Lip Flip Before and After: What to Expect, See & Know in 2025

Introduction:

“A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.” — Marilyn Monroe
That quote hit me differently after I got my first lip flip done.

Before diving in, let me say this: I was skeptical. Lip flips? Never even heard of them until my best friend, a cosmetic nurse, casually mentioned it. The moment she pulled out her phone and showed me before and after lip flip photos, I was hooked.

If you’re like me, trying to figure out the difference between a lip flip and filler, or wondering whether this subtle tweak is worth it—this article is for you. I’m breaking down real lip flip results, what happens before and after, how much it costs, and whether it hurts (spoiler: not really).

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty so you can make a confident decision!

What Is a Lip Flip and How Does It Work?

So, picture this—I’m sipping iced coffee at brunch with my best friend who works in a med spa, and she casually drops: “You know, you’d love a lip flip.” I blinked. A what? Is that like a somersault for your mouth?

Turns out, a lip flip is this clever little trick where a tiny bit of Botox is injected into the muscles around your upper lip—specifically the orbicularis oris, but let’s not get all textbook. The magic? The muscles relax just enough to flip the upper lip outward, giving it the illusion of being fuller without actually adding volume like filler does.

Now let me say this: if you’ve ever smiled and felt like your upper lip disappeared, you are prime lip flip material. That was me 100%. My top lip would vanish in photos. But not anymore.

Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler

I’ve done both. Fillers are about volume—they plump the lips from the inside using hyaluronic acid. The results are bold and juicy. Lip flips? Way more subtle. No puffiness, just a soft outward roll that changes the shape more than the size.

If you want a dramatic pout like Kylie Jenner in 2015? Go filler. If you want that “my lips but better” vibe? Lip flip all the way.

How Botox Enhances Your Upper Lip

Okay, let’s get nerdy for a sec. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles, and when those muscles relax, they stop pulling the upper lip inward. That means your lip naturally rests in a more outward position. It’s low effort, low downtime, and high reward.

You only need about 4–6 units of Botox, which is way less than other areas like the forehead or crow’s feet. It kicks in after 2–3 days and hits full stride around day 7.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

Not everyone’s a fit, though. If your upper lip is already pretty full or your gums don’t show when you smile, you might not notice much difference. But if you’ve got a thin top lip or a gummy smile, this treatment could be a game-changer.

Quick checklist:

• Top lip disappears when you smile? ✅
• You want subtle change, not volume? ✅
• Hate the idea of filler? ✅

That’s where I was. And honestly, I loved that it was reversible and didn’t add bulk.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• A lip flip uses Botox to relax upper lip muscles, causing the lip to subtly roll outward.
• It’s different from lip filler—no volume, just a change in shape.
• Best for people with a thin upper lip or gummy smile.
• Effects are subtle, affordable, and temporary (2–3 months).
• Ideal for those seeking a natural, no-filler enhancement.

Lip Flip Before and After: Real Results & Photos

Okay, so let’s talk about what everyone really wants to see when considering a cosmetic tweak: the before and after. I was obsessed with scrolling through those comparison shots on Instagram. You know, the kind where you’re zooming in like a detective asking, “Did anything actually change?”

And yeah, when it’s done right, the change is subtle — but impactful.

Before the Lip Flip

Before I got mine done, my upper lip basically ghosted me every time I smiled. No joke. In photos, it looked like I only had a bottom lip. I was always overlining my cupid’s bow just to fake some definition, but even that had limits.

Before my appointment, I took a few selfies (make sure you do this too — trust me, you’ll want them later). My lips looked fine at rest, but once I grinned? Boom — upper lip gone.

Now here’s a tip I wish I knew earlier: avoid alcohol, Advil, and anything that thins your blood for at least 24 hours before your treatment. I learned the hard way—bruising happens fast if you’re not careful.

After the Lip Flip

Fast-forward to 3 days after the procedure, and I’m standing in my bathroom, grinning like a weirdo. My lip? Still there. It wasn’t dramatically fuller, but it wasn’t hiding either.

Day-by-day recap:

• Day 1: Lip felt a little tight. I kind of talked funny but nothing major.
• Day 3: Subtle lift started showing. The top lip looked…perkier?
• Day 7: Hello, new selfie smile! The full effect had set in and the upper lip looked defined without even trying.

