The orbicularis oris is the circular muscle surrounding the mouth. When it contracts, it pulls the upper lip inward and downward — which is why some patients feel their upper lip ‘disappears’ when they smile. A lip flip relaxes the upper portion of this muscle just enough to allow the lip to roll gently outward, revealing more of the pink vermilion border.

The lip flip is ideal for patients who want a subtle enhancement, feel their upper lip vanishes when smiling, or want to test the concept before committing to lip filler. It is also popular as an add-on to lip filler — the flip provides eversion while filler adds volume. Results take 3 to 5 days to appear and last approximately 2 to 3 months (shorter than standard Botox because the lip is constantly moving).

Dr Azra Vaziri uses the right neuromodulator brand (Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin) and conservative dosing — typically only 4 to 8 units — to ensure natural lip movement is preserved while achieving the desired eversion.

• Target: Orbicularis oris (upper lip)
• Units: 4–8 (full dosage guide)
• Products: Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin
• Price: AED 500 – 800
• Duration: 2–3 months
• Onset: 3–5 days

• Lip filler — flip for eversion + filler for volume
• Gummy smile correction — lip and gum show together
• Baby Botox — subtle full-face approach

This is the most common question patients ask. The two treatments work differently and achieve different outcomes — many patients benefit from both.

• What it does: Relaxes muscle → lip rolls outward
• Adds: ‘Lip show’ — not volume
• Units: 4–8
• Cost: From AED 500
• Duration: 2–3 months
• Best for: Subtle enhancement, thin upper lip that disappears when smiling, trial before filler

• What it does: Physically adds volume and shape
• Adds: Volume, definition, symmetry
• Amount: 0.5–1ml per session
• Cost: From AED 1,500
• Duration: 6–12 months
• Best for: Thin lips wanting fullness, asymmetry, lip definition, visible volume increase

Many patients start with a lip flip as a low-commitment trial — if they enjoy the subtle eversion, they may add lip filler at a subsequent appointment for additional volume. For a detailed breakdown, see our lip filler vs lip flip comparison guide. Others combine both in a single session for maximum effect. Dr Azra advises on the best approach during your consultation.

Before treatment — Dr Azra assesses your upper lip anatomy, smile pattern, and goals. She determines whether a lip flip alone or a combination with lip filler will achieve the best result. If you have existing lip filler, she evaluates how the flip will interact with your current enhancement.

During treatment — Ice or topical anaesthetic is applied to the upper lip. Dr Azra administers 2 to 4 precise micro-injections along the vermilion border using an ultra-fine needle. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Most patients describe a mild pinch — the lip area can be slightly more sensitive than other Botox sites.

After treatment — You can return to daily activities immediately. Avoid rubbing the lips, kissing firmly, or drinking through straws for 24 hours. Results develop within 3 to 5 days as the orbicularis oris relaxes and the lip begins to evert.

Results timeline — Full effect is visible by day 7 to 10. Duration is 2 to 3 months — shorter than most Botox areas because the orbicularis oris is one of the most active muscles in the face (used for talking, eating, drinking, and every facial expression). Regular maintenance every 2 to 3 months sustains the effect.

Lip flip Botox has zero downtime. Follow these guidelines:

• Do not rub, press, or massage the upper lip
• Avoid drinking through straws
• Avoid kissing firmly
• Skip intense exercise and saunas
• No alcohol for 24 hours

• Results develop gradually over 3–5 days
• Full effect visible by day 7–10
• Avoid facials and chemical peels near the lip
• Attend your 2-week review for touch-up if needed
• Contact the clinic if lip function feels affected

For detailed post-treatment guidance covering all Botox areas, see our complete Botox aftercare guide.

• Upper lip that ‘disappears’ or tucks inward when smiling
• Patients wanting subtle lip enhancement without filler
• First-timers who want to trial lip enhancement at low cost
• Add-on to existing lip filler for extra eversion
• Patients with a gummy smile (often combined)
• Anyone wanting a quick, affordable lip tweak

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active cold sore or lip infection
• Allergy to botulinum toxin or albumin
• Patients needing significant volume increase (filler is better)
• Musicians who play wind instruments (lip control is essential)

Suitability is confirmed during your consultation with Dr Azra.

A lip flip with Dr Azra Vaziri starts from AED 500. Final pricing depends on the number of units needed (typically 4 to 8) and the product selected. Most patients pay between AED 500 and AED 800 per session — making this one of the most affordable Botox treatments and a low-risk entry point for lip enhancement.

Combining a lip flip with lip filler in the same appointment is popular for patients wanting both eversion and volume. Dr Azra discusses all pricing and options during your consultation.

For a detailed breakdown of units and costs by treatment area, see our How Many Units of Botox guide and our Botox pricing page.