There is a treatment that is changing how we think about lip enhancement, and it requires neither fillers, volume additions nor extended recovery. It is called a lip flip, and right now more and more people are searching for information about it. Yet despite growing interest, quality content about the procedure remains surprisingly scarce. We want to change that.
A lip flip with Botox is the most subtle form of lip enhancement available. It is perfect for those who want a discreet, natural change, an upper lip that reveals a little more of itself, a smile that looks softer and more balanced, without anyone being able to pinpoint what is different. It is aesthetics in its most refined form.
At Dibélle in Helsingborg, we have seen interest in the lip flip grow steadily. More and more clients come to us with questions about this particular treatment, often after seeing it on international platforms but without finding a clinic nearby that offers it. This guide gives you all the information you need, what a lip flip is, how it differs from lip fillers, who it suits and exactly how the treatment works at our clinic.
What is a lip flip?
A lip flip is a Botox treatment in which a small number of units of botulinum toxin are injected into the orbicularis oris muscle, the circular muscle that surrounds the mouth. Specifically, the injections are placed along the upper lip border, at the so-called vermillion border, the boundary between the red part of the lip and the skin above it.
How does it work?
The orbicularis oris is the muscle that allows you to purse your lips, whistle or shape your mouth into an "O". It naturally pulls the upper lip slightly inward and downward. When Botox is injected into the upper portion of the muscle, it relaxes gently, just enough for the upper lip to roll outward (flip) and expose more of the red lip area.
The result? An upper lip that looks fuller and more defined, without a single drop of filler being used. The lip has exactly the same volume as before, but it is displayed better. Think of it as folding out the collar of a shirt: the fabric is the same, but more of it is visible.
The subtle difference
It is precisely this subtlety that makes the lip flip so appealing. The change is noticeable enough for you to see it in the mirror and smile, but discreet enough that your colleagues, friends and family will not react with a "have you had something done?" It is a treatment that enhances what you already have, rather than adding something new.
Lip flip vs lip fillers: what is the difference?
This is the most common question we receive, and the answer is clear: they are two entirely different treatments with different mechanisms, different results and different target groups. Both have their place in modern aesthetics, but they serve completely different functions.
How they work
Lip flip (Botox) relaxes the muscle that pulls the upper lip inward, allowing the lip to show more of itself. No volume is added, it is an optical effect achieved through muscle modulation.
Lip fillers (hyaluronic acid) are injected directly into the lip tissue, physically filling it out with a gel-based substance. Volume is added, the lips actually become larger, fuller and more shaped. Read our comprehensive guide to lip enhancement with fillers for in-depth information about filler treatment.
Detailed comparison
- Treatment time: Lip flip takes 5 to 10 minutes. Lip fillers take 30 to 45 minutes including numbing.
- Mechanism: Lip flip relaxes a muscle. Fillers fill tissue with hyaluronic acid.
- Results: Lip flip gives subtle, natural exposure of the upper lip. Fillers give visible volume increase and contour definition.
- Longevity: Lip flip lasts 4 to 8 weeks. Fillers last 6 to 12 months.
- Price range: Lip flip costs considerably less than a filler treatment, exact prices can be found on our pricing page.
- Reversibility: Botox wears off naturally. Fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.
- Pain: Minimal with lip flip (2 to 4 pricks). Somewhat more with fillers, though numbing is used.
How to choose
Choose a lip flip if you:
- Want a minimal, discreet change
- Have an upper lip that "disappears" when you smile
- Feel your upper lip border is thin but do not want filler
- Are curious about lip enhancement but not ready for the bigger step
- Want to test how a change feels before potentially moving on to fillers
- Are looking for the most budget-friendly option for lip enhancement
Choose lip fillers if you:
- Want actual volume increase, larger, fuller lips
- Desire better contour definition, Cupid's bow or symmetry correction
- Want a result that lasts 6 to 12 months
- Have specific shape goals that require product placement in the tissue
Combine both if you:
- Want the best of both worlds, volume and optimal exposure
- Already have fillers but want the upper lip to show even better
- Want to maximise the effect of a smaller amount of filler
Russian Lip Flip: the Viral Trend Explained
If you've been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram recently, you've probably come across the term russian lip flip. The search term has exploded in Sweden and internationally, but there's a lot of confusion about what it actually means. Let's clear it up.
