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West Vancouver · MD-Led Clinic

The Lip
Flip.

A subtle, precise enhancement that reveals more of your upper lip — no filler required. Performed by Dr. Eli Akbari, double board certified facial plastic surgeon.

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Close up of natural, subtly enhanced lips
Fig. 1 — The Lip Flip
01
What It Does

Shape.
Define.
Reveal.

01
Subtle Enhancement
A gentle outward roll of the upper lip makes it appear naturally fuller without adding physical volume.
02
Corrects Gummy Smiles
Lowers the upper lip slightly when you smile, reducing the amount of gum visible for a more balanced look.
03
Prevents Lip Disappearance
Stops the upper lip from curling inward when you talk or smile — keeping a visible, defined shape throughout the day.
Non-Surgical Enhancement

The illusion of
a fuller lip.

"The lip flip is one of the most underrated treatments in aesthetics — transformative subtlety, with precision that only a trained injector can achieve."

The lip flip works by relaxing the orbicularis oris — the muscle that encircles the mouth. A few precisely placed units of neuromodulator prevent the muscle from pulling the upper lip inward, allowing it to gently roll outward and reveal more of the lip's natural pink.

Unlike filler, the lip flip adds no volume. Instead it changes the resting position and visible shape of the lip — a distinction that makes it ideal for patients who want a subtle, natural result, or who aren't ready for filler.

Results begin in 3–5 days and are fully visible at 2 weeks. Because the mouth is highly active, the neuromodulator metabolizes faster here — results typically last 8–12 weeks.

Consultation with Dr. Akbari before lip flip treatment
Fig. 2 — Personalized Consultation
5 min
Treatment Time
In and out, no recovery
3–5
Days to Onset
Full results visible at 2 weeks
8–12
Weeks Duration
Metabolizes faster near the mouth
2×
Board Certified
Precision placement by Dr. Akbari
Understanding Your Options

Lip Flip vs.
Lip Filler.

The Lip Flip
Shape without
volume.
Uses neuromodulator (Botox, Nuceiva, Dysport, Xeomin)
Relaxes the muscle — lip rolls outward naturally
No added volume — creates the illusion of fullness
Results last 8–12 weeks
Ideal for subtle changes and correcting gummy smiles
Lip Filler
Volume and
definition.
Uses hyaluronic acid gel (Juvederm, Restylane, Teosyal)
Physically adds volume, shape, and hydration
Can significantly alter size, symmetry, and projection
Results last 6–12 months
Best for meaningful volume increase and reshaping
Can I have both?
Yes — and many patients do. The lip flip and filler complement each other beautifully. Filler adds the actual volume and hydration; the flip enhances the shape and prevents the upper lip from curling inward when smiling. During your consultation, Dr. Akbari will assess your anatomy and recommend the right combination for your goals.
Results Gallery

Before & After.

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Gummy smile correction with lip flip — before and after
Lip flip before and after — upper lip enhancement
Is This Right for You

A lip flip may
be right for
you if —

Subtle Enhancement
You want a fuller-looking upper lip without the volume of fillers.
Gummy Smile
You want your upper lip to cover more of your gums when you smile.
Disappearing Lip
Your upper lip curls under and thins out when you talk or smile.
No Downtime
You prefer a quick treatment — under 5 minutes — with virtually no recovery.

Not sure if a lip flip or filler is right for your goals? Book a consultation — Dr. Akbari will assess your anatomy and recommend the best approach.

The lip flip is one of the most technically demanding neuromodulator treatments — not because it uses many units, but because the placement must be exquisitely precise. Too much, too deep, or off-centre and the result affects how you speak, drink, or form expressions.

Dr. Akbari's surgical background and decade of injection experience means she understands the orbicularis oris the way a sculptor understands clay. She accounts for your unique lip movement, the activity of your surrounding muscles, and your individual aesthetic goals before placing a single unit.

Why Precision Matters Here

The lip flip is often over-treated by less experienced injectors — leading to difficulty drinking from a straw or forming certain sounds. Dr. Akbari's approach is conservative and anatomically informed. The result looks natural because it is natural.

The Appointment

Your appointment,
step by step.

01
Consultation
Dr. Akbari discusses your aesthetic goals, examines your lip movement and anatomy, and confirms whether a lip flip is the right treatment for you.
02
Preparation
The area around your mouth is cleansed. Because the injections are quick and use ultra-fine needles, numbing is typically not required.
03
Injection
A few precise units of neuromodulator are injected into the orbicularis oris just above the upper lip border. Placement is everything — Dr. Akbari takes her time.
04
Completion
The entire injection process takes under 5 minutes. You can return to your normal activities immediately — no downtime required.
05
Aftercare
Avoid rubbing the area, lying face-down, or strenuous exercise for a few hours post-treatment. No other restrictions.
06
Results
The muscle gradually relaxes over the following week. The lip gently flips outward, revealing a naturally fuller, more defined shape at full effect by day 14.
What to Expect

Recovery & results timeline.

Early Days
Days 1–3
You likely won't notice any changes yet. Minor redness at injection sites may occur but resolves quickly. No restrictions after the first few hours.
Taking Effect
Days 4–10
The neuromodulator begins to take hold. The upper lip starts to relax and roll slightly outward. The change is subtle and gradual — exactly as intended.
Full Results
Day 14+
Results fully visible. You may notice it feels slightly different to use a straw or pronounce certain sounds initially — you will adapt quickly within a few days.
Why Monarch MD

Precision that only
experience delivers.

I
Surgical-Level Precision
The lip flip demands exact placement. Dr. Eli Akbari's dual board certification in facial plastic surgery gives her a three-dimensional understanding of lip anatomy — she places each unit knowing precisely how it will affect the muscle's movement and the lip's final resting position.
II
Comprehensive Assessment
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Dr. Akbari carefully evaluates your lip dynamics, facial proportions, and goals before recommending whether a lip flip, filler, or a combination of both is your best path to achieving a beautiful, natural result.
Frequently Asked

Your questions,
answered.

A small amount of neuromodulator (such as Botox or Nuceiva) is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle just above the upper lip. This relaxes the muscle, preventing it from pulling the lip inward when you smile or talk — allowing the lip to "flip" outward and appear naturally fuller without adding any physical volume.
No. A lip flip does not add physical volume like dermal fillers do. It changes the shape and resting position of the upper lip, creating the illusion of more volume by making more of the pink lip visible. If you want actual added fullness, lip filler — or a combination of both — would be the right approach.
The muscles around the mouth are in constant use — talking, eating, smiling — so the neuromodulator metabolizes faster here than in other areas like the forehead. Results typically last 8 to 12 weeks. Many patients schedule maintenance every 2 to 3 months.
The procedure involves only a few tiny injections above the lip line using ultra-fine needles. Most patients describe it as a very quick, mild pinch. The entire process takes under 5 minutes, making it highly tolerable — numbing cream is not typically needed.
When performed correctly and conservatively, a lip flip should not significantly impair speech or eating. Some patients notice a slight adjustment period with drinking from a straw, whistling, or pronouncing certain sounds in the first week or two. This resolves quickly as you adapt. Over-treating is the cause of these issues — Dr. Akbari's conservative approach specifically avoids this.
Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine both. Filler provides actual volume and hydration, while the flip enhances the shape and prevents the upper lip from curling inward when smiling. The two treatments are complementary — together, they give a more comprehensive and natural-looking enhancement than either alone.

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