And get this — my boyfriend didn’t even notice I had something done. He just said, “Your lips look cute today.” Mission. Accomplished.

The side-by-side photos blew my mind. I wasn’t expecting a Kylie-level transformation, but the lift made my entire smile more balanced. It was me — just enhanced.

Does It Really Make a Difference?

YES. But only if you’re after subtle. Don’t expect pouty, plumped-up lips like filler gives. A lip flip before and after isn’t about volume — it’s about shape and smile symmetry.

I loved that my lips still looked natural. No one ever asked if I “got work done.” They just started complimenting my smile more, which honestly boosted my confidence a ton.

Also, I noticed my lipstick stayed on better. Weird perk, right?

Would I do it again? Absolutely. I even started timing it with events — weddings, vacations, anything where I wanted my lips to look top-tier without looking fake.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• The biggest difference is noticeable when smiling — no more disappearing upper lip.
• Results start appearing after 2–3 days and peak by day 7.
• Expect tightness or minor swelling initially.
• Take before pics! They help you truly see the transformation.
• It’s a subtle but meaningful change that can really upgrade your smile game.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The first time I walked into the med spa for my lip flip, I was low-key sweating. Like, what if it hurt? What if I drooled uncontrollably afterward? My mind was spiraling. But I’m here to tell you — it’s honestly one of the quickest and easiest cosmetic treatments I’ve ever done.

How Long It Takes

No exaggeration — I was in and out in under 15 minutes. It took me longer to pick a parking spot than it did to get my lip flip done.

My injector had me fill out a quick consent form, wiped down the area with alcohol, and just like that, the Botox came out. She marked two tiny dots on my upper lip, one on each side of the cupid’s bow. Then… poke, poke, done.

Seriously. Two little pinches. No numbing cream, no drama.

If you’re a busy bee like me, this is the dream. I could’ve easily done it on my lunch break.

Is It Painful?

Let’s be real — I hate needles. Like, my dentist knows to give me the “kid treatment” because I tense up over everything. But this? On a pain scale of 1 to 10, I’d call it a 2. More like a mosquito bite than an injection.

It just felt like a tiny pinch and a slight sting for half a second. If you’ve ever gotten your eyebrows threaded, this is way less intense.

I breathed through it, kept my eyes closed, and it was over before I could even panic. My injector did mention that some people ask for ice or numbing beforehand, but I didn’t need it.

The Recovery Timeline

Right after the procedure, I looked in the mirror expecting to see something wild… but nope. No visible difference yet, which is totally normal.

Here’s how it played out for me:

• First hour: Slight tightness in my upper lip, but nothing major.
• That evening: I felt like my top lip wasn’t quite mine — kinda stiff, like after the dentist numbs you. But no pain.
• Next day: I had a tiny red dot at the injection site, but I covered it with concealer. No bruising, no swelling. I followed the rules — no lying down flat, no touching my lips, no workouts for 24 hours.
• Day 2–3: That tightness eased up, and the lip started “flipping.” It was subtle but exciting!

Oh, and pro tip: Don’t sip from a straw or puff a cigarette/vape for the first day or two. Your lip muscles are adjusting and the Botox needs time to settle.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Total appointment time is usually 10–15 minutes.
• The procedure involves 2–4 tiny Botox injections in the upper lip.
• Pain is minimal — most people find it totally tolerable.
• Recovery is super quick with little to no downtime.
• Avoid makeup, straws, heavy exercise, or sleeping face-down for at least 24 hours.

Lip Flip Cost in 2025: Is It Worth It?

Let’s be real—before I committed to trying a lip flip, I Googled the heck out of the price. I wasn’t about to drop a couple hundred bucks on something that lasts only a few months without knowing if it was worth it. Good news? It’s one of the most affordable cosmetic tweaks out there in 2025.

Average Price Range

Most places charge $80 to $150 for a lip flip, depending on where you live and how experienced the injector is. I’m in a mid-sized city, and mine cost $115—which, honestly, was less than I expected. It’s kind of crazy how small of a price tag it carries compared to how much it enhanced my smile.

Compare that to lip fillers, which can run $500 to $800 per syringe, and suddenly the lip flip feels like a steal.