What is a russian lip flip?
A russian lip flip combines the russian lips technique (normally performed with fillers) with a Botox lip flip. Traditional russian lips involves injecting filler vertically rather than horizontally into the lip, creating a heart-shaped, more defined form with extra lift in the central part of the upper lip.
Adding a Botox lip flip on top of this technique enhances the effect further. The Botox relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle so that the filler-treated upper lip rolls out even more, fully exposing the heart-shaped contour.
Russian lip flip vs regular lip flip
The key difference:
- Regular lip flip uses only Botox. No volume is added. The result is subtle and discreet.
- Russian lip flip combines russian lips filler with a Botox lip flip. The result is more defined, with a clear heart shape and more lift.
A regular lip flip suits you if you want a minimal change. A russian lip flip suits you if you already have or plan to get lip fillers and want to maximise the contour.
How we work with it at Dibélle
At Dibélle in Helsingborg, we offer both variants. During your consultation, we discuss what suits your specific lips and wishes. Abir masters both the classic and the Russian technique, and can adapt the treatment precisely to your anatomy.
Want the subtle version? Choose a standard lip flip. Want the more defined, heart-shaped variant? Then we combine it with russian lips filler for the best result.
Who is a lip flip for?
A lip flip with Botox suits a surprisingly broad group. It is not a treatment that appeals only to a certain age or a specific need, it is universally attractive precisely because it is so subtle.
Ideal candidates
First-time clients. If you have never tried aesthetic injections before and want to start with something small, safe and reversible, a lip flip is the perfect first step. The treatment gives you a feel for how Botox works, how the result develops and what it is like to have made an aesthetic improvement, without the commitment that fillers entail.
"Disappearing lip" when smiling. One of the most common reasons clients seek a lip flip is that their upper lip "disappears" when they smile. The orbicularis oris muscle pulls the lip inward during a broad smile, and for some people virtually the entire upper lip is hidden. A lip flip counteracts this movement and keeps the upper lip visible even when you smile.
Natural minimalists. Some people identify strongly with a natural aesthetic, they do not want anyone to see a visible change. They simply want to see a better version of themselves in the mirror. A lip flip delivers exactly that.
Complement to existing fillers. Already have lip fillers but feel the upper lip still is not exposed enough? A lip flip can be the small addition that takes the result to the next level, without needing to add more filler.
Younger clients (18 to 25). Many younger people seek a natural enhancement rather than a dramatic change. A lip flip fits this philosophy perfectly, it is about accentuating, not about transforming.
Who should consider other options?
A lip flip is not the right choice for every situation:
- If you want noticeably larger lips: you need fillers, which add actual volume
- If you want to define the lower lip: a lip flip works primarily on the upper lip
- If you play a wind instrument professionally: the slight muscle relaxation may affect embouchure
- Pregnant and breastfeeding: the same contraindications as for all Botox treatments
How the treatment works
A lip flip at Dibélle is one of the quickest and smoothest treatments we offer. From the moment you step in to the moment you leave, it rarely takes more than 20 minutes, and the actual injection takes under 5 minutes.
Consultation
Before every treatment, no matter how simple it may seem, we begin with a conversation. Abir wants to understand what you want to achieve, why you have chosen a lip flip and what your expectations look like. She examines your upper lip at rest and while smiling, assesses the muscle activity and explains exactly what the treatment can and cannot do.
This consultation is crucial. A lip flip with Botox requires precision, it is about exactly the right number of units in exactly the right place. Too many units can affect your ability to use a straw or form words containing "p" and "b". Too few units produce no visible result. This is where experience matters.
