trainees become leaders in the medical aesthetics industry. Our state-of-the-art training facility provides a supportive learning environment, where you can gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver safe, effective, and natural-looking results for your patients.

A person getting botox injection

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Take the next step in your aesthetics career and learn from industry experts who are dedicated to your success. Whether you are looking to expand your service offerings or enhance your injection skills, our training will give you the techniques, confidence, and expertise needed to stand out in the industry.