The Lip Flip: More Lip, No Filler
A small amount of anti-wrinkle injectable in exactly the right place can transform the way your upper lip looks, without filler.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is an anti-wrinkle injectable treatment that relaxes the muscles just above the upper lip. When those muscles soften, the lip gently rolls outward, revealing more of the pink tissue that was always there, but hidden. The result is a fuller-looking upper lip with no added volume and no change to the shape of your lips.
It's one of the most subtle treatments we offer at The Face, and for the right person, it can make a meaningful difference. If you've ever pressed your lips together and thought your upper lip disappears, or noticed that your top lip rolls inward when you smile, a lip flip may be exactly what you've been looking for.
How Does the Lip Flip Work?
A small amount of anti-wrinkle injectable is placed into the orbicularis oris muscle that runs along the upper lip border. This temporarily reduces the muscle's ability to curl the lip inward, allowing it to relax and roll gently forward.
The treatment doesn't add volume. What it does is change the position of the lip so more of it is visible. The effect is subtle, natural, and reversible. Most people around you won't be able to put their finger on what's changed, they'll just notice you look well-rested, or that your smile looks particularly good.
Results develop over five to seven days and typically last two to three months.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The lip flip works best for people who:
- Have an upper lip that rolls inward or disappears when they smile
- Want a subtler result than lip filler provides
- Are curious about lip enhancement but not ready for filler
- Have a gummy smile they'd like to reduce
- Want to complement existing lip filler with more upper lip show
It's worth being honest that a lip flip won't increase the size of your lips. If you're looking for more volume, projection, or definition, lip filler is likely to give you a more satisfying result. During your consultation, your injector will help you understand which treatment, or combination, is best suited to what you're hoping to achieve.
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler
The choice between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler depends entirely on your aesthetic goals, as they are two very different treatments.
A Lip Flip uses neurotoxins to relax the muscles around the mouth, creating a subtle upper lip curl and a softer border. It is best for those wanting to correct a gummy smile or achieve a minor enhancement; it involves no downtime, costs from $110, and lasts about 2–3 months.
In contrast, Lip Filler adds physical volume and shape using hyaluronic acid. This treatment is ideal for addressing volume loss, thinning lips, or adding hydration and definition. While it results in fuller, more defined lips, it does require 1–3 days of mild downtime for swelling. It is a more significant investment, starting from $350, but the results last much longer, typically 6–12 months.
Interestingly, the two treatments can be combined, with some clients using a Lip Flip to extend the visible pink of the upper lip while utilising filler for added volume and shape.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your lip flip appointment at The Face begins with a consultation. We will look at your lip anatomy and movement, talk through your goals, and confirm that a lip flip is the right approach for you.
The treatment itself takes ten to fifteen minutes. A fine needle is used to place small amounts of anti-wrinkle injectable into specific points along the upper lip. Most people find the sensation very manageable, brief and mild.There's no downtime. You can return to your day straight away, though we ask you to avoid strenuous exercise and heat exposure for 24 hours after your treatment.
Results begin to develop within five to seven days. Because the anti-wrinkle injectable takes time to fully take effect, we will wait a full two weeks before assessing the outcome. Your injector is available to answer questions throughout your results, and a follow-up is offered if needed.
One thing worth knowing: because the orbicularis oris muscle is involved in certain movements, drinking through a straw, playing wind instruments, whistling, some people notice a temporary adjustment to these during the first week or two. For most people this isn't noticeable in everyday life, but it's worth mentioning at your consultation if you have specific concerns.
Pricing
A lip flip at The Face is priced at $110, based on a minimum of 20 units. This reflects the number of units required to achieve a reliable, visible result. All pricing is discussed transparently at consultation. Your lip flip appointment at The Face begins with a consultation. We will look at your lip anatomy and movement, talk through your goals, and confirm that a lip flip is the right approach for you.
Common Questions About the Lip Flip
Does the lip flip hurt? The lip area is sensitive, but most people find the sensation very tolerable. The injections are quick, and any discomfort is brief.
How long does a lip flip last? Typically two to three months. Because the muscles around the mouth are used so frequently, anti-wrinkle injectables tend to metabolise a little bit faster in this area than they do in other areas, like the forehead. Regular treatments can help maintain your results.
Will my lips look obviously different? That depends on your starting point and what you're hoping for. For some people the change is subtle, a softer, more relaxed upper lip. For others it's more noticeable, particularly if their upper lip was significantly rolling inward. We can give you an honest picture of what to expect during your consultation.
Can I get a lip flip if I already have lip filler? Yes, and the two can work well together. A lip flip can help reveal more of the filler you already have in the upper lip, or enhance the overall appearance of your lips. Timing and technique will be discussed at your appointment.
Is a lip flip safe? When performed by a qualified and experienced Registered Nurse, yes. At The Face, all injectable treatments are carried out by a Registered Nurse, who will assess your suitability before proceeding. A full health history is taken to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you. The lip flip is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Why do you require a minimum of 20 units? Fewer units than this tend not to produce a meaningful result and can lead to an uneven outcome. At The Face, 20 units is the minimum needed to adequately relax the orbicularis oris and achieve the effect you're looking for.
Ready to Try a Lip Flip in Christchurch?
A lip flip is now available at The Face. If you're curious whether it's right for you, the best place to start is a free consultation.
Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription medicines. Administration must be by a qualified health professional. Risks and benefits apply. Individual results may vary. Ask your healthcare professional whether this treatment is right for you.
