A lip flip at Core Aesthetics uses a small amount of prescription anti-wrinkle injectable product placed in the orbicularis oris at the upper lip border. This temporarily relaxes the muscle, allowing the lip to roll slightly outward and appear fuller without adding volume. It is assessed individually and is distinct from dermal lip filler.
The lip flip is a technique that uses a small amount of prescription anti-wrinkle injectable product at the upper lip border to subtly evert the lip, creating the appearance of a fuller or more visible upper lip without adding physical volume. It is a distinct treatment from lip filler and suits a different set of goals and anatomical situations.
At Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh, the lip flip is assessed by Corey Anderson, AHPRA registered nurse (NMW0001047575), as part of an individual consultation that considers your lip anatomy, goals and whether this treatment or lip filler is the more appropriate starting point for your situation.
How a Lip Flip Works
The upper lip is bordered and shaped partly by the orbicularis oris, a circular muscle that runs around the mouth. When a small, precisely placed amount of anti-wrinkle product is administered along the upper lip border of this muscle, the orbicularis relaxes slightly in that zone. This relaxation allows the upper lip to roll outward very subtly, making more of the vermilion (the coloured part of the lip) visible from the front and creating the impression of a slightly fuller upper lip.
The result is subtle. The lip flip does not add volume. It repositions what is already there by reducing the muscle tension that normally keeps the upper lip sitting closer to the teeth line. For clients whose main concern is that their upper lip disappears when they smile, or who would like a hint more visibility in the upper lip without committing to filler, the lip flip can be a clinically appropriate option.
Lip Flip Versus Lip Filler
These are two distinct treatments using different products and producing different outcomes. A lip flip uses anti-wrinkle product to relax a muscle, producing a subtle eversion effect. Lip filler uses dermal filler to physically add volume, improve definition, address asymmetry or restore shape.
For clients wanting significant volume increase or definition improvement, a lip flip alone is generally not sufficient and lip filler is the more appropriate option. For clients wanting a very subtle effect, or who are unsure about committing to filler, the lip flip can be a lower-commitment starting point. In some cases, combining a small amount of filler with a lip flip can produce a particularly natural upper lip result. Your practitioner will discuss what is most appropriate for your specific lip anatomy and goals during your consultation.
You can also read our detailed guide on lip shaping at Core Aesthetics for a broader overview of how we approach lip treatments.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
The lip flip involves a small number of injection points along the upper lip border. Some clients notice a temporary effect on certain lip movements such as producing specific sounds, drinking from a bottle or whistling in the days immediately following treatment as the muscle adapts. This typically settles. Your practitioner will discuss this in detail during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about timing relative to any upcoming commitments.
The effect is temporary and duration tends to be shorter than other anti-wrinkle treatment areas given the high movement demands of the lip musculature. Your practitioner will discuss realistic timeframes specific to your situation.
Located in Oakleigh, Serving Melbourne’s South East
Core Aesthetics is at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Accessible from Carnegie, Chadstone, Murrumbeena, Huntingdale, Bentleigh and Clayton. Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lip flip?
A technique using a small amount of anti-wrinkle injectable product placed at the upper lip border to relax the orbicularis oris, allowing the upper lip to roll slightly outward and appear fuller without adding volume.
What is the difference between a lip flip and lip filler?
A lip flip uses anti-wrinkle product to reposition the upper lip. Lip filler uses dermal filler to add volume and improve definition. They achieve different results and suit different goals.
Does a lip flip affect how I speak or eat?
Some clients notice a temporary effect on certain sounds or lip movements in the days immediately following as the muscle adapts. This typically settles. Your practitioner will discuss this during your consultation.
How long does a lip flip last?
The lip flip is temporary and duration tends to be shorter than other anti-wrinkle areas due to the high movement demands of the lip. Your practitioner will discuss realistic timeframes.
How do I book a lip flip consultation in Melbourne?
Book online via our booking page or call 0491 706 705. Core Aesthetics is at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment.
AHPRA Registration: NMW0001047575 (Nurse, registered since January 1996) | Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh VIC 3166
All prescription treatments are assessed and administered by an AHPRA registered health practitioner. Suitability is determined individually at consultation.
Clinical References
General Information Only. This article is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. Treatment outcomes, suitability and risks vary by individual. Any medical or prescription treatment options can only be discussed and provided where clinically appropriate following an individual assessment. Last reviewed March 2026 by Corey Anderson, Core Aesthetics.
