03/14/2026
๐๐จ๐๐/๐ ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐ฏ๐ฌ. ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ ๐
๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ
What are we doing beneath the skin that creates the subtle changes we see in the lips? Letโs talk about the lip flip.
โจ Functional Anatomy:โจThe upper lip is primarily controlled by the orbicularis oris, a circular sphincter muscle responsible for closing the mouth and pulling the lip inward. Superficial fibers attach along the vermillion border, helping maintain lip tension and contributing to lip inversion during contraction.
โจ The Result:โจRepeated contraction of the orbicularis oris pulls the upper lip inward, which can reduce vermillion show and contribute to vertical perioral lines. These dynamics also influence how much of the upper teeth are visible when smiling.
โจ How BoNT/A Works:โจA lip flip uses small amounts of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT/A) injected superficially along the upper vermillion border to partially relax the orbicularis oris. By weakening these superficial fibers, the upper lip gently rolls outward (eversion), improving contour and increasing visible lip heightโwithout adding volume.
โจ Clinical Effect:โจTreatment typically involves 4โ6 units of BoNT/A placed across several injection points. Results are usually visible within the first week and last approximately 8โ12 weeks, subtly enhancing lip projection and definition of the Cupidโs bow.
๐ฏ Precision Matters:โจBecause the orbicularis oris plays a role in speech, drinking, and oral competence, injections must be superficial and precise. Diffusion into surrounding muscle can temporarily affect activities like whistling, drinking through a straw, or certain pronunciations. These resolve as the toxin wears off.
๐A lip flip doesnโt add volume like fillerโit modifies muscle dynamics to subtly enhance lip shape and projection. When applied with precision in the right candidate, it offers a natural-appearing option for improving lip definition, eversion, and gingival display.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๏ผ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ก๐ ๏ผ
(Bourmand et al., 2025; Pitchford et al., 2025; Teixeira et al., 2021)
