How Long Does a Lip Flip Last? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been searching for a subtle way to enhance your lips without adding filler, a lip flip might be exactly what you’re looking for. This treatment uses a small amount of Botox to relax the muscles around your upper lip, creating a gentle “flip” that makes the lips look slightly fuller and more defined.

If you've been researching into what a Botox lip flip actually involves, and wondering how long the results last, in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from how the treatment works to aftercare, side effects, and what makes results last longer.

What Is a Lip Flip and How Does It Work?

A Botox lip flip is a quick, non-surgical treatment that uses anti-wrinkle injections to relax the upper-lip muscles. This causes the top lip to roll slightly outward, revealing more of the natural pink lip surface while maintaining a subtle, natural look.

Unlike dermal fillers, a lip flip doesn’t add volume or change the lip’s shape structurally, it simply enhances your existing lip by gently lifting and defining it.

It’s ideal for those whose upper lip seems to disappear when they smile, or for anyone who wants a slightly more pronounced cupid’s bow without committing to a fuller lip through fillers.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?

One of the most common questions people ask is: how long does a lip flip last?The answer is, typically 6 to 8 weeks, although results can last up to 12 weeks for some people.

That’s because Botox temporarily relaxes the muscle, and over time, your body naturally metabolises it. Once the effect wears off, the muscle returns to normal and your lips go back to their natural shape.

When Will You See Results?

You won’t see instant changes. Most people notice subtle improvements within 3 to 5 days, with full results after 10 to 14 days. This is when the Botox has fully taken effect, allowing the upper lip to curl outward.

How Often Should You Get a Lip Flip?

Because the results are temporary, many people choose to repeat the treatment every 2 to 3 months to maintain the look. Over time, some clients find that consistent treatment helps the effects last slightly longer as the muscle adapts.

What Affects How Long a Lip Flip Lasts?

Several factors can influence the longevity of your lip flip:

• Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms break down Botox more quickly.

• Muscle activity: If you talk, eat, or smile a lot (which activates the mouth muscles), the effects may fade sooner.

• Dosage: A small amount of Botox is used in a lip flip (usually 4–8 units). Less product results in shorter duration.

• Injector skill: A precise technique helps the Botox spread evenly and last longer.

• Aftercare: Following proper post-treatment care can also make a difference (more on this below).

Lip Flip vs Lip Filler - What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse a lip flip with lip filler, but they’re quite different treatments:

Feature	Lip Flip	Lip Filler
Product used	Botox (botulinum toxin)	Hyaluronic acid filler
Purpose	Relaxes the upper lip muscle so the lip “flips” outward	Adds volume and structure
Results	Subtle lift, defined lip line	Fuller, plumper lips
Duration	6–12 weeks	6–12 months
Cost	Prices from £160	Prices from £180
Recovery	Minimal	Slight swelling/bruising possible

Many clients choose to combine lip treatments. Opting for a lip flip with lip filler, as filler adds volume and structure, while the lip flip enhances shape and lift. Together, they create a balanced, natural-looking lips that move and smile effortlessly.

At Ministry of Faces, our practitioners take the time to assess your features and recommend the right combination of treatments to achieve your desired look, whether that’s soft definition, subtle volume, or a more sculpted pout.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, get in touch with us today to

We’ll talk you through both treatments and design a personalised plan to help you achieve your perfect, natural-looking result.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?

A Botox lip flip is ideal if you:

• Want a more pronounced upper lip without filler

• Feel your upper lip disappears when smiling

• Want to correct a “gummy” smile

• Prefer a natural, subtle enhancement

• Are trying injectables for the first time

  
  

It might not be suitable if you want a dramatic change or have allergies to Botox. If you have any questions you can contact us here today!

What to Expect During a Lip Flip Appointment

A lip flip is quick as the entire procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes.

The Process

When you arrive at Ministry of Faces, we’ll make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you step into the clinic. You’ll be welcomed by our friendly team, offered a drink of your choice, and taken through a brief consultation and consent form before treatment begins.

We’ll discuss your goals in detail and assess your lips to ensure a lip flip is the right option for you. Once you’re happy to proceed, we’ll gently cleanse the area, and if you’d prefer, we can apply a light numbing cream for extra comfort.

Our practitioner will carefully place a few tiny injections of Botox along the upper lip (and sometimes near the corners of the mouth) to create a natural outward curl. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, and you can return to your day immediately afterwards.

There’s little to no downtime, just mild swelling or tenderness for a few hours, which quickly settles to reveal your soft, enhanced smile.

Lip Flip Aftercare and Recovery Tips

After your treatment, good aftercare can help you get the best results and make your lip flip last longer:

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area for 24 hours.

• Don’t lie flat or exercise for at least 4–6 hours.

• Avoid alcohol and excessive heat (saunas, hot showers) for 24 hours.

• Try not to use a straw or smoke for the first day, as these movements can affect the Botox placement.

• Stay hydrated and avoid heavy lip products for the first evening.

  
  

Your lip lift might feel slightly tight or different for a few days, this is normal and will settle as you adjust to the new muscle relaxation.

How to Maintain and Extend Your Lip Flip Treatment

While you can’t stop your body metabolising Botox, you can make results last longer by:

• Scheduling regular top-up appointments (every 2–3 months).

• Avoiding intense exercise for 24 hours post-treatment.

• Minimising sun exposure and heat immediately after injections.

• Staying hydrated and maintaining good skin health.

  
  

Consistent maintenance helps your muscles adapt, which may gradually extend the time between treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lip Flips

What does a lip flip do?

A lip flip treatment gently relaxes the muscles around the upper lip using a small amount of Botox treatment. This causes the lip to subtly roll upward, creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined lip shape without adding volume. It’s a quick procedure that enhances your natural beauty and provides a subtle lip enhancement effect.

Is a lip flip better than filler?

A lip flip procedure and lip filler treatments both enhance the lips, but they work in different ways. While fillers add volume and structure, a lip flip simply adjusts muscle movement for a more natural look. Many patients choose a lip flip for a softer, more understated result, or combine it with filler for a balanced lip enhancement.

Do lip flips affect speech or kissing?

No, when performed correctly by experienced practitioners, a lip flip treatment should not affect speech or kissing. The procedure only relaxes the muscles slightly, allowing for natural movement and expression while still achieving the desired lift and definition.

How long does a lip flip last?

The benefits of a lip flip procedure typically last around 6 to 8 weeks. Results vary depending on your metabolism and how your body responds to the cosmetic treatment, but touch-ups can easily be scheduled at our clinic to maintain your look.

At Ministry of Faces, our clinic is dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty with precision, care, and attention to detail. Every procedure we perform is tailored to your unique features, ensuring patients achieve beautifully balanced, natural-looking results that perfectly suit their lip shape and facial structure.

Whether you’re considering a lip flip treatment for a subtle lip enhancement or exploring the benefits of other aesthetic procedures, our expert practitioners are here to guide you. Using advanced techniques and gentle Botox treatment, our team focuses on creating delicate yet noticeable lip enhancement results that look effortless and refined.

As a trusted clinic, we specialise in delivering safe, professional cosmetic treatments, from lip filler treatments to the lip flip procedure, all designed to enhance your confidence while maintaining your natural expression. Our patients love the precision and artistry behind each procedure, knowing that every appointment is crafted with care and expertise.

If you’re ready to book a lip flip treatment, we’d love to welcome you to our clinic. Book your appointment today and let our team create results that feel as good as they look.