Factors That Affect Cost

A few things can shift the price:

• Location: Spas in big cities like NYC or LA charge more than ones in the suburbs.
• Injector’s Experience: Highly trained professionals or board-certified providers may charge more—but trust me, it’s worth paying for someone who knows lips.
• Number of Units: A lip flip usually takes 4–6 units of Botox. If someone charges by the unit, you might see prices like $12–$20 per unit.

My med spa included the consultation in the cost, which was nice. I’ve seen some clinics break it out, so always double-check.

Is It Cheaper Than Fillers?

Oh, 100%. Fillers give volume, and they last longer—6 to 12 months, depending on the product. But the lip flip is budget-friendly, especially if you’re just trying to dip your toes into the aesthetic world without a major financial commitment.

If you’re doing it to subtly balance your smile or fix a gummy smile, it’s a solid investment.

One thing to note though: since the lip flip only lasts about 2–3 months, you might end up doing it 3–4 times a year. That can add up over time. Still, even if I did it four times in a year, that’s $460 total—still less than one syringe of filler.

So yeah, I’d say it’s totally worth it—especially for someone like me who wanted to enhance their look without going full glam.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Average lip flip cost in 2025: $80–$150 per session.
• Factors affecting cost include location, injector experience, and number of Botox units used.
• It’s far more affordable than lip fillers, which start around $500.
• Even if repeated every 2–3 months, it’s still budget-friendly compared to other cosmetic procedures.
• Great entry-level option for people curious about aesthetic treatments.

Potential Side Effects & Risks

Okay, let’s not sugarcoat it—any cosmetic treatment, even something as chill as a lip flip, comes with risks. The good news? Most of them are super mild and temporary. But you do want to go in with your eyes wide open. I sure wish I had read this part before my first appointment instead of frantically Googling “lip flip gone wrong” the night before.

Common Reactions

So let’s start with the stuff that’s totally normal and super common:

• Redness and tiny bumps at the injection site—mine looked like little mosquito bites but faded within an hour.
• Minor swelling or tightness in the upper lip. Honestly, it just felt like I had a weird muscle twinge when I smiled for the first couple of days.
• Difficulty forming certain words—yep, for a couple of days, my “p” and “b” sounds sounded… off. Not like full-on lisp territory, but just slightly weird. Totally went away after 3–4 days.
• Slight bruising—especially if you’ve taken ibuprofen or fish oil beforehand (I forgot and paid the price).

Rare Complications

Now, let’s talk about the stuff that can happen, but rarely does—usually if the Botox is injected incorrectly or too much is used:

• Drooping of the lip or asymmetry — I’ve seen horror stories on Reddit where the smile looks uneven or one side doesn’t move as much. This happens if the injector hits the wrong spot or overdoes it.
• Speech changes — if too much Botox is used, you might feel like your mouth is a little numb when talking or sipping.
• Strange smile or loss of function — I’ve heard of folks who couldn’t drink from a straw for two weeks. I could, but I took it slow.

That’s why it’s critical to go to someone who specializes in facial aesthetics. Not just a general Botox injector, but someone who really understands lip anatomy.

How to Avoid Bad Results

Here’s what worked for me and what I highly recommend:

• Stalk their Instagram. No joke. Look at your injector’s portfolio of real lip flip before and afters. If they don’t have clear photos, that’s a red flag.
• Don’t chase the cheapest deal. I get it—it’s tempting. But your face isn’t the place to bargain shop.
• Start small. Ask for fewer units if it’s your first time. You can always add more later, but you can’t undo too much Botox.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Most side effects are mild: swelling, redness, tightness, minor speech changes.
• Rare risks include lip droop, smile asymmetry, or over-injection issues.
• Avoid bad results by choosing an experienced injector who specializes in lips.
• Don’t overdo it on the first try — less is more with Botox.
• Always follow pre- and post-care instructions to minimize complications.

How to Get the Best Lip Flip Results

Alright, so you’ve booked the appointment, maybe even stalked 37 before-and-after pics (no shame—I did too). But let me tell you, getting great lip flip results isn’t just about the injector or Botox. There are some small moves on your part that can make a big difference. Trust me—I messed a few things up the first time around, and I learned fast.

Pre-Procedure Tips

If you’re like me, you probably think, “It’s just Botox—how much prep can it need?” Well, turns out, the things you do (or don’t do) before your appointment can make or break your results.

