Choosing between a Botox gummy smile correction and a Botox lip flip looks straightforward on social media. In practice, small details determine whether you end up with a confident grin or a stiff upper lip that complicates sipping from a straw. I have treated a wide range of smiles, from paper-thin lips that disappear when laughing to robust lips that simply lift too high. The right choice hinges on anatomy, habit patterns, and the aesthetic you want when you are not posing for a photo.
Below, I break down how each procedure works, what it changes in your face, the doses and techniques that matter, and how to think about cost, longevity, safety, and maintenance. You will also find guidance on candidacy, what to expect before and after, and how to talk with a certified injector so you get natural, repeatable results.
What each treatment actually does
Both treatments use Botox, a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. The science is simple. Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which softens the muscle’s pull. In the mouth area, tiny adjustments can noticeably change how much gum shows and how your upper lip sits at rest.
A gummy smile correction targets the elevator muscles that pull the upper lip too high when you smile. The usual suspects are the levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, and zygomaticus minor. Relaxing these creates a more controlled lip elevation so less gum shows. Think of this as managing the smile’s vertical height.
A lip flip focuses on the orbicularis oris, the circular muscle around the mouth that tucks the upper lip inward. Micro-doses along the vermilion border allow the red of the lip to evert slightly. This is about shaping the lip at rest and during a soft smile, not adding volume. Where the gummy smile approach manages lift, the lip flip manages curl and projection.
What results really look like day to day
Clients often bring screenshots of dramatic “after” photos. Life is not a still image. You talk, sip, grin, and laugh. Here is how the two play out across everyday moments.
A Botox gummy smile correction changes your big smile. The goal is lowering gum show from, say, 4 to 1 millimeters when you laugh. At rest, your lip usually looks the same. With a genuine laugh, the upper lip will lift, but not as far as before. If you sing, teach, or speak energetically, this can feel like a relief, because you do not have to hold back your smile.
A lip flip changes the lip at rest and during softer expressions. Your upper lip looks a touch fuller without fillers. The red border has slightly better show and the Cupid’s bow can look more defined. During a wide grin or big laugh, a lip flip does not reduce gum show much. It is not a fix for a true gummy smile. It is a subtle reshaping maneuver that can help lipstick sit better and prevent the upper lip from vanishing when you speak.
How to decide: goals, anatomy, and habits
If your main concern is gum exposure when you laugh, target the gummy smile. If you like your gum show but wish your top lip would not tuck under, consider a lip flip. That is the simple version. The nuanced version includes lip thickness, tooth length, and muscular strength.
Thin lips with moderate gum show can benefit from a combination approach. A modest gummy smile correction plus a light lip flip can lower gum reveal and keep the lip from rolling inward. I typically split sessions: correct the gummy smile first, reassess in two weeks, then add a conservative flip if needed.
Fuller lips with excessive elevation usually do best with gummy smile treatment alone. Extra eversion from a lip flip can create awkward sipping and whistling and sometimes a slightly “pursed” shape.
Short clinical crowns, meaning shorter visible teeth, amplify gum show. In these cases, the best long-term result often pairs Botox for gummy smile with dental evaluation. Lengthening teeth through bonding or other dental work can create a better balance, so you need less neuromodulator over time.
Hyperactive smile patterns show up in people who habitually over-smile for photos or speeches. They often require slightly higher doses at the alae of the nose where the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi fires. The art is calming the elevator without dulling your expressiveness.
If your lip curls under when you say certain sounds or you constantly reapply lipstick to keep it from bleeding inward, a lip flip can refine function. I have seen on-camera professionals find the flip helpful for microphone days because the lip line stays crisper under pressure.
Technique and dosing: what an expert does differently
Tiny placement differences matter around the mouth. Here is what changes the outcome in trained hands.
For gummy smile correction, typical total dose totals 2 to 6 units per side, sometimes less in petite faces. The clinician often places two to four small aliquots at points where the elevator muscles converge near the nose, sometimes called the “Yonsei” points. The angle of insertion and depth vary by facial thickness. Too superficial and you get no effect. Too deep or too lateral and you risk a flat smile or asymmetric lift.
For a lip flip, doses are smaller and more numerous. Expect around 4 to 8 total units distributed in micro-drops along the upper vermilion border, usually four to six points from philtral column to oral commissure. The injector avoids the central “wet-dry” junction and stays very superficial. Drifting too low into the muscle bulk can make drinking from a bottle frustrating and can distort whistling.
Symmetry checks depend on how you animate. A careful provider will ask you to smile big, say “eee,” “oh,” and “peee,” and show teeth. They mark the peaks of lift and curl, not just the anatomical textbook points, since your unique pattern dictates where Botox should go.
Timeline, aftercare, and the arc of results
Both treatments begin to show in 3 to 5 days and settle by 10 to 14 days. You may feel a slight heaviness when you smile or purse your lips. That is the medicine doing its work. Plan social photos after the two-week mark if you want true “after” images.
