If you’re looking for a semi-permanent option for making your lips look fuller, let us introduce you to lip flips. This procedure does exactly as its name suggests. It works to slow down movement around the borders of your lips, essentially “flipping” them out to give them more defined look (not to be confused with other lip fillers injected directly in the top or bottom lip).

You may have seen people sharing their experience with the treatment on TikTok recently, but lip flips aren’t new. Dermatologists and cosmetic injectors have been doing lip flips for years; however, it’s still a popular service that requires precision and care from a licensed professional. So you shouldn’t entrust just anyone with your lip flip (or any other cosmetic treatment, for that matter).

Curious about how a lip flip works? We spoke with Sarah L Allen, MD, and CEO of the Skin Clique, and Nigar N. Ahmedli, MD, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, about how lip flips work, the differences between lip flips and filler, and everything you need to know about this buzzy procedure.

What is a lip flip?

According to Dr. Allen, a lip flip is a treatment that gives the appearance of fuller lips. “The procedure uses Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and other similar neuromodulators in the orbicularis oris muscle, which is the purse-string-like muscle that surrounds the outside of the mouth,” she says. The injection is usually applied at the lip border to evert or turn the lip out.

What is the difference between lip flip and filler?

The experts note that lip flip differs from lip filler because the latter increases the volume of the lip and can help define the borders of the lips. “A lip flip, on the other hand, turns out the edges of the lips without increasing volume,” says Dr. Ahmedli. It also does not define the borders of the lips, she explains. Further, Dr. Allen notes that lip flips decrease movement around the mouth itself to give you the appearance of fuller lips.

Who is a candidate for a lip flip?

Ideal candidates for a lip flip are those with thinner or inverted (turned downward) lips. “If the pink part of your lips is not very visible, you are a good candidate for a lip flip,” Dr. Ahmedli notes. But even if you do have lips that aren’t super thin, Dr. Allen says you can be a candidate if you’re looking to add a natural-looking plump to your lips. “As long as you don’t have a specific medical condition that would preclude you from receiving Botox or similar products, everyone is a candidate for a lip flip,” she says.

What are the side effects of a lip flip?

After a lip flip procedure, the lips can feel a bit stiff, according to the experts. “You get used to this feeling by about two weeks after injection,” says Dr. Ahmedli. As far as long-term effects, some people may have difficulty saying certain words, drinking out of a straw, or pursing their lips. If you’re well past the two-week mark and you’re experiencing difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking definitely contact you injector who can intervene ASAP.

What are the costs of a lip flip?

A typical treatment for a lip flip is 4-10 units which can cost anywhere from $52-$150 and up, according to Dr. Allen. Depending on location, number of units, and the kind of neurotoxin, it could also run you around a few hundred dollars.

What are the risks of a lip flip?

The experts assure that the risks of a lip flip are minimal if you get the procedure done by an experienced provider. “An inexperienced provider may not place the medicine in the correct spot, which could lead to a pulled-down lip,” says Dr. Allen. This is a good reminder to never let an unlicensed person inject you. Other risks include bruising at the injection sites, smile asymmetry (if the neuromodulator migrates to the neighboring muscles), or difficulty pursing and puckering the lips. “Bruising is the main risk, but should resolve within a few days after injection,” says Dr. Ahmedli. Luckily, lip flips take about 1-2 days to heal, so bruising should dissipate quickly.

What are the post-procedure steps of a lip flip?

After the injection, the experts recommend icing the lips or applying a lidocaine cream post-procedure. Dr. Allen recommends no strenuous workouts to her patients, but you can otherwise return to normal activity immediately. “Do not massage lips to prevent migration of the neuromodulator to neighboring muscles,” Dr Ahmedli adds. The bruising can take a few days to go away, but you can apply minimal makeup to the area. Of course, once healed, you can presume your usual skincare routine and ensure the area is hydrated with a gentle moisturizer.

Final Takeaway

Ultimately, lip flips are a great treatment that can give you the look of fuller-looking lips without utilizing filler. While the treatment won’t add volume to the lips, it will decrease movement around the mouth to make your lips appear bigger.

Everyone can be a candidate for a lip flip, but it may be particularly beneficial to those who have thinner lips. It’s important to get the procedure done by a licensed professional to avoid misplacement of the injections. Other risks include bruising, smile asymmetry, or difficulty pursing the lips. Stick to post-procedure steps that are recommended by your provider and resume your normal skincare routine once fully healed. “Lip flips are great for those who are looking for a slightly fuller lip without the dramatic change or bigger price tag of lip filler,” Dr. Allen shares.