The injections
The treatment itself requires 2 to 6 units of Botox, distributed across 2 to 4 injection points along the upper lip border. Abir uses ultra-fine needles (32 gauge) that are barely felt, most people compare it to a light mosquito bite.
Placement and dosage are adapted to your individual anatomy:
- Central lip flip: Injections placed centrally at the Cupid's bow to accentuate the natural shape
- Wide lip flip: Injections spread toward the corners of the mouth for more even exposure along the entire upper lip
- Combined lip flip: Injections at both the centre and sides for a balanced result
Treatment duration
Total time: 15 to 20 minutes (including consultation) Injection time: Under 5 minutes Numbing: Usually not necessary, discomfort is minimal
Immediately after
You leave straight away. No visible marks apart from possible minimal redness at the injection sites, which fades within an hour. You can return to your normal routine immediately, apply make-up, eat, talk, smile. The only thing to avoid for the first 4 hours is rubbing or massaging the area.
Results and timeline
Patience pays off with a lip flip, but the wait is short.
How the result develops
Day 1 to 2: No visible changes. The Botox has not begun to take effect yet. You may notice slight tenderness at the injection sites.
Day 3 to 5: Subtle changes start to appear. The upper lip begins to roll slightly outward, particularly in the central area.
Day 7 to 10: Full effect achieved. Your upper lip is now showing its best version, softly rolled out, more visible, with a natural definition that was not there before.
Week 4 to 8: The effect gradually fades. The muscle regains its normal function and the lip slowly returns to its original position.
What you can expect
The realistic result of a lip flip is:
- 1 to 2 mm more visible upper lip: it sounds small, but it makes a noticeable difference
- Softer smile: the upper lip no longer disappears as much during a broad smile
- Defined Cupid's bow: the natural shape is accentuated
- Reduced "gummy smile": if you show a lot of gum when smiling, a lip flip can reduce this
Longevity
The result lasts 4 to 8 weeks, which makes a lip flip a treatment that requires regular refreshing. Many of our clients choose to be treated every other month for a period and then reassess. Over time, the effect may last somewhat longer, as the muscle gradually loses strength with repeated treatments.
Abir's philosophy: naturalness as the starting point
Every treatment at Dibélle is based on the same fundamental principle: to enhance, never to transform. This is especially true for the lip flip, which is the most subtle injection treatment we offer.
"The lip flip is the treatment I recommend to everyone who says 'I want to do something, but I do not want it to show.' It is the perfect start for anyone curious about aesthetics, you learn how your body responds to Botox, you see a discreet but beautiful change, and you retain full control. I see it as an introduction to natural aesthetics." Abir Mustafa, licensed registered nurse, Dibélle
Abir Mustafa is a licensed registered nurse with experience in aesthetic medicine since 2011. With over 10,000 completed treatments and a deep understanding of facial anatomy and proportions, she has developed a technique that prioritises precision above all else. Licensed by IVO (Health and Social Care Inspectorate) and registered with the National Board of Health and Welfare, Abir always works with safety as the foundation.
What distinguishes a skilled lip flip from a mediocre one is precisely the dosage, it comes down to individual units and millimetres. Abir's experience allows her to read your muscle activity and tailor the treatment to give you a result that looks natural, feels natural and is natural, you, but on a better day.
Aftercare: simple and uncomplicated
Aftercare for a lip flip is considerably simpler than for fillers, as there is no swelling to manage or tissue that needs to stabilise.
The first 4 hours
- Do not rub the lips or the area around the mouth
- Do not massage: Botox should stay in the injected muscle fibres
- Keep your head upright: do not lie down immediately after the treatment
- Avoid intense exercise: wait until the next day
The first 24 hours
- No alcohol: may increase the risk of slight bruising
- No sauna or steam bath: heat can spread the product
- Avoid the dentist: keeping your mouth open for a long time may be uncomfortable
After that
No special restrictions. You live your life as normal. The result develops over the coming days and you will gradually notice the upper lip beginning to show more of itself.
