Lip Flip Botox in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices & Effects 2025
The lip flip is a subtle, natural way to enhance your lips without the volume of filler. This quick Botox treatment creates a fuller-looking upper lip by relaxing the muscle that curls it inward.
What is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip uses small amounts of Botox injected into the orbicularis oris muscle (the muscle around your mouth) to:
- Relax the upper lip
- Allow it to "flip" slightly outward
- Show more of the pink lip
- Create the illusion of fuller lips
Unlike filler, it doesn't add volume—it maximizes what you already have.
How It Works
The Anatomy
When your upper lip naturally curls inward (especially when smiling), less of the pink vermillion shows. Botox relaxes this curling action, letting more lip show.
The Procedure
- Upper lip area cleaned
- 4-8 units of Botox injected
- Placed at specific points along upper lip
- Takes 2-5 minutes
- No downtime
Lip Flip Prices in Korea (2025)
| Treatment | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lip Flip Only | ₩40,000-80,000 | $30-60 |
| Lip Flip + Smoker's Lines | ₩60,000-100,000 | $45-75 |
| Lip Flip + Gummy Smile | ₩80,000-150,000 | $60-115 |
Prices as of January 2025.
Korea vs. International Pricing
| Location | Price |
|---|---|
| Seoul | $30-60 |
| Los Angeles | $150-300 |
| Savings | 75-80% |
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler
| Factor | Lip Flip | Lip Filler |
|---|---|---|
| Adds volume | No | Yes |
| Shows more lip | Yes | Yes |
| Duration | 2-3 months | 6-12 months |
| Price | $30-60 | $155-385 |
| Natural feel | Yes | Depends |
| Downtime | None | 1-3 days swelling |
| Best for | Subtle enhancement | Volume increase |
When to Choose Lip Flip
- Want subtle enhancement
- Upper lip curls inward when smiling
- First-time lip treatment
- Prefer natural look
- Budget-conscious
When to Choose Filler
- Want actual volume increase
- Thin lips naturally
- Want dramatic change
- Longer-lasting results
Expected Results
Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | No visible change |
| Day 4-7 | Effect beginning |
| Week 2 | Full effect visible |
| Week 8-12 | Wearing off |
What You'll See
- Upper lip appears slightly fuller
- More pink lip visible
- Subtle "pout" effect
- Natural-looking enhancement
- Improvement when smiling
The Treatment Experience
During Treatment (2-5 minutes)
- Lips cleaned
- Injection points marked
- 4-8 units injected along upper lip border
- Gentle pressure applied
- You're done!
Pain Level
- Very minimal
- Quick needle pricks
- No numbing usually needed
- Over before you know it
Aftercare
- Avoid rubbing lips for 4 hours
- No lying down for 4 hours
- Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours
- No kissing or pressure on lips for 24 hours
- Stay hydrated
Side Effects
Common
- Tiny bumps at injection sites (temporary)
- Mild bruising possible
- Slight numbness (hours)
Rare
- Asymmetry
- Difficulty with certain activities (drinking through straw)
- Over-relaxation (temporary)
Adjustment Period
The first few days you may notice:
- Slight weakness when drinking
- Different feeling when smiling
- This normalizes quickly
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
✅ Upper lip curls inward when smiling ✅ Want subtle enhancement ✅ Prefer non-filler option ✅ Have adequate lip volume ✅ Realistic expectations
Not Ideal For
❌ Very thin lips (filler better) ❌ Want dramatic change ❌ Need long-lasting results ❌ Athletes/musicians who need full lip function
Combining Treatments
Lip Flip + Filler
- Flip for upper lip show
- Filler for volume
- Natural but enhanced result
Lip Flip + Smoker's Lines
- Address vertical lip lines
- Overall lip area rejuvenation
- Common combination
Lip Flip + Gummy Smile
- Reduce gum show
- Enhance lip appearance
- Complete smile makeover
Maintenance
Frequency
- Every 2-3 months
- Some find effects last longer over time
- Regular treatment recommended
Long-Term
- Safe for ongoing use
- No cumulative negative effects
- May need less over time
FAQ
Q: Will I be able to drink normally? A: Yes, though you may notice slight difference initially.
Q: Can I get lip flip and filler together? A: Yes, this is a popular combination.
Q: How is it different from lip filler? A: Flip shows more lip; filler adds volume. Different mechanisms, can complement each other.
Q: How many units do I need? A: Typically 4-8 units of Botox.
Q: Will it affect my smile? A: It may soften your smile slightly. Discuss with your injector.
Q: Is there anyone who shouldn't get a lip flip? A: Those who rely heavily on lip function (wind instrument players, for example) should be cautious.
Finding Quality Treatment
What to Look For
✅ Experienced with lip Botox ✅ Conservative approach ✅ Understands your goals ✅ Before/after photos
Questions to Ask
- How many lip flips do you perform?
- How many units do you recommend?
- Can I combine with other treatments?
- What if I want more dramatic results?
Conclusion
The lip flip is a quick, affordable way to enhance your smile with subtle, natural-looking results. Perfect for first-time lip treatments or those who want enhancement without the volume of filler.
Want prettier lips without filler? Try a lip flip at a Seoul clinic.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about lip flip Botox. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Last Updated: January 2025