Subtle Lip Enhancement with the Lip Flip

The lip flip is a quick, minimally invasive treatment designed to relax the upper lip, creating a subtly fuller and more defined appearance. Using precise, targeted injections of neuromodulators, the procedure enhances the shape and movement of your lips while maintaining natural expression, with minimal downtime and immediate, noticeable results.

What is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip in Beverly Hills is a non-surgical procedure that uses a small amount of a neuromodulator (such as BOTOX®) to relax specific muscles around the upper lip, typically the orbicularis oris and its attachments at the vermillion border.

When these muscles are carefully modulated, the upper lip rolls slightly outward and upward (eversion), increasing visible vermillion and refining the Cupid’s bow and lip line without adding filler volume. The effect develops in the days following treatment and typically lasts between 2-5 months, depending on metabolic factors and movement of the area.

Raffi Hovsepian, MD

Lip Flip Benefits

  • Achieves improved upper-lip definition and visible border enhancement without adding bulk
  • Lower cost and commitment relative to traditional lip fillers, making it an excellent entry option for lip enhancement
  • Addresses “gummy smile” exposure by repositioning the lip margin subtly
  • Reduces appearance of vertical perioral lines by relaxing muscle tension around the lip
  • Minimal downtime – procedure is quick and recovery is virtually immediate, with early results visible within a week

How is a lip flip different from lip filler?

A lip flip enhances the appearance of the upper lip by relaxing surrounding muscles with a neuromodulator, such as BOTOX® or Dysport®. Lip fillers, by contrast, add volume through the injection of hyaluronic acid gel. The lip flip creates subtle definition and a lifted look, while fillers increase fullness and contour.

young woman with her hair in a curly bun

Are You a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?

You may be an ideal candidate for a lip flip in Beverly Hills if you meet the following criteria:

  • You have a naturally thin upper lip, or you experience visible lip thinning or loss of vermillion definition with age
  • You are in good overall health, without active infection, cold sores or oral wounds in the treatment area
  • You dislike excessive upper-lip exposure when smiling
  • You understand that this procedure alters movement somewhat and are comfortable with minor functional adaptation (such as sipping through a straw) during the early post-treatment period

Why Choose RHMD for Your Lip Flip?

At RHMD, our lip flip treatments are characterized by excellence and personalized care. Dr. Hovsepian brings extensive experience in injectables and non-surgical rejuvenation to our clinic, where we combine precise injection techniques with a deep understanding of anatomy. This ensures that each treatment is performed with surgical-level accuracy.

Our team uses micro-calibrated dosing and targeted placement, alongside a conservative approach, to maintain natural expression, tone, and lip movement. We operate in a boutique Beverly Hills environment, prioritizing privacy, patient education, and comprehensive aftercare support. We offer both neuromodulator lip flips and filler options as part of our continuum of care. This allows you to start with subtle enhancements and progress as desired, while maintaining ethical standards and aesthetic balance from the outset.

Raffi Hovsepian, MD

Lip Flip: What to Expect Before, During & After

Consultation

  • You’ll meet with Dr Hovsepian for a focused assessment of your lip anatomy, smile mechanics, upper-lip exposure and perioral dynamics
  • Your plan will reflect your aesthetic goals, anatomical strengths, lifestyle and maintenance preference
  • The exact cost varies depending on the neuromodulator brand, the number of units required, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments

Procedure

  • Topical numbing may be applied if needed: A gentle numbing cream can be used to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure.
  • A very fine needle delivers neuromodulator injections: Small, precise amounts of neuromodulator are injected at key points along the vermillion border and corners of the lips. The total dose typically ranges from 2–10 units.
  • Treatment takes approximately 10–20 minutes: The procedure is quick and convenient, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule with minimal disruption to your day.

    Recovery & Results

    • You may experience mild tenderness or bruising which fades within 24–48 hours
    • Lip rollover (“flip”) becomes visible within approximately 3–7 days; full effect typically seen within 10–14 days
    • Results last around 8–12 weeks (2–5 months depending on individual factors)
    • Maintenance sessions are optional and scheduled as desired to preserve the look

    Lip Flip Subtypes

    • Upper-lip only flip: Most common; targets vermillion border and Cupid’s bow.
    • Corner-enhancement lip flip: Adds subtle lift at the oral commissures for smile-line enhancement.
    • Combined neuromodulator + filler strategy: For patients desiring both definition and volume, a low-volume filler may be added after the initial flip for incremental enhancement.

    Lip Flip FAQs

    Will it change how I speak or smile?

    When properly performed, the lip flip should not affect everyday speech or expression. You may feel mild tightness or slight difficulty with actions like sipping through a straw for a few days, but these sensations resolve as the muscle adapts. The treatment’s goal is enhancement without restriction.

    How often should I repeat a lip flip?

    To maintain results, most patients schedule follow-up sessions every three to four months. Because neuromodulator effects gradually fade, consistent treatment ensures the upper lip retains its refined, softly everted appearance.

    Is the lip flip reversible?

    Unlike fillers, neuromodulators cannot be dissolved; however, the effect is temporary and self-limiting. The muscle’s natural function fully returns as the product metabolizes, typically within two to three months.

    Who should avoid a lip flip?

    Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis should avoid neuromodulator treatments. Individuals with active infections, cold sores, or open wounds around the lips should wait until the area has fully healed before undergoing treatment.

    What are the possible risks or side effects?

    While the lip flip is generally considered a safe, low-dose neuromodulator procedure, there are some potential temporary side effects to be aware of. These may include mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites, slight asymmetry or uneven muscle relaxation. In rare cases, the product may diffuse beyond the targeted area, causing excessive muscle relaxation.

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