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What is a Lip Flip

What is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a consultation topic about upper lip shape and how the lip behaves during expression. It does not involve volumisation, as is typical of lip volume and shape approaches. Instead, your cosmetic practitioner may discuss approaches that influence muscle activity around the upper lip, with a procedure that causes the upper lip to gently roll upwards and outwards.

How Does a Lip Flip Work? Lip flip anatomy shows you

How Does a Lip Flip Work?

The upper lip is influenced by muscle activity – especially the orbicularis oris, a circular muscle that surrounds the mouth. It helps control actions like speaking, smiling, puckering and genera lip movement.

When the orbicularis oris muscle is particularly active or tense, it can create specific cosmetic effects. For example, an overly active orbicularis oris can cause the upper lip to curl inward slightly, resulting in the appearance of thinner or less defined lips. This can also cause more exposure of the gums than some people desire, creating a ‘gummy smile‘.

Increased muscle tension can also accentuate fine vertical lines around the lips, commonly known as “lipstick lines,” “barcode lines” or “smoker’s lines.”

Understanding the activity of this muscle is important when discussing upper lip shape concerns, because the same “look” can have different underlying causes – and not everyone is suited to the same approach.

During consultation, your practitioner assesses how this muscle behaves at rest and with expression, because movement patterns can influence how the upper lip turns in or appears less defined in certain moments. From there, your Contour Clinics practitioner can design a tailored treatment plan that suits your individual baseline anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Lip flip sydney

Lip Volume, Lip Flip or Russian Lips – Which One Is for You?

These three approaches are often confused because they can look similar in photos, but they target different things. Working out which one matches what you’re after is part of your consultation, but here’s a general guide:

Your Goal Starting point
Overall lip shape, proportion, height and projection Lip Enhancement
A subtle upward curl to the upper lip, without added volume Lip Flip (this page)
A structured, defined lip border with added height Russian Lips
Fine vertical lines around the mouth, separate to lip shape or volume Smoker Lines

If you’re not sure which applies to you, that’s ok. We will work it out together in your consultation.

How to know if a lip flip is right for you - explained by cosmetic doctors at Contour Clinics

Is a Lip Flip Right for You?

A consultation with an experienced practitioner is essential before undertaking any cosmetic treatment, including a lip flip. You may be a suitable candidate for a a lip flip if you:

  • Are considering a more natural-appearing alternative to lip enhancement
  • Want to discuss subtle upper lip shape changes, especially when smiling or speaking
  • Prefer a conservative approach that prioritises facial balance
  • Would like a practitioner to assess whether muscle activity is contributing to your concern
  • Are interested in non-surgical options
  • Want a clear explanation of suitability, limitations and risks before deciding on any next step

If you have a mouth-related medical condition or an active oral infection, treatment may need to be postponed.

It’s also worth noting: people who play oral musical instruments may experience some minor, temporary lip strength changes post-treatment that could affect performance. Those who give prolonged speeches for work (such as teachers or actors) may also notice temporary changes in lip function. If either applies to you, raise it during your consultation so the trade-offs can be discussed properly.

What to Expect in Your Lip Flip Consultation in Sydney & Brisbane

What to Expect in Your Lip Flip Consultation in Sydney & Brisbane

Your consultation is a confidential, unhurried discussion with a qualified cosmetic doctor or nurse about your lip concerns and goals. It may explore different approaches depending on what’s driving your concern – including muscle movement patterns, lip proportions, and overall facial balance. Your consultation may include:

  • A 1:1 discussion about your upper lip shape, movement and what you’d like to change
  • Medical history and suitability screening, including relevant medications and health factors
  • Assessment of how the orbicularis oris muscle behaves at rest and with expression
  • Standardised clinical photography and Vectra 3D imaging to establish a baseline
  • A practitioner-led discussion of the options that may be suitable for you, including limitations, trade-offs and realistic expectations
  • Clear explanation of risks, aftercare and recovery considerations, tailored to your circumstances
  • A written plan and next steps you can review in your own time, with space to ask questions and decide without pressure

Your consultation is complimentary. A $75 deposit secures your booking and is credited to your treatment if you proceed, or refunded in full if you decide not to. Same-day treatment may be available depending on availability.

