by:Linda Robison/ Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your lips had just a little more lift or shape—but didn’t want the side effects or high cost of fillers—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
I love my lip flip!
I started getting them because my mouth is small and my lips are naturally thin—but they had more shape and definition when I was younger.
I’ve tried both lip filler and a lip flip. Filler gave me a bit of volume, but the shape still didn’t quite suit my face on its own. The lip flip added that subtle lift and definition I was missing—especially now that lips naturally get thinner with age.
👇 Below, I’m sharing real before-and-after photos of my lip flip for thin lips, what to expect, and why this simple tweak might be just what you’re looking for.
What is a lip flip
A lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment where a small amount of Botox (or another neurotoxin like Dysport) is injected into the muscles around your upper lip.
The goal? To relax those muscles so your top lip gently rolls outward, creating the appearance of fuller lips—without adding volume.
It’s ideal if you:
- Have thin lips (like me!)
- Want to define your cupid’s bow
- Feel like your upper lip disappears when you smile
- Don’t want filler
Why I added a lip flip (even after trying filler)
Here’s the truth: fillers can be expensive, and sometimes they just don’t suit your natural lip shape. I tried a small amount of filler first, but it didn’t give me the results I wanted. That’s when I added a lip flip.
And I’m so glad I did. Here’s why it worked so well for me:
- Only 4 units of Botox — about $60 total
- Fast and easy — less than 5 minutes
- No downtime — just two tiny red dots
- More shape, not more bulk — exactly what my thin lips needed
Want to know more about the pros and cons of filler? Here are the top 10 lip filler benefits and what to expect if you’re considering both treatments.
My before and after lip flip pics
I documented the whole process so you can see exactly what a real lip flip looks like—no filters, no filler, just a few units of Botox and a subtle change.
Getting the Injection:
Here I am during the actual treatment! It was quick—just four small injections on each side of my upper lip. No numbing cream needed, and the whole thing took less than 5 minutes.
Right After the Procedure:
This was taken immediately after. You’ll notice there’s no swelling, just a few tiny red dots where the needle went in. That’s it. I didn’t need ice or makeup to cover it, but you easily could if you wanted to.
What does a lip flip look like on thin lips?
On aging or naturally thin lips, a lip flip adds shape and gentle definition—without the weight or puffiness of filler. It gives your upper lip a gentle outward curve, so it stays visible when you smile.
This isespecially helpful if your lip usually disappears.
For me, it brought back a more defined lip line without changing my natural look.
Day 8–10 Post-Treatment:
Day 8–10 post-treatment: Here’s my favorite shot, taken when the results fully kicked in. You can see the difference—my upper lip has a softer curve, a bit more pout, and it doesn’t disappear when I smile. It’s still my natural shape, just lifted and more defined.
I wanted a result that felt like me, just with a little extra confidence—and that’s exactly what I got.
After the flip, I noticed my lipstick—especially nude shades—looked smoother and more defined. It didn’t bleed or disappear like it used to, and I didn’t need to overline to fake fullness anymore.Lip flip recovery: timeline and tips
Wondering what happens after the injection? Here’s a quick breakdown of how the lip flip settles in—and a few tips that helped me get the most out of it (especially with thin lips like mine).timeline: what to expect
- Day 0: Injection day—quick and easy, no numbing needed. Just a few tiny pinches.
- Day 1–3: You might see a little redness or mild swelling, but I didn’t have much.
- Day 4–7: You’ll start to feel the upper lip gently curling out. It’s subtle at first.
- Day 8–14: Full results kick in. This is when I really noticed the change when I smiled.
Results usually last 2–3 months. I’ve found that regular touch-ups keep the effect going without needing more units.
Tips for thin lips
If your lips are on the thinner side like mine, these tips can help you get the most out of your lip flip—without going overboard.
- Start with 4 units. That’s what I did, and it gave me just enough lift without looking fake.
- Don’t expect volume. This treatment enhances shape, not fullness.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your lips for 24 hours after treatment.
- Skip straws and big lip movements (like exaggerated puckering) for a couple of days.
- Ice packs can help with tenderness or swelling, though I didn’t need any.
Check out my 5 secrets for best results for Botox lip flip!
FAQs: Lip Flip (real answers from someone who’s had it done)
Answer:It feels like a tiny pinch. Totally manageable.
Answer: Yes, but it may feel a little awkward at first—especially if both the top and bottom lips are treated. Some people notice slight changes when eating or sipping (I found soup tricky the first time!), but talking and kissing are usually fine. Most of the odd sensations fade within a few days.
Answer:Not if you start with a low dose. I only used 4 units. The result was natural, subtle, and just added a little shape—not volume.
Bonus: My favorite lip plumpers
The Lip Gloss I Actually Use (and Love)
I’ve tried a bunch of lip plumpers, but this is the one I keep in my bag and by my bedside.
It has hyaluronic acid to keep my lips moisturized. The soft gloss adds a healthy, natural shine—without the sticky feel. What I really love? It actually stays on for hours.
It’s not perfect—some people find the tingle a bit much or say it feels sticky—but for me, it’s totally worth it. I use it all the time between lip flips to keep my lips looking and feeling good.
ABZ Tip: To keep your lips soft and youthful between treatments, check out my anti-aging lip care tips—great if you’re dealing with dry lips or fine lines.
Takeaway: Is a lip flip worth it?
For me, 100% yes, a Botox lip flip is worth it.
It’s subtle, affordable, and doesn’t require major commitment.
And Botox isn’t just for lips—here are 10 other benefits that might surprise you (plus a few mistakes to avoid).
If you’ve got thin lips and just want a little lift (without the pain of filler), it might be the glow-up you’ve been looking for.
Curious about fillers? I put together a quick guide fillers vs injections to explain the difference and other options for fuller lips.
Also check out my full Botox Lip Flip Dosage Guide hereincluding injector tips and what affects the final result.
And if you try it—let me know! I’d love to hear how it worked for you. 💋
Before you go ….
Please tap on the💙in the bottom right corner if you found this page helpful. Also, Let’s CONNECT! Click the buttons below to follow me on social media.
Thanks so much!