A lip flip refers to a subtle cosmetic refinement of the upper lip when smiling. Some individuals notice that their upper lip rolls inward or appears thin during expression, even if it looks balanced at rest.
This change is typically related to muscle activity rather than volume loss. A lip flip focuses on softening that muscle dominance so the upper lip can rest and move more naturally during speech and smiling.
Dynamic upper lip movement imbalance
Upper lip inversion, subtle upper lip curl
Increase visible upper lip show during smile without adding volume
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip involves relaxing a small portion of the orbicularis oris muscle, which encircles the mouth. When this muscle is dominant, it can cause the upper lip to curl inward during smiling or speaking.
Botox® and Dysport® are brand names for botulinum toxin type A, a neuromodulator that temporarily reduces muscle activity. When placed conservatively along the upper lip border, it allows the lip to gently roll outward rather than tuck under.
A lip flip does not add fullness. It changes movement.
Why Upper Lip Movement Changes
Upper lip movement patterns are influenced by muscle strength, smile dynamics, and facial anatomy. Over time, repeated muscle contraction can cause the upper lip to fold inward during expression.
In some cases, this may overlap with:
Thin lips
Gummy smile
Lip lines
Structural volume loss
Each concern has a different underlying cause, which is why consultation and facial mapping matter.
How a Lip Flip Can Affect Appearance
When the upper lip curls inward, it may appear thinner during smiling than it does at rest. Some individuals feel that their smile looks tight or that less of the pink portion of the lip is visible.
A lip flip is designed to create a softer upper lip transition, allowing for a subtle increase in lip show while maintaining natural movement.
The change is modest by design. It is a refinement, not a reshaping.
How to Prevent Upper Lip Inversion
While muscle activity cannot be permanently stopped, certain habits may influence lip movement over time:
Sun protection to preserve skin elasticity
Hydration and lip barrier support
Avoiding excessive pursing
Maintaining balanced neuromodulator treatment when appropriate
Prevention focuses on balance rather than overcorrection.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A provider will evaluate your smile at rest and in motion. Facial mapping helps determine whether muscle dominance is contributing to upper lip inversion or whether volume-based treatment may be more appropriate.
Conservative dosing is typically used in this area due to the muscle’s role in speech and expression. The goal is natural movement, not stiffness.
Setting Realistic Expectations
A lip flip produces subtle results. Most individuals begin noticing changes within 3–5 days, with peak effect around 10–14 days.
Results generally last 6–8 weeks, depending on individual muscle strength and metabolism.
Because no volume is added, a lip flip will not significantly increase lip size. If structural fullness is desired, dermal fillers may be discussed separately.
Daily sun protection and supportive skincare help maintain lip and perioral skin quality. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants support skin hydration and resilience but do not alter muscle activity.
Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators containing botulinum toxin type A. When placed strategically along the upper lip border, they reduce the pull of the orbicularis oris muscle.
Treatment typically takes only a few minutes. Most individuals resume normal activity immediately.
Because this muscle plays a role in speech and drinking, conservative placement is critical. Temporary changes in straw use or lip control may occur if dosing is excessive, which is why precision matters.
If the upper lip appears thin due to structural volume loss rather than muscle dominance, hyaluronic acid–based dermal fillers may be discussed.
Fillers add volume. A lip flip modifies movement. The two are distinct approaches and are sometimes combined depending on anatomy and goals.
Additional options that may complement a lip flip include:
Laser resurfacing for lip lines
Skin tightening treatments
Hydration-focused skincare
These support overall lip and perioral skin quality.
Patients exploring lip flip treatment often also ask about:
Understanding the difference between muscle-based changes and structural volume loss is the first step in determining whether a lip flip is appropriate.
A personalized consultation allows for evaluation of facial balance, movement patterns, and long-term aesthetic goals.
