What Is The ‘Lip Flip’ & Why Are People Choosing It Over Lip Filler?

You’ve got to hand it to Kylie Jenner. She’s butchered millions of Snapchat’s market valuation, tried (and failed) to rob Kylie Minogue of her first-name rights and, of course, made a serious impact on the cosmetic injectables industry.


People just weren’t as open about getting lip fillers until the youngest Jenner came out about having them done, even though her change in appearance was blatantly obvious before the “revelation”. You know what else was blatantly obvious? What those lips did for her career and look – her entire damn life. That’s a complex message going out to the masses, for sure.

So when she dissolved her lip fillers, that kinda put a spanner in the works for anyone who had the treatment in mind. Don’t get me wrong – it’s absolutely messed up that she has the power to create and take back a trend, but here we are nonetheless.


I’m about 92% sure she’s had them put back in, but it got me thinking about other options for those with insecurities about their lips. For me, it’s how thin my top lip is – it basically disappears and folds in when I smile – and my friend suggested something called a “lip flip”.

top lip where u at

If, like me, you’re wondering what in the heck that is – or simply want to know more about this increasingly trendy treatment, keep reading. Georgie Mills, The Anti Wrinkle Clinic by Christopher Hanna’s Head Cosmetic Nurse, gave us the treatment and the 411.

What exactly is a “lip flip”? How does it work?

“When we’re talking about lip flips, we are referring to Botox/Dysport injections – not to be confused with dermal filler in the lips. It’s a totally different procedure and provides a different result for clients,” Georgie tells PEDESTRIAN.TV. For more information on dermal fillers, see this article.

“It basically involves a few small injections of toxin into the muscle, just above the lip border. What happens is, the toxin relaxes the muscle around the mouth (the obicularis oris muscle, to be specific). This action allows the top lip to be gently rolled out, creating a subtle, sexy pout and the illusion of added volume.”

What does the treatment itself involve?

“The treatment is extremely quick and simple. After an initial consultation and verification from the prescribing doctor, four small injections are administered just above the top lip,” Georgie explains.

As someone who has received the lip flip – I’m telling you right now it’s the quickest, easiest beauty treatment I’ve ever undertaken. Granted, it was the first time I’ve ever had botox, but every part of me wishes getting even a pedicure was as fleeting as this. (Seriously, a good half hour for shellac has become a punish.)

a fortnight later, my lip has naturally flipped upwards

How much does it cost?

Prices start at $28 for all four injections – which is just WILD if you ask me – depending on the individual muscle strength. You can book a consultation/appointment here.

How long does it last?

“Most people require repeat treatments every 2-4 months,” Georgie tells me. Not too shabby when it’s roughly $30 a pop.


Does it hurt?

If you can handle a blood test, you can handle this. Sure, I reckon a tear rolled down my cheek but I’m a big fat baby and it was over before it began. The sting passes quickly and they even gave me a stress ball because I’m a strong independent woman who don’t need no hand to squeeze.

Is there any recovery time?

I had four tiny blood spots from the injections that I dabbed (like, with a cotton ball – not the dance move), before going on my merry way. Other people have experienced pinpick bruises and some mild redness/swelling, which Georgie tells me “settles in a few hours”.

In the days that followed, I definitely experienced some numbness of my top lip, as well as a real difficulty getting my mouth around my (environmentally friendly) straw when having a bevvy. You also may look like a knob when rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth, but I’m hoping this is not something you do in public anyhow. Anyway, I’m all back to normal now.

Have there been any bad reactions?

“It’s extremely rare,” Georgie assures. “Botox/Dysport are used in very small quantities for cosmetic procedures and are FDA-approved. Always make sure you see a qualified doctor or registered nurse.”

How long does the treatment take?

I honest to god reckon I was done within a minute. Of course, you have to allow about 20 mins for consultation – especially if you are new to injections – but the treatment itself was over faster than I could say McFlurry.

How long does it take to start seeing results?

A couple of days later I smiled at myself in the mirror, which is kind of an awkward thing to do even though I’ve lived with this face my entire life, and noticed that my top lip was no longer disappearing into god knows where. Safe to say I’m a pretty happy camper.

Before + after

Why do people choose the lip flip over lip fillers?

For me, I was, and still am, fucking terrified of lip fillers. It’s something I considered for a long time but just couldn’t see myself with them, was scared I’d overdo it, waste cash in the process, and had even witnessed some friends get them done with bad reactions off the bat.

“The lip flip is a more subtle result than filler,” Georgie says, and, after having mine now for a fortnight, I completely concur. “It’s also a good choice for someone not wanting volume, rather a slight poutiness to the top lip.”

What won’t you get from the lip flip that you’ll get from lip fillers?

“Fillers last you 6-12 months post-treatment. They will provide more volume and plumping  (top and bottom) as well as a sharper and more defined border. The dermal filler will also have no effect on the muscle movement surrounding the mouth.”

Long story short: I’ll definitely be going back in two months time to top this business up. What? I have an addictive personality.

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