Here’s what worked for me the second time:

• No alcohol or caffeine 24 hours before. I totally ignored this my first time and had bruising around my lip. Learned my lesson!
• Avoid blood thinners—things like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and even vitamin E. They increase the chance of bruising. Stick to Tylenol if needed.
• Drink water like crazy. Being well-hydrated helps your body process the Botox better and recover faster.
• Exfoliate your lips the day before. Don’t go wild, but a gentle scrub made my lips look smoother in post-procedure pics.

I also recommend taking a few “before” selfies in good lighting. They’ll help you see the subtle lift better when those results start kicking in.

Aftercare Must-Dos

Now, this is where I slipped up a bit the first time. I had the procedure, grabbed a smoothie, and… yep, used a straw. Big mistake.

Here’s the aftercare I followed the second time that gave me way better results:

• Don’t use straws for 24–48 hours. Sucking causes muscle movement, and that can shift the Botox before it settles.
• No lying down flat for 4–6 hours after. I napped sitting up like a vampire.
• No touching or massaging the area. Even if it feels weird, leave it alone.
• No heavy workouts for a day or two. This one was hard for me (hello, cardio habit), but worth it.

Also — skip hot showers and saunas for at least a day. Heat can affect how Botox settles.

Follow-Up and Maintenance

If this is your first time, consider going conservative and coming back in two weeks for a follow-up. I waited until the full effect hit around day 7, and then messaged my injector saying, “LOVE IT… but maybe 1 more unit next time?”

Botox isn’t permanent — lip flip results last 2 to 3 months for most people. You’ll start to notice your lip slowly returning to its usual position around week 8 or 9.

A few things that helped my results last longer:

• Staying hydrated (again, water = magic).
• No smoking or excessive lip movement during the first few days.
• Using a gentle lip balm regularly — Aquaphor was my ride-or-die.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood thinners before your lip flip.
• Post-procedure: no straws, no lying flat, no touching your lips.
• Skip workouts and saunas for 24–48 hours to help Botox settle properly.
• Follow up if needed for touch-ups or future tweaks.
• Take care of your lips with hydration, lip balm, and minimal pressure.

Who Should Avoid a Lip Flip?

I’ll be honest — I went into my first lip flip thinking everyone could (and should) do it. I mean, it’s Botox. Tiny doses. What could go wrong, right? But after chatting with my injector and doing a ton of research (yes, I’m that person who reads every forum post ever), I realized: lip flips aren’t for everyone.

Let me break it down for you.

Medical Conditions

If you’ve got certain health conditions, a lip flip may not be the best idea.

• Neuromuscular disorders like ALS or myasthenia gravis? Big no-no. Botox can interfere with how your muscles function, and that could lead to more serious side effects.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding? Most doctors will advise against it. There’s not enough research on how Botox affects babies (inside or outside the womb), so it’s just not worth the risk.
• Allergic to Botox? Yep, it happens. It’s rare, but always double-check if you’ve had a reaction to Botox or any of its ingredients in the past.

My injector made me fill out a health history form, and I appreciated the thoroughness. Don’t skip this step or lie on your form — your face isn’t worth the shortcut.

Unrealistic Expectations

Okay, this is a big one. I’ve seen people go into a lip flip appointment thinking they’ll walk out looking like they’ve had a full syringe of filler. That’s not how it works.

The lip flip is subtle. It’s perfect for:

• Softening a gummy smile
• Making a thin top lip look more defined
• Slightly improving lip symmetry

But if you want volume? Or a full reshaping of your lips? You’ll be disappointed.

I’ve had friends who said, “I don’t see a difference,” even though I thought it was obvious. But that’s the thing — a lip flip is more about enhancing your natural lip than changing it dramatically.

My Personal Filter

Here’s how I decide if someone (including me!) is a good candidate:

• You smile and your top lip disappears? You’ll love the lip flip.
• You want drama, fullness, and major transformation? Skip it—go filler.
• You’ve got health concerns, unrealistic goals, or are scared of needles? Might not be for you.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• People with neuromuscular disorders or who are pregnant/breastfeeding should avoid lip flips.
• Allergies to Botox ingredients are rare but important to rule out.
• The lip flip is best for subtle enhancements — not for major volume or reshaping.
• Managing expectations is key to loving your results.
• Always be honest about your health history and aesthetic goals.

