Subtle lip enhancement without filler
A thin upper lip or a smile that shows a lot of gum (“gummy smile”) can be distressing for many people. At the same time, more and more patients want a more defined lip shape without the added, potentially artificial-looking volume of fillers. This is precisely where the Lip Flip with botulinum toxin comes in. The upper lip becomes more prominent while natural facial expression is preserved. The result looks very natural.
How does the Lip Flip work?
For a Lip Flip, we inject a small amount of botulinum toxin type A into the marginal zone of the orbicularis oris muscle—the muscle that encircles the mouth. This very gentle relaxation causes the upper lip to evert slightly outward. More vermilion becomes visible and the lip appears more pronounced overall. Importantly, the natural shape is not altered; it is simply and subtly accentuated.
Treatment process
The procedure itself takes only about 10–15 minutes and is not painful. If desired, we can apply a topical anaesthetic to the upper lip beforehand. The botulinum toxin is placed precisely at a few points along the upper vermilion border. You can return to social activities immediately afterwards.
What to consider after treatment
Rest your lips immediately after the procedure and, for about two days, avoid drinking through a straw or forceful lip pursing. Also avoid massaging the lip area. Initial improvements usually appear after three to four days, with the full effect visible after about two weeks. The effect lasts two to three months, depending on individual muscle activity.
Lip Flip or filler: which is better for me?
Lip Flip:
No increase in volume
Emphasises the natural shape
Ideal for a fine upper lip or a “gummy smile”
Filler:
Volume augmentation with hyaluronic acid
Shape remodelling possible
Suitable for age-related volume loss
Combination:
★ In many cases, combining both yields a harmonious result.
Possible side effects
As with all botulinum-toxin treatments, mild redness or small bruises at injection sites can occur. Rarely, a slight feeling of tightness when drinking or speaking may be noticed; this typically resolves within a few days.
Specialist care, in safe hands
At Swiss Derma Clinic, treatments are performed exclusively by experienced specialist physicians. This ensures precise dosing, natural results and the highest safety standards. In a personal consultation, we clarify whether a Lip Flip is the right option for you, or whether an alternative treatment would make more sense. Book your appointment in Zurich.
Note: This information does not replace a personal medical consultation. An individual examination is a prerequisite for any sound indication.
Initial effects usually appear after about 3–4 days. The final result is visible after 10–14 days. The effect is subtle yet noticeable, especially compared with the baseline appearance of the upper lip.
Yes—but with a different goal. A Lip Flip gently enhances the natural lip shape without adding volume. If you want significantly fuller lips, hyaluronic-acid fillers are the better choice. A combination of both methods is often beneficial.
Yes—normally right away. Only very pronounced lip movements, such as whistling or drinking through a straw, should be avoided for the first 24 hours. After that, your facial expression is as usual.
Costs are generally lower than for a filler treatment because only a few units of botulinum toxin are required. The exact price can vary according to your anatomy and goals. We discuss costs transparently during your consultation at our Zurich practice.
When performed correctly by experienced physicians, side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Very rarely, there may be asymmetric muscle activity or temporary functional limitations—for example, when puckering the lips. These effects resolve completely.
The effect lasts about two to three months. For a continuous result, a touch-up after this interval is recommended. When combined with fillers, the timing can be tailored to the overall treatment plan.
Yes. Men with a thin upper lip or a prominent gingival display when smiling can also benefit. The technique is the same; the aim is a naturally defined, masculine lip shape—if appropriate, in combination with hyaluronic-acid lip contouring.
Our Q&A texts are by no means a substitute for a medical consultation. For an individual and well-founded medical assessment, we recommend a personal consultation at the Swiss Derma Clinic. We are happy to take the time for you!
Other treatments:
December 24, 2024, to December 27, 2024: No dermatology consultations or aesthetic treatments.
December 23, 2024, December 30, 2024, and December 31, 2024: Dermatology consultations available.
December 24, 2024, December 27, 2024, and December 28, 2024: Cosmetic treatments available.
December 20, 2024, and December 31, 2024: Cosmetic treatments available.
January 1, 2025, to January 2, 2025: No cosmetic treatments or dermatology consultations.
