Dr. Luciano Ríos Lara
- Board certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic Surgery
- Trained at UNAM and Hospital General de México
- Teaches plastic surgery residents
Non-surgical procedures · CDMX
Lip flip in Mexico City
A subtly more defined upper lip and a smile that still feels like yours.
A lip flip uses a few units of botulinum toxin in the muscle around the mouth so the upper lip rolls slightly outward and looks fuller and more defined, without adding volume. Offered in Mexico City as a quick in-office treatment.
Results
See the change
Real patients of Dr. Ríos Lara, published with their consent.
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Your safety
What if something goes wrong? Here is what protects you
A certified hospital
Your surgery takes place at Hospital Ángeles Clínica Londres in Roma Norte, Mexico City, under national and international safety protocols. The facility is also cardio-protected.
If a complication happens, we're with you
The doctor provides all the care you need with no additional surgeon's fees. Only extra hospital costs, if any, are covered by you.
Risks, explained honestly
- Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection sites.
- Temporary difficulty using a straw, whistling, spitting, or pronouncing certain sounds.
- A “lazy lip” feeling or slight dribbling when drinking, which resolves as the effect wears off.
- An asymmetric smile.
- A less noticeable result than expected, since the treatment does not add volume.
- Not recommended with neuromuscular disorders, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
Why patients travel from the US
Content pending. This section is pending content reviewed by the doctor.
Is it for me?
Everything you need to know, in one place
Quick facts
- Duration
- Pending
- Anesthesia
- Pending
- Hospital stay
- Pending
- Recovery
- Pending
- Back to work
- Pending
- Results last
- Pending
What is lip flip?
A lip flip is a botulinum toxin type A treatment in which a small number of units is injected along the border of the upper lip, into the orbicularis oris, the muscle that circles the mouth. Relaxing that muscle slightly lets the upper lip roll outward a little, so more of the pink part of the lip shows at rest and when you smile.
Read more
Unlike lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid filler, a lip flip doesn’t add volume. It changes the position of the lip, not its size. That is why the result is subtle, and why people choose it for a discreet change or to complement filler. It can also soften fine vertical lines on the upper lip (often called “lipstick lines”) and help with a gummy smile, where a lot of gum shows when you smile.
The effect appears gradually over the first few days. Because the dose is so small, it usually doesn’t last as long as Botox in the forehead or between the brows. If you don’t repeat it, the lip gradually returns to its original position.
Who is it for?
A lip flip may be a good option if your upper lip looks thin or disappears when you smile, if you would rather avoid filler, or if you already have filler and want a little extra definition. If you are looking for real added volume, lip augmentation usually gives better results.
Because it acts on a muscle you use to speak, eat, and drink, your surgeon will review your anatomy and habits at the consultation. People who play wind instruments, speak professionally, or have a very short upper lip may notice the functional change more and should know that before deciding. With no downtime, it is easy to fit into a short visit to Mexico City. In many cases, a lip flip and hyaluronic acid filler are combined to achieve both volume and definition.
You may be a candidate if…
- You want your upper lip to look a bit more visible or defined without adding volume.
- You have fine lines on your upper lip or show a lot of gum when you smile.
- You are in good general health and do not have a neuromuscular condition.
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You don’t have an active cold sore or infection in the area.
- You have realistic expectations: the change is subtle and temporary.
Your procedure, step by step
- Consultationyour surgeon evaluates your lip shape, your smile, and your goals, and explains whether a lip flip, filler, or a combination makes the most sense.
- Prepthe area is cleansed and a topical numbing cream can be applied if you prefer.
- Injectionsa few units of toxin are placed at precise points along the upper lip border. It is a short in-office procedure.
- Aftercareavoid rubbing or pressing your lips, and skip strenuous exercise or lying down for the first few hours.
- Follow-upyour result is reviewed at around two weeks.
Recovery
How you'll feel, stage by stage
- Same day
You may have visible injection points, slight swelling, or a small bruise. Most people return to normal activities right away.
- First few days
The effect builds gradually. Your lip may feel a little different when pronouncing certain sounds or drinking through a straw; this is usually mild and temporary.
- Week 2
The full result is usually visible and is reviewed with your physician.
- Following weeks
Because the dose is so small, the effect typically fades sooner than in other areas of the face.
Common questions
What patients ask us most
Does a lip flip add volume?
No. A lip flip changes the position of the lip, not its size: relaxing the muscle slightly lets the upper lip roll outward so more of the pink part shows. If you want real added volume, lip augmentation usually gives better results.
How long does a lip flip last?
The effect builds gradually over the first few days and is usually fully visible at around two weeks. Because the dose is so small, it usually doesn’t last as long as Botox in the forehead or between the brows. If you don’t repeat it, the lip gradually returns to its original position.
Does a lip flip hurt?
A few units of toxin are placed at precise points along the upper lip border in a short in-office procedure. A topical numbing cream can be applied first if you prefer.
Will a lip flip affect how I speak or drink?
You may have temporary difficulty using a straw, whistling, or pronouncing certain sounds, or a “lazy lip” feeling. This is usually mild and resolves as the effect wears off. If you play a wind instrument or speak professionally, mention it at your consultation.
Can a lip flip be combined with lip filler?
Yes. In many cases a lip flip and hyaluronic acid filler are combined to achieve both volume and definition. At your consultation, your surgeon will explain whether a lip flip, filler, or a combination makes the most sense.
Who should not get a lip flip?
It is not recommended with neuromuscular disorders, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. It is also not done if you have an active cold sore or infection in the area.
How long should I stay in Mexico City after a lip flip?
It depends on your recovery and your follow-up visits. There is no downtime, and your result is usually reviewed at around two weeks. Your surgeon will help you plan your stay at your consultation.
How much does a lip flip cost in Mexico City?
Pricing depends on your case and is confirmed at your consultation, where your surgeon evaluates your lips and smile to recommend the right treatment.
Price
How much does lip flip cost in Mexico?
Price range to be confirmed
Your final price depends on your case. You'll get it in writing at your consultation, with everything it includes.
Get my quoteWhere we operate
Mexico City
Hospital Ángeles Clínica LondresFrontera 74, Consultorio 515
Roma Norte, Ciudad de México
Phone: 55 6232 9139
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Your next step
Book your consultation
- Leave your details. Just name, email and phone; nothing medical.
- We contact you to choose a day and time.
- Consultation with the doctor: he reviews your case, answers your questions and gives you your quote.