Dr Harry James explores the anatomical principles as well as the clinical technique and patient selection criteria relevant to lip flip procedures
The lip flip is a minimally-invasive technique of cosmetic lip augmentation. It involves injecting low doses of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) along the vermilion border of the upper lip to relax the orbicularis oris muscle, causing the lip to ‘flip’ outward.¹ The goal is a fuller appearance without injecting filler into the lip tissue, a procedure that comes with its own complications such as filler migration.2 Its popularity has grown in recent years, as patients seek natural-looking lip rejuvenation.¹ Although lip fillers remain more commonly searched and used, interest in lip flips has steadily risen, affirming its role as an alternative method of lip enhancement.2
This article provides a clinical overview of the anatomical rationale, therapeutic mechanism and patient suitability considerations associated with the lip flip technique.
Anatomical overview
The lips consist of the cutis (skin), muscular layer (orbicularis oris) and mucosa, with the vermilion surrounded by the vermilion border. The orbicularis oris is the key sphincter muscle encircling…