The procedure involves injecting a small amount of Botulinum toxin into the muscles above the lip. This neurotoxin works by relaxing specific facial muscles to allow the upper lip to roll slightly upward (source).

Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: Which One Is Right for You?

Alright, here’s the part where things get spicy — lip flip vs. lip filler. I’ve had both (yep, I went there), and lemme tell you — they’re completely different experiences with totally different vibes.

So if you’re stuck wondering which one to choose, I got you. I’ve lived it. Let’s break it down.

Look, Feel, and Duration Comparison

Let’s start with how they look. A lip flip gives you a gentle lift — like your lip is slightly rolling out instead of curling in. It makes the top lip look a bit more visible, especially when you smile.

Now, lip fillers? They add volume. You’re getting actual plumpness injected into your lips, usually using hyaluronic acid. It’s instantly noticeable. Great for people who want fuller, rounder lips that look juicy in selfies.

Here’s how mine compared:

• Lip Flip: Made my smile look better, especially in photos. Natural. Subtle. No one could tell.
• Lip Filler: People noticed. Like, “Oh wow, did you get something done?” kind of noticed.

Feel-wise, lip flips didn’t change the texture of my lips. Filler made them feel slightly firmer — not bad, just different. Also, filler can feel a little sore for a few days after. Lip flip? Just a tiny tight feeling.

Duration? Fillers last 6–12 months, while a lip flip lasts about 2–3 months. So fillers are a longer-term investment, while a flip is more like a seasonal refresh.

Cost, Risks, and Maintenance

Cost-wise, the lip flip is the clear winner for budget-conscious babes. Mine was about $115, while my filler was $600—and I needed a touch-up six months later.

Risks? Lip flip is lower risk. You might get a slightly weird smile for a few days, but it fades. With fillers, there’s more to worry about—like bruising, lumpiness, or in rare cases, vascular occlusion (serious stuff).

As far as maintenance goes:

• Lip Flip: Easy-peasy. Quick appointment. Back to life immediately.
• Lip Filler: A bit more downtime, a bit more commitment, but longer-lasting.

Oh, and here’s a hot tip: some people get both. Yup. A tiny bit of filler for volume + a flip for shape = dream lips. I tried this combo before a wedding and LOVED it. Just make sure your injector really knows what they’re doing so it doesn’t get overdone.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Lip flip = subtle shape change; filler = bold volume.
• Lip flips are cheaper and faster, but don’t last as long.
• Fillers offer dramatic results but come with higher risk and more maintenance.
• Choose based on your goal: natural lift vs. noticeable volume.
• You can combine both for the best of both worlds—just do it carefully.

Explore more beauty guides on Climax Times for real, honest takes on trending treatments!

Conclusion: Is the Lip Flip Worth It?

So here’s the bottom line — the lip flip changed my smile, and honestly, it changed my confidence too. It’s wild how such a tiny tweak made me feel more photo-ready and less self-conscious every time I smiled. It wasn’t about chasing perfection. It was about enhancing what I already had — and that’s what made it totally worth it for me.

If you’re looking for:

• A natural, low-maintenance way to make your upper lip pop
• A fix for a gummy smile without surgery
• An affordable intro to cosmetic injectables

…then the lip flip is absolutely worth a shot. It’s quick, low-risk, and super subtle. Plus, the results fade in 2–3 months, so if you’re not obsessed with the outcome, you’re not stuck with it forever. (But let’s be real—you’ll probably want to rebook.)

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re chasing big, bold lips or want long-lasting volume, fillers might be more your speed. And if you’re pregnant, nursing, or dealing with any health concerns, always check in with your provider first.

My advice? Start small. Find a reputable injector. Be clear about what you’re hoping to achieve. And always, always take before-and-after pics so you can really see the difference (even if it’s subtle).

One last thing — whether you’re team filler, team flip, or just team “enhance-me-a-little,” don’t forget: you’re beautiful either way. These tweaks should amplify your confidence, not define it.

Ready to try the lip flip for yourself? Talk to a licensed aesthetic professional in your area and see if it’s the right fit for your smile. And hey — if you do it, come back and share your before-and-after story. I’d love to see your glow-up!