Hi there! I’m Nyree Van Maarseveen, WHNP, CNM, and I’m the proud owner of Beauty Energy Exchange Aesthetics and Wellness here in beautiful Point Loma, San Diego. One of the treatments I absolutely love offering at our med spa is the lip flip. It’s subtle, it’s elegant, and for the right person, it can make a world of difference in how confident they feel about their smile.
If you’ve been wondering whether you’re the “right fit” for a lip flip, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from clients during consultations. A lip flip isn’t for everyone—but when it’s right, it’s magic. Let’s walk through five clear signs that you might be a perfect candidate for this popular treatment.
What Is a Lip Flip?
Before we dive into the signs, let me explain what a lip flip actually is.
A lip flip is a quick, non-surgical procedure where we inject a small amount of botulinum toxin (such as Botox or a similar neuromodulator) into the muscles just above your upper lip. This relaxes those muscles slightly, which allows the top lip to gently “flip” upward and outward. The result? Your upper lip looks fuller and more defined—without adding volume the way traditional lip fillers do.
It’s a great option for people who want a natural-looking enhancement without committing to dermal fillers. The results typically last 6 to 8 weeks, and the procedure takes just a few minutes in the office.
1. Your Upper Lip Disappears When You Smile
One of the clearest signs that you might benefit from a lip flip is if your upper lip seems to vanish when you smile. This is incredibly common—and often something you don’t even realize until you see yourself in a photo or mirror.
Why This Happens
When the muscles around your mouth are strong or overly active, they can pull your upper lip inward when you smile. This causes your lip to look thinner or even disappear completely, especially in full, toothy grins.
How a Lip Flip Can Help
A lip flip relaxes those overactive muscles just enough to let your upper lip remain softly curved and visible, even when you’re smiling big. It’s subtle but makes a significant difference in the balance and softness of your facial expressions.
2. You Want a Fuller-Looking Upper Lip—But You’re Not Ready for Filler
Maybe you’ve seen those beautiful pouty lips on Instagram or admired a friend’s results from filler, but you’re just not ready to go that route. That’s totally okay. A lip flip might be the perfect middle ground.
The Difference Between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler
Lip fillers add volume by injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the lips, making them physically fuller. A lip flip, on the other hand, doesn’t add any volume—it simply changes the way your lip rests, creating the illusion of a fuller upper lip.
Why This Matters
If you’re new to aesthetics or just want to dip your toes in before committing to something more dramatic, the lip flip is a great first step. It’s low risk, low commitment, and gives you a beautiful, subtle enhancement that still looks like you—just a slightly more confident version.
3. You Have a Gummy Smile and Want a More Balanced Look
Another sign you might be a good candidate for a lip flip? You feel like your smile shows “too much” gum when you laugh or grin. This is known as a gummy smile, and it’s something many people are self-conscious about.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Gummy smiles can be caused by genetics, hyperactive lip muscles, or the way your teeth and gums developed. In most cases, it’s nothing medical—just a cosmetic concern. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect your confidence.
How a Lip Flip Can Help
By relaxing the upper lip slightly, a lip flip allows it to rest a bit lower when you smile. This helps cover more of your gum line and create a more balanced, harmonious smile.
4. You Want Something Subtle and Natural-Looking
If you’re someone who values a natural look and doesn’t want anyone to immediately notice you’ve had “work done,” a lip flip might be right up your alley.
Less Is More
The lip flip is ideal for people who want that “your lips but better” result. It enhances your natural beauty instead of transforming it. Your friends and family might notice you look more refreshed or that your smile seems a little softer—but they likely won’t be able to pinpoint why.
It’s a Great First Step
For clients who are new to aesthetics, I often recommend starting with treatments like a lip flip or a small amount of Botox to get comfortable. You can always build from there once you know what you like.
5. You Want a Quick, Affordable Confidence Boost
Let’s face it—life gets busy. Maybe you don’t have the time or budget for a major treatment, but you still want to feel better about the way you look. A lip flip is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to enhance your appearance without downtime or fuss.
Fast and Easy
The entire procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. There’s no downtime, no bruising in most cases, and you can go about your day as usual. You’ll start to see results within a few days, with full results in about 7 to 10 days.
Cost-Effective Beauty
Compared to lip fillers or other treatments, a lip flip is more budget-friendly. That makes it ideal for younger clients, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a little boost without the big investment.
How to Know for Sure if a Lip Flip Is Right for You
While these five signs can help you self-identify, the best way to know if a lip flip is right for you is to come in for a consultation. At Beauty Energy Exchange, I take the time to really get to know you—your goals, your lifestyle, and your unique facial anatomy—so we can make the best decision together.
I’ll walk you through your options, show you before-and-after photos, and answer any questions you might have. Whether you decide to move forward with a lip flip or explore other options like filler, threads, or wrinkle relaxers, we’ll create a plan that feels right for you.
Final Thoughts from Nyree
One of the things I love most about my work is helping people feel like the best version of themselves. A lip flip may be a small tweak, but the boost it gives to your confidence and self-image can be truly empowering.
If anything you’ve read here resonates with you—if you’ve been hiding your smile, wishing your lips looked just a bit fuller, or simply curious about what’s possible—I’d love to meet you. Come visit us at Beauty Energy Exchange in Point Loma, and let’s talk about what makes you feel beautiful.
Because beauty isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about expressing who you’ve always been.
With love and beauty,
Nyree Van Maarseveen, WHNP, CNM
Owner, Beauty Energy Exchange Aesthetics and Wellness
1050 Rosecrans St, Suite 8,
San Diego, CA 92106
https://www.beautyenergyexchange.com/
