Advanced: the lip flip — realistic expectations, dose and pitfalls
Getting asked for lip flips a lot. What dose and what do I need to warn patients about so they're not disappointed?
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The lip flip is subtle — set expectations before you touch the syringe. Dose: small. Around 2–4 units total into the upper orbicularis oris, spread across a few points along the upper lip border (some add a tiny amount for the lower lip). The aim is slight eversion/show of the upper lip, not volume. Pitfalls to counsel: • It is NOT a filler substitute — it won't add size, only a subtle roll. Patients wanting fuller lips need filler. • Duration is short — often ~6–8 weeks. • Over-dosing weakens the orbicularis: difficulty with straws, whistling, enunciating certain sounds, or a flat/incompetent lip. Start conservative, especially in wind-instrument players, singers and anyone whose job needs precise lip control. Under-promise and this is a lovely add-on; over-promise and it's a complaint.
- James Okafor★ 47
The 'ask about their job' point is underrated — I always check for singers/musicians before a lip flip now.
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