Lip Flip in Newport Beach
Not every lip enhancement requires filler. For patients who want subtle eversion of the upper lip — more lip show, a slightly fuller appearance without added volume — the lip flip achieves it with a few precise units of neurotoxin and no downtime.
The lip flip uses a small amount of botulinum toxin injected into the orbicularis oris — the muscle that encircles the mouth — along the upper lip border. By gently relaxing this muscle, the upper lip rolls slightly outward, revealing more of the lip’s pink surface and creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined lip without injecting any volume.
At Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach, Dr. Amir Mortazavi, MD performs the lip flip as both a standalone treatment for patients who want subtle enhancement without filler, and as a complement to lip filler for patients who want to enhance the eversion and definition of their existing volume. The approach is the same either way — precise placement, conservative dosing, and a result that looks like your lip, improved.
The lip flip does not add volume. It changes the position of the upper lip — everting it slightly so more of the lip surface is visible. Patients who want volume need filler. Patients who want shape, definition, or more lip show without added volume are often ideal lip flip candidates.
Lip flip vs. lip filler — understanding the difference
The two treatments are frequently confused. They achieve different things and suit different goals. Many patients benefit from both together — but understanding what each does is the starting point for any lip consultation.
The lip flip and lip filler are frequently combined — filler provides the volume and the lip flip enhances the eversion and definition of that volume. When used together, Dr. Mortazavi coordinates the placement of both for a result that is balanced rather than simply the sum of two separate treatments.
Who is a good candidate?
Ideal for the lip flip
Patients who feel their upper lip disappears when they smile. Patients who want more lip definition without added volume. Patients who want to test lip enhancement before committing to filler. Patients with existing filler who want more eversion and show.
When filler is more appropriate
Patients who want significantly fuller lips, more projection, or structural volume change. The lip flip produces a subtle effect — patients expecting dramatic fullness from this treatment alone will be disappointed. Dr. Mortazavi is direct about this at consultation.
What to expect
Treatment
Four to six small injections placed along the upper border of the orbicularis oris muscle. The treatment takes under 5 minutes. Most patients find it very comfortable — topical numbing is available on request but rarely needed. There is no downtime. Mild swelling or redness at injection sites resolves within 30 minutes for most patients.
Onset and duration
The lip flip effect begins to appear within 3 to 5 days as the orbicularis oris relaxes. Full effect is visible at 2 weeks. Duration is typically 2 to 3 months — shorter than other facial neurotoxin areas because the orbicularis oris is one of the most frequently used muscles in the face. Patients who drink through straws, play wind instruments, or have very active lip movement may find their results wear off slightly faster.
Important to know
Because the lip flip relaxes the orbicularis oris, some patients notice a temporary change in how their lips feel during certain activities — drinking from a bottle, whistling, or playing wind instruments. This is temporary and resolves as the treatment wears off. Dr. Mortazavi discusses this at consultation so expectations are clear before treatment.
The lip flip is one of those treatments where patient selection matters more than technique. Not every patient asking for it is actually a good candidate — some want volume that only filler can provide. Dr. Mortazavi is direct about this distinction at consultation and recommends the approach that will actually achieve the patient’s goal, not simply the treatment they asked for. All injections performed personally.
Frequently asked questions
What is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a small amount of botulinum toxin injected into the orbicularis oris muscle along the upper lip border. By gently relaxing this muscle, the upper lip rolls slightly outward — revealing more of the lip surface and creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined upper lip without adding any volume. It is not filler.
What is the difference between a lip flip and lip filler?
A lip flip changes the position of the upper lip by relaxing the surrounding muscle — more lip show, subtle definition, no added volume. Lip filler adds hyaluronic acid volume to make the lips physically fuller and more projected. The lip flip is subtle and temporary (2 to 3 months). Filler produces more significant volume change and lasts 6 to 12 months. Many patients benefit from both together.
Will the lip flip make my lips look bigger?
Subtly, yes — but not by adding volume. The lip flip makes more of the upper lip visible by everting it slightly outward. The effect is a more defined, slightly fuller-appearing upper lip. Patients expecting dramatic fullness from a lip flip alone will be disappointed — that result requires filler. Dr. Mortazavi sets clear expectations at consultation.
Can the lip flip be done with lip filler?
Yes — and the combination is common. Filler provides volume and structural enhancement; the lip flip adds eversion and definition on top of that volume. When performed together, Dr. Mortazavi coordinates placement of both treatments so the overall result is balanced and intentional rather than additive.
Are there any side effects or limitations after a lip flip?
Because the orbicularis oris is relaxed, some patients notice a temporary change in lip function — difficulty drinking from a bottle or straw, whistling, or playing wind instruments. This is temporary and resolves as the treatment wears off over 2 to 3 months. Most patients in everyday situations notice no functional change at all.
How long does a lip flip last?
Typically 2 to 3 months. The orbicularis oris is one of the most active muscles in the face and metabolizes neurotoxin relatively quickly. Patients with very active lip movement may find results wear off toward the shorter end of this range.
How much does a lip flip cost at Plump?
The lip flip at Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach is $150, whether performed as a standalone treatment or combined with other areas in the same appointment.
Related treatments
The lip flip is often combined with these treatments for a complete perioral result.
Schedule a consultation
Lip flip treatments are available at Plump Medical Spa in Newport Beach, serving patients throughout Orange County and Southern California.
4667 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 310 — Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 568-7544 — info@plumpmedicalspa.com
Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm — By Appointment Only