Anti-Wrinkle treatment
Lip Flip
Subtly flip the upper lip outward for a fuller-looking smile, without filler.
- Treatment time
- Around 5–10 minutes
- Results
- First changes in 2–3 days; full effect by about 2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically 3–4 months
- Downtime
- None
- From
- £130
About Lip Flip
A lip flip uses a few tiny injections along the upper lip border to relax the muscle that curls the lip inwards. With that muscle softened, the upper lip rolls slightly outwards, showing more of the pink of the lip and giving a fuller-looking smile — without adding any volume.
It's a subtle alternative to lip filler, and it can also help a 'gummy' smile where the upper lip lifts high over the teeth.
Key Benefits
- 01Fuller-looking upper lip with no filler
- 02Can soften a gummy smile
- 03Very small doses and a quick appointment
- 04Subtle, natural-looking change
- 05No downtime
- 06Useful on its own or alongside lip enhancement
Is this treatment right for me?
A lip flip suits people who'd like a subtle enhancement to the upper lip, who feel their upper lip disappears when they smile, or who show a lot of gum. It doesn't add volume, so if you'd like a noticeably fuller lip, lip filler may suit you better — John will advise.
You may be suitable if…
- Your upper lip looks thin or curls in when you smile
- You'd like a subtle change rather than added volume
- You have a gummy smile you'd like to soften
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- How the muscles in the area move and how strong they are
- Whether the lines are present at rest or only with expression
- Your medical history, any medication and previous treatments
- Realistic expectations and how the result fits your face as a whole
What to expect
Before treatment
Every course of treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll look at how your face moves, talk through what's bothering you and what a natural result would look like for you, and check your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that assessment. There's nothing special to do beforehand, though it helps to arrive without heavy make-up on the area.
During treatment
The treatment itself is quick. John marks the points to be treated, then places a series of very small injections with a fine needle into the targeted muscle. Most people describe a brief pinch or sting rather than pain, and no anaesthetic is normally needed. The whole appointment, including a chat about aftercare, usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
After treatment
You can leave straight away and carry on with your day. There may be small raised bumps at the injection points for 15–20 minutes and occasionally a little redness or a tiny bruise. The muscle starts to relax gradually over the following days, so you won't see a change immediately.
Watch
Results & longevity
You'll usually notice the muscle beginning to relax two to three days after treatment, with the full effect visible at around two weeks — this is when we assess the result and make any small adjustment. Results typically last three to four months before movement gradually returns. How long they last depends on the area, the dose, how strong the muscle is and your own metabolism; regular exercisers sometimes find results wear off a little sooner. Further treatment can be planned once movement returns, and with repeated treatment some people find lines soften over time.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the gentlest treatments we offer in terms of recovery. There is no real downtime, and most people go straight back to work or their normal routine.
Side effects
Common temporary effects are a little redness, tenderness or a small bruise where the needle went in, and occasionally a mild headache in the first day or two. Less commonly the treatment can affect a nearby muscle — for example a temporarily heavier brow or, rarely, a drooping eyelid — which wears off as the product does. Very rarely people experience flu-like symptoms. Results are also temporary and can be slightly uneven at first; a review at two weeks lets us fine-tune if needed.
Aftercare
Stay upright and avoid lying down for around four hours after treatment. Don't rub, massage or apply pressure to the treated area for 24 hours, and skip make-up on the injection points for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot baths and alcohol for 24 hours, as these can increase bruising. You can gently cleanse the skin as normal.
Please contact the clinic if you notice a drooping eyelid, significant asymmetry, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or anything that worries you — we'd always rather hear from you.
- Downtime
- None
- Redness
- Mild, usually gone within an hour
- Swelling
- Small bumps for 15–20 minutes
- Bruising
- Occasional small bruise, fades within a few days
- Normal activities
- Immediately; avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Lip flip or lip filler?
A lip flip changes how the lip sits, showing more of it; filler adds volume and shape. They do different things and are sometimes combined. At consultation John will show you what each can achieve for your lips.
Will I be able to drink through a straw or whistle?
Some people notice the upper lip feels a little different for the first week or two — sipping, whistling or playing a wind instrument can feel slightly unusual. This settles as you adjust.
When will I see results?
The muscle relaxes gradually. Most people notice the first change after two to three days, with the full effect visible at around two weeks. We offer a review at that point if anything needs adjusting.
How long do results last?
Typically three to four months, after which movement gradually returns. Longevity varies with the area, the dose and your own metabolism; repeat treatment can be planned at consultation.
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. The needle is very fine and each injection takes a second or two, so it's over quickly. No anaesthetic is normally needed.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can return to work or your normal day straight away. We just ask you to avoid strenuous exercise, lying down and touching the area for the first few hours.
What happens at the consultation?
John assesses how your face moves, discusses what you'd like to change and checks your medical history. Because this is a prescription-only treatment, it is only offered after that face-to-face assessment. You'll leave with a clear plan and price before anything is booked.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.