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Fine lines, thinning lips, and a smile that doesn’t feel quite like it used to—these are some of the first signs of aging many people notice around the mouth. For others, it’s more like their upper lip disappears when they smile. A lip flip offers a quick, non-surgical option that brings out the natural shape of the upper lip, softens a gummy smile, and creates a fuller look without adding volume.
At Nazarian Plastic Surgery, you’re in the hands of pros who know lip anatomy inside and out. Dr. Sheila Nazarian is a board-certified plastic surgeon who combines artistic skill with deep knowledge of facial balance. Her Beverly Hills med spa has become a trusted place for anyone in Los Angeles looking for subtle enhancement, youthful lips, and natural-looking results.
A lip flip uses Botox to gently relax the orbicularis oris muscle right above your upper lip. This allows the upper lip to roll slightly outward, showing more of the pink part and making it look fuller without changing its actual volume. Unlike lip fillers, which add plumpness using hyaluronic acid, the lip flip gives the illusion of fuller lips by flipping the edge outward just a bit.
The injections are placed near the cupid's bow and along the vermilion border. Because it targets muscle movement, not volume, the effect is soft and natural. You still look like you, just with a little extra pout.
This approach has become popular over the past few years, especially for people who want to try lip enhancement without going all-in on filler. And if you love it? It’s easy to maintain or combine with other treatments.
Not sure whether to go with a lip flip or lip fillers? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Lip Flip:
Lip Fillers:
Many patients end up doing both to get the best of both worlds—a little flip for shape, a little filler for volume.
If you’re looking for a permanent option to improve your lip shape, a surgical upper lip lift may be the right move. This procedure shortens the space between the nose and upper lip, allowing more of the lip to show and enhancing your cupid's bow.
It’s a popular choice for people who want longer-lasting results than a lip flip or fillers can offer. Recovery takes a bit more time, but the payoff is a natural-looking, youthful lip appearance that lasts for years. We’ll help you decide during your consultation if a lip flip, lip filler, lip lift, or a combination treatment will be best.
The lip flip can:
It also works well with skin tightening, filler, and other procedures to keep your lips and lower face looking lifted and refreshed.
The best candidates are:
We’ll go over any health considerations at your consult. People with allergies to Botox ingredients, neuromuscular disorders, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be good candidates. If you're allergic to hyaluronic acid, a lip flip might be a great alternative to lip fillers.
At your consultation, we’ll look at your lip anatomy, talk about your goals, and decide if a lip flip, lip fillers, or both are the right way to go. We also review how the treatment fits into your routine, whether it's for everyday confidence or timed with special events.
Before your injections, keep these in mind:
You might get a little numbing cream or ice, but most patients don’t need it. A few quick injections are made above the upper lip, targeting the orbicularis oris muscle. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes and comes with minimal risk.
After that? You’re good to go.
Results usually show up in 5 to 14 days. The effect lasts about 6 to 8 weeks. If you schedule two treatments a few months apart, results may last even longer.
You can:
Skip alcohol and high heat (like steam rooms) for 24 hours to keep things calm and smooth. Most patients find this an easy treatment to maintain with their schedule.
Pricing depends on your goals, how many units of Botox are needed, and whether you’re combining with filler or other services. In Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, a lip flip typically includes:
We’ll go over everything during your consult, so you’re never guessing.
Your lips deserve just the right touch. A Botox lip flip can give you the lift and shape you're after—no overfilling, no downtime. If you're in Los Angeles or heading to Beverly Hills, book a consult today and see if this subtle change is the boost you’re looking for.
Call us at (310) 773-3039 or book online to get started.
It’s usually described as a quick pinch. Most people skip numbing.
There may be light swelling, slight bruising, or mild weakness around the mouth. These side effects go away quickly.
About 6–8 weeks. Longer-lasting results may happen after two treatments.
Yes, it can relax the upper lip enough to cover more of your teeth when you smile.
Usually within 5 to 14 days after your injections.
You can always add lip fillers later. A lip flip enhances shape, while fillers boost volume.
That depends on your goals. Some love the flip for its subtlety. Others want more volume, which is where fillers shine. Many combine both.