A lip flip can be a powerful yet subtle way to refresh your appearance before a special occasion. This treatment gently enhances the upper lip, improves the balance of your smile, and adds youthful definition with no downtime. It is a popular choice for special events because the results appear gradually, look completely natural, and photograph beautifully when scheduled correctly.
At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin, bring decades of advanced training and aesthetic expertise to every nonsurgical treatment. Their mastery of facial anatomy and refined injection techniques ensures that your lip flip is performed with precision, safety, and artistry. With this foundation, this guide will walk you through how to time your lip flip so you can step into your milestone moment feeling confident, polished, and ready for the event.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a quick, non-invasive enhancement that creates a fuller, lifted upper lip using small, precisely placed injections of neurotoxin. By relaxing the upper portion of the orbicularis oris muscle, the lip gently rolls outward, improving visibility of the pink lip and enhancing your smile’s shape and expressiveness.
Treatments rely on neurotoxins such as botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily block nerve signals to the targeted muscle—an effect well-documented by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
How Long Does a Lip Flip Take to Show Results?
Neurotoxins don’t take effect immediately. Research indicates that the onset of action typically occurs within 3–4 days, with full expression typically occurring around 10–14 days, depending on the individual's response.
Because the lip flip’s beauty lies in its subtlety, it’s essential to allow time for:
- Early settling of the muscle
- Softening of any mild swelling
- Full “flip” of the upper lip
- Natural-looking symmetry to emerge
Should You Choose a Lip Flip or Lip Filler Before an Event?
While both enhance lip aesthetics, their purposes differ:
| Lip Flip | Lip Filler |
|---|---|
| Subtly increases lip show | Adds actual volume |
| Uses neurotoxin | Uses hyaluronic acid filler |
| Ideal for “when I smile, my lip disappears” | Ideal for structural, shape, or volumetric changes |
| No downtime | Possible swelling 24–72 hours |
For patients seeking a subtle enhancement for a special event, a lip flip is often the perfect choice—refined, natural, and quick.
When Should You Schedule a Lip Flip Before a Special Event?
To look your absolute best—camera-ready, confident, and refreshed—schedule your lip flip at least 2 weeks before your event. For some patients, 3 weeks provides an added buffer to ensure the results have fully matured.
Here’s a practical timeline:
3 Weeks Before
- Ideal time for treatment
- Allows for full effect + minor touch-up if desired
2 Weeks Before
- Safely within the window for complete results
- Swelling or pinpoint bruising has time to resolve
1 Week Before
- Some early results are visible, but complete enhancement may not have appeared yet
- Only appropriate for patients familiar with how their body responds
3–5 Days Before
- Not recommended—results will be incomplete
The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery Is Here to Help You Time Your Lip Flip Perfectly
Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin, bring a wealth of expertise and meticulous technique to help you achieve exceptional, natural-looking results. With advanced fellowship training and decades of combined experience in facial aesthetics, the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery is dedicated to precision, safety, and compassionate care. This commitment ensures that your timing, treatment plan, and final results are handled with the utmost professionalism. If you want to look polished, confident, and beautifully revitalized for your special occasion, we invite you to schedule your consultation today.
