Lip Flip Before and After: Real Photos & Honest Results for Thin Lips

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your lips had just a little more lift or shape—but didn’t want the side effects or high cost of fillers—you’re not alone. I've been there too.

A woman gently touching her lips, appearing thoughtful—considering a subtle lip flip treatment for a natural-looking enhancement.

I love my lip flip! I started getting lip flips because my lips have always been small and thin—but they were more defined when I was younger. I tried fillers, but they didn’t suit my facial structure and looked a little off.

A lip flip gives me that subtle definition I was missing, without adding bulk—and it’s especially helpful as lips naturally get thinner with age.

Below, I share real before and after photos of my lip flip for thin lips, what to expect, and why this subtle tweak might be exactly what you’re looking for.

What is a lip flip

A lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment where a small amount of Botox (or another neurotoxin like Dysport) is injected into the muscles around your upper lip.

The goal? To relax those muscles so your top lip gently rolls outward, creating the appearance of fuller lips—without adding volume.  

It’s ideal if you:

  • Have thin lips (like me!)
  • Want to define your cupid’s bow
  • Feel like your upper lip disappears when you smile
  • Don’t want filler

Why I chose a lip flip instead of fillers

Let’s be real: fillers can be expensive, painful, and sometimes leave you looking overfilled. I didn’t want that.

Here’s why the lip flip was right for me:

  • Cost: I paid about $15 per unit—just $60 total.
  • No downtime: I had two tiny red dots at the injection sites. That’s it.
  • Quick treatment: Less than 5 minutes and I was done.
  • Subtle improvement: My lips looked better, not bigger.

My before and after lip flip pics

I documented the whole process so you can see exactly what a real lip flip looks like—no filters, no filler, just a few units of Botox and a subtle change.

Getting the Injection:
Here I am during the actual treatment! It was quick—just four small injections on each side of my upper lip. No numbing cream needed, and the whole thing took less than 5 minutes.

Botox injection around upper lip for a subtle lip flip treatment.

Right After the Procedure:
This was taken immediately after. You’ll notice there’s no swelling, just a few tiny red dots where the needle went in. That’s it. I didn’t need ice or makeup to cover it, but you easily could if you wanted to. 

Lip flip results immediately after Botox injection—slight swelling, no filler used.

What does a lip flip look like on thin lips?

On aging or naturally thin lips, a lip flip adds shape and gentle definition—without the weight or puffiness of filler. It gives your upper lip a gentle outward curve, so it stays visible when you smile. This is especially helpful if your lip usually disappears. For me, it brought back a more defined lip line without changing my natural look.

Day 8–10 Post-Treatment:

Day 8–10 post-treatment: Here’s my favorite shot, taken when the results fully kicked in. You can see the difference—my upper lip has a softer curve, a bit more pout, and it doesn’t disappear when I smile. It’s still my natural shape, just lifted and more defined.

I wanted a result that felt like me, just with a little extra confidence—and that’s exactly what I got.

Lip flip results 10 days after Botox injection—subtle lift and natural shape.

Lip flip recovery: timeline and tips

Wondering what happens after the injection? Here’s a quick breakdown of how the lip flip settles in—and a few tips that helped me get the most out of it (especially with thin lips like mine).timeline: what to expect

  • Day 0: Injection day—quick and easy, no numbing needed. Just a few tiny pinches.
  • Day 1–3: You might see a little redness or mild swelling, but I didn’t have much.
  • Day 4–7: You’ll start to feel the upper lip gently curling out. It’s subtle at first.
  • Day 8–14: Full results kick in. This is when I really noticed the change when I smiled.

Results usually last 2–3 months. I've found that regular touch-ups keep the effect going without needing more units.

Tips for thin lips

If your lips are on the thinner side like mine, these tips can help you get the most out of your lip flip—without going overboard.

  • Start with 4 units. That’s what I did, and it gave me just enough lift without looking fake.
  • Don’t expect volume. This treatment enhances shape, not fullness.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing your lips for 24 hours after treatment.
  • Skip straws and big lip movements (like exaggerated puckering) for a couple of days.
  • Ice packs can help with tenderness or swelling, though I didn’t need any.

Check out my 5 secrets for best results for Botox lip flip!

FAQs: Lip Flip (real answers from someone who’s had it done)

Question: Does a lip flip hurt?

Answer: It feels like a tiny pinch. Totally manageable.

Question: Can I still kiss, eat, or talk normally?

Answer: Yes, but it may feel a little awkward at first—especially if both the top and bottom lips are treated. Some people notice slight changes when eating or sipping (I found soup tricky the first time!), but talking and kissing are usually fine. Most of the odd sensations fade within a few days.

Question: Will it look fake?

Answer: Not if you start with a low dose. I only used 4 units. The result was natural, subtle, and just added a little shape—not volume.

Bonus: My favorite lip plumpers

The Lip Gloss I Actually Use (and Love)

I’ve tried a bunch of lip plumpers, but this is the one I keep in my bag and by my bedside.

City Beauty Clear Lip Gloss:

It has hyaluronic acid to keep my lips moisturized. The soft gloss adds a healthy, natural shine—without the sticky feel. What I really love? It actually stays on for hours.

It’s not perfect—some people find the tingle a bit much or say it feels sticky—but for me, it’s totally worth it. I use it all the time between lip flips to keep my lips looking and feeling good.

ABZ Tip: To keep your lips soft and youthful between treatments, check out my anti-aging lip care tips—great if you’re dealing with dry lips or fine lines.

Takeaway: Is a lip flip worth it?

For me, 100% yes.

It’s subtle, affordable, and doesn’t require major commitment.  And Botox isn’t just for lips—here are 10 other benefits that might surprise you (plus a few mistakes to avoid).

If you’ve got thin lips and just want a little lift (without the pain of filler), it might be the glow-up you’ve been looking for.

Curious how many units you might need? Check out my full Botox Lip Flip Dosage Guide here including injector tips and what affects the final result.

And if you try it—let me know! I’d love to hear how it worked for you. 💋

About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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