Read our complete preparation guide for more tips on preparation and aftercare before injection treatments.
Frequently asked questions about lip flip
How much does a lip flip hurt?
Barely at all. With 2 to 4 ultra-fine pricks, most people describe the experience as at most a 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. It takes just a few seconds. No numbing cream is needed, though we offer it upon request.
How much does a lip flip cost?
A lip flip costs considerably less than a filler treatment, as far fewer units of Botox are required. See our pricing page for current prices. It is one of the most budget-friendly aesthetic treatments available.
Can I combine a lip flip with fillers?
Absolutely, and it is a popular combination. Lip fillers provide volume and shape, while a lip flip optimises how the upper lip is exposed. Together, they deliver a result that is more than the sum of its parts. The treatments can often be performed during the same visit.
Does a lip flip affect my speech or ability to drink?
In the vast majority of cases, no. With correct dosage (2 to 6 units), your daily life is not affected. Some people experience a very slightly different sensation in the first few days, but it adapts quickly. With overdosing, there is a theoretical risk of temporary difficulty using a straw or forming certain sounds, that is why precise dosing by an experienced practitioner is so important.
How long does the result last?
4 to 8 weeks. This is shorter than fillers (6 to 12 months), but it also means you can evaluate and adjust quickly. Many see this as an advantage, if you do not like the result, it is gone within a few weeks.
Can I get a lip flip if I have never tried Botox before?
Yes, it is actually one of the very best treatments to start with. The dose is minimal, the effect is subtle, and it gives you a gentle introduction to how Botox works.
Is a lip flip suitable for men?
Absolutely. We see more and more men seeking discreet aesthetic improvements, and the lip flip is one of the most popular treatments among male clients, precisely because the result is impossible to "detect."
Will anyone notice I have had a lip flip?
No, and that is precisely the point. A lip flip produces a change that you notice but no one else can identify. It looks as though you simply had a good day, well-rested, naturally happy and with lips that happen to look particularly good.
What if I do not like the result?
Unlike fillers, you do not need to do anything at all, simply wait. The effect wears off naturally within 4 to 8 weeks and your upper lip returns to exactly how it looked before.
What is the difference between a lip flip and a russian lip flip?
A regular lip flip uses only Botox to roll out the upper lip. A russian lip flip combines Botox with russian lips filler, creating a clearer heart-shaped contour and more defined lift. Both are performed at Dibélle in Helsingborg.
Can a lip flip help with "gummy smile"?
Yes, in many cases. If you show a lot of gum when you smile, a lip flip, sometimes combined with Botox in the muscles that lift the upper lip, can reduce the amount of gum that is exposed. It is one of the most elegant uses of the treatment. At Dibélle we also offer a dedicated gummy smile Botox treatment for those who want a more targeted correction, Abir tailors the approach depending on how much gum is visible and which muscles are involved.
Lip flip in Helsingborg: why Dibélle?
With a 4.9 out of 5 rating and over 1,000 reviews on Bokadirekt, Dibélle has established itself as one of Helsingborg's most trusted aesthetic clinics. We offer the lip flip as part of our complete range of Botox treatments, performed by a licensed registered nurse with over 15 years of experience.
With us, you get:
- Personal consultation: we listen to your wishes and recommend the right treatment
- Experienced injector: Abir has performed thousands of Botox treatments since 2011
- Premium products: we work with market-leading botulinum toxin
- Natural aesthetics: every treatment is based on your unique beauty
- Safety: licensed registered nurse, full transparency
Whether the lip flip is your first aesthetic treatment or an addition to your existing treatment plan, we adapt to your specific needs and wishes.
Feel free to explore our other guides: Everything about Botox, Lip enhancement with fillers or our comprehensive fillers guide.
You will find us at Kullagatan 40, 252 20 Helsingborg, in the heart of the city. Book your lip flip consultation on Bokadirekt, quick, easy and with the confidence that you are choosing a clinic that puts naturalness and safety first.
We look forward to welcoming you to Dibélle.