How Much Does A Lip Flip Cost in Sydney and Brisbane?

Costs for a lip flip in Sydney and Brisbane cannot be published online due to Australian medical regulations. Pricing is discussed in full during your consultation, once your practitioner has assessed your anatomy and can give you a clear picture of what may be appropriate for your goals.

Consultations at Contour Clinics are complimentary, comprehensive and obligation-free. A $75 deposit is payable upon booking your appointment and is credited to your treatment if you proceed, or refunded immediately in full if you decide not to. 

There is no expectation to proceed with treatment after your consultation – your practitioner will provide you with a tailored, written plan that you can take away and decide on in your own time. If you would like to proceed, same-day treatment may be available depending on availability. 

For further information, call, send us a message or book a consultation.

Prices

All consultations are complimentary and obligation free.

Treatment prices are discussed after assessment, where appropriate. Regulations in Australia prevent clinics like ours from publicly advertising the prices of certain treatments. This isn’t about secrecy – it’s about ensuring all patients receive personalised, professional recommendations that are right for them.  You can read more about it in Contour Clinics pricing.

All review appointments are complimentary. We understand that most of us lead busy lives. These reviews are not mandatory and only need to be booked if you or your treating doctor feel that it is necessary.

Lip Flip aftercare instructions from Contour Clinics

Lip Flip Aftercare

Results and experience vary from person to person and no specific outcome can be guaranteed. Following treatment, you may experience some redness, swelling, mild bruising or tenderness for up to 24 hours, with any bruising settling within 3–7 days. Your practitioner will explain expected effects, recovery and timeframes specific to you during your consultation.

24 Hours Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip flip patients avoid the following:

  • Touching, rubbing or applying pressure to the treated area
  • Applying makeup on or around the treated area
  • Strenuous exercise and alcohol

A covered ice pack may be gently applied to help with any swelling, as advised by your practitioner.

48 Hours Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip flip patients avoid the following:

  • Exposure to excessive heat, including direct sunlight, solariums, saunas, and hot showers or baths
  • Swimming
  • Applying significant pressure or force to the treated area

2 Weeks Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip flip patients avoid the following:

  • IPL and laser therapies, including laser hair removal
  • Facial waxing
  • Facial treatments, including facials, chemical peels, or dermabrasion

Always follow the specific advice provided by your treating practitioner. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Contour Clinics directly.

The Contour Clinics Guarantee

At Contour Clinics, we’re committed to providing safe, ethical, and personalised cosmetic care. Our experienced doctors focus on delivering balanced, realistic consultations tailored specifically to your needs.

Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss suitability, cosmetic options and experience the patient-focused care that sets Contour Clinics apart. Individual results can vary, and your practitioner will guide you through what could be achievable for you.

  • Complimentary, obligation-free consultations with experienced doctors
  • Strict safety and hygiene protocols aligned with industry-leading standards
  • Advanced 3D photography to aid in a collaborative, comprehensive facial analysis
  • Products and technologies selected based on quality, safety, and efficacy
  • Medical-grade clinical environments thoughtfully designed for patient comfort and convenience

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect after treatment?

After a lip flip, you may experience some redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness. Results and recovery vary from person to person, and your practitioner will explain expected timeframes specific to you.

How long does a lip flip last?

Results timeline varies among individual patients. In consultation, your cosmetic practitioner will be bale to advise expected results and duration, unique to your anatomy and circumstances.

What if my lip flip results look uneven?

Temporary unevenness can occur while effects settle. If you have ongoing concerns about symmetry or balance after treatment, this can be assessed and addressed with cosmetic correction.

Are lip flips safe?

All medical treatments carry some risk. Typical, temporary risks may include mild swelling or redness, minor bruising, and short-lived tenderness or discomfort. Your practitioner will discuss risks specific to your circumstances during your complimentary consultation.

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