I got a ‘lip flip’ to hide my gummy smile

I’ve been lusting after fuller lips for as long as I can remember, and this year I decided it was high time I did something about it. Lip filler is off the table for now as I have the pain tolerance of a two-year-old (plus, $200 hundred dollars to top it up every three months is way out of my price range).
During my investigations, I stumbled upon a procedure I’d never heard of before - the lip flip. Despite its intense name, it seemed like a good alternative for me so I reached out to Georgie Mills, a cosmetic nurse from Skin Boost Clinics to get more information.
RELATED: What is a non-surgical face lift?
RELATED: What is laser pigmentation removal and does it actually work?
What is a lip flip?
“The lip flip is a really simple and effective procedure using Botox in the top lip,” Georgie explained.
“Botox can be used to subtlety shape up the lips to create a poutier look. The toxin gives lips a subtle pout by literally flipping out the lip line and rolling the lip outwards.”
But it’s important not to confuse the procedure with lip filler.
“It is a different treatment and doesn’t provide the same results,” Georgie said.
“Filler adds volume, which increases the size and definition of the lips, while [botox] relaxes the muscles around the mouth, and rolls the lip outward, creating the illusion of a bigger lip. The lip flip is a more subtle result than filler.”
My lips before:
I don’t love the way my top lip goes into hiding when I smile. While I’m happy with the shape, I’d like them to be just a touch poutier.
I asked Georgie what kind wrong of person would be suited to a lip flip. “It’s sometimes better for a client who is new to injectables and concerned fillers will change the shape of their lips too much,” she said.
“It’s also a good choice for someone not wanting volume, rather a slight poutiness to the top lip.”
That was exactly what I was looking for, so I plucked up some courage and booked in to see Georgie and get the flip.
During the procedure:
To kick things off we Facetimed Skin Boost’s off-site doctor to get the go-ahead, and then we got straight down to the procedure.
As previously mentioned, my pain-tolerance is non-existent. I’m not a fan of needles (is anyone?), but Georgie assured me the pain would be no worse than a lip pimple. This didn’t reassure me because I find lip pimples excruciating (I know, I’m pathetic), but I found the procedure pretty much pain-free. If I had to compare pain levels I’d say it was pretty on par with a brow wax (and a million times less painful than a Brazillian).
Georgie injected Botox in four different sites just above my top lip, as you can see in the photo below. It’s not necessary to inject the bottom lip.
All up, I was in the clinic for no more than 10 minutes, with the procedure taking about two.
Immediately after the procedure:
I was initially paranoid I was getting weird looks from people on my way back to the office, so I took out my phone to take a photo of my lips to make sure nothing looked off. I was happy to see no traces of the procedure.
The final verdict
While undoubtedly subtle, I am so happy with the results. I wanted something so natural that no one would notice I’d had anything done, and no one did (until I pointed it out). When my lips are relaxed, there’s not much of a difference, but my gummy grin is nowhere to be seen when I smile.
I started feeling the botox kick in on about day four when I was struggling to purse my lips to sip from my coffee cup. It wasn’t unpleasant at all, just an odd feeling.
On day six, I could start to see a visible difference. This is how they looked on day seven when compared to before…
(left to right: before, after one week)
(left to right: before, after one week)
I’m so happy with my results from the flip, and I’ll definitely be getting it done again when it wears off.
If you’re still unsure, the results only last for about four months and the procedure costs about $30 so you won’t be breaking the bank.
Would you get the lip flip?
68 Member Comments
My top lip is smaller than my bottom and I don't think fillers would help much. This seems like a much better option for me!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
To be honest I can't see much difference but if it makes her feel better than it's worth it.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Not keen to try that.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Used to get teased in school about them but now I realise!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’m so happy to be blessed with big lips.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Would love to look into this
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Really for $30? Where do I go to get that done, I live in Vic in geelong 3216
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Sounds so good I'm actually starting to consider it and they're decent prices now adays too
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Wow that is indeed very cheap. I didn't realise they did injections for as little as that. It looks nice though, quite subtle.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm surprised this is so inexpensive! I've heard of a few people I know getting it done so I've been a bit curious myself!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have similar shaped lips & after seeing your results I would definitely be game to give my lips a flip. The price of $30 seems more than reasonable. You look great & the lip enhancement just adds that touch extra...
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Well learnt something new today, lip flip. I would definitely give this a try, like the end result shown.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Wow, still a little freaked about the whole needle thing though and do we really know what long term affects of injecting Botox into our system can do?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oh this is very subtle not too full on.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Ive actually looked into this to help enhance my very thin lips without having lip fillers. Thank you
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I think the model’s smile looked beautiful before, but I do understand that sometimes things do bother you and if you can get it rectified for minimal cost and discomfort it’s worth looking at.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Needles! No way, only for medical or much needed cosmetic surgery
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Nothing wrong with the before teeth. They are very straight and clean!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
This is the procedure I've always wanted but didn't know existed! My top lip is smaller than my bottom lip, and kinda sags down, and filler is expensive and would look weird with my lip shape. I want it!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Products from brands like too faced or mac that plump could be equally good and at a cheaper price
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have never heard of this before and I am surprised that it is not that expensive.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
$30 isn't bad but, I don't notice much of a difference. Surely a lip plumping gloss or something would do just as good of a job, without being so invasive.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Surprised this was so affordable. I think the before pic was just as nice.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Never heard of this before. Very interesting
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Very!! I wonder how much it hurts getting it done!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0