Immediately after injections, avoid intense workouts, saunas, and face-down massages for about 24 hours. You can apply a clean cool compress for swelling or tenderness. Bruising is uncommon but not rare, especially along the lip border where vessels are plentiful. A dab of concealer usually covers small marks.
Botox duration in the mouth region is often slightly shorter than forehead areas because we talk, eat, and smile all day. Expect 8 to 10 weeks for a lip flip and 8 to 12 weeks for a gummy smile correction, with some people holding closer to 12 to 14 weeks. The metabolic rate, dose, and how active your muscles are all influence longevity.
If you need a touch up, wait the full 10 to 14 days before adding more. Early top-ups risk overshooting once the initial dose fully kicks in. Good Botox maintenance favors small, precise adjustments over chasing every tiny asymmetry on day three.
Safety, risks, and what can go wrong
Botox therapy is FDA approved for cosmetic use in several areas and has a long safety track record when injected by experienced clinicians. Around the mouth, the margin for error is narrower. The most common issues come from over-relaxing the orbicularis oris with a lip flip or placing gummy smile injections too lateral or too deep.
With a lip flip, the practical risks include a “sloppy straw” sensation, difficulty forming a tight seal on bottles, minor changes in whistling, or slight articulation changes on plosives like “p” and “b.” These effects are dose-dependent and typically soften within 2 to 6 weeks. Rarely, the lip can look uneven at rest if one side carries more dose than the other, which can be corrected with a micro add-on on the other side.
With a gummy smile correction, the main risk is a muted or flat smile if the zygomaticus minor or major gets too relaxed by diffusion or placement error. Another is midfacial heaviness when laughing. These are avoidable with conservative initial dosing, careful mapping during animation, and strict midline respect. If this happens, you will rely more on eye expression for a few weeks until it fades.
Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are short-lived. Headaches can occur in a small minority. Allergic reactions to Botox are exceedingly rare. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular disorders, you should avoid Botox. During your Botox consultation, disclose all medications and supplements that affect bleeding or neuromuscular function.
Cost, specials, and value over time
Pricing varies by region and clinic. In the United States, a lip flip typically runs 4 to 10 units, and a gummy smile correction 6 to 12 units. Per-unit pricing ranges from roughly 10 to 20 dollars, sometimes more in high-cost urban centers. Expect a 50 to 250 dollar range for a lip flip and 100 to 300 dollars for gummy smile work, depending on units, clinic reputation, and whether the injector is a physician, nurse injector, or physician assistant.
Some clinics offer Botox packages, memberships, or loyalty programs that reduce the per-unit price or include seasonal Botox specials. These can make sense if you know you will maintain every 2 to 4 months. Be cautious with steep Botox deals, especially those that advertise very low prices. Verify the product is genuine, check the Botox provider’s credentials, and read current Botox reviews. Savings are good, results are better.
Financing rarely makes sense for these small-dose procedures, but if you bundle areas such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and a lip flip in one Botox session, a payment plan may be available. Insurance does not cover cosmetic Botox. Medical indications such as migraine or hyperhidrosis are different categories and require separate evaluation and documentation.
First-time expectations and the “feel” of it
Most first-timers report a few quick pinches and then a lingering sense of “something’s different” around day three. With a lip flip, you may notice lipstick applies more cleanly to a slightly more visible upper lip. The first coffee with a to-go lid can feel odd for a day or two. With a gummy smile correction, the first big laugh reveals the shift: less gum, more tooth, and a smile that sits comfortably in photos. The transition feels natural for most people by the end of the second week.
If you are new to Botox cosmetic work, a conservative start is wise. Smaller doses allow you to learn how your muscles respond. Once you see your Botox before and after at two weeks, you and your injector can set a maintenance plan. Preventative Botox principles apply here: consistent, low-dose, well-placed sessions can train muscles gently without erasing expression.
When filler outperforms a lip flip
A lip flip can create the illusion of fuller lips, but it does not add structure or volume. If you want a defined Cupid’s bow, corrected asymmetry, or real projection in profile, hyaluronic acid filler is the tool. For someone with Burlington botox paper-thin lips, a flip alone can make functional tasks harder without delivering enough visible change. Combining a micro-dose flip with a conservative filler pass often produces the best balance: the filler gives shape and volume, the flip softens inward curl.
If “Botox vs fillers” is on your mind, here is the simplest way to think about it. Botox relaxes; filler replaces or adds. For the upper lip, Botox manages movement, filler sculpts. Many clients use both, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, with sequencing based on what is most pronounced. When in doubt, start with structure first, then fine-tune movement.
How long it lasts and what maintenance looks like
Botox longevity around the mouth is shorter than the forehead or crow’s feet because of constant motion. Plan for 8 to 12 weeks for gummy smile treatment and 8 to 10 weeks for a lip flip. Some people stretch to 14 weeks with careful dosing and lower facial activity. If you compete in wind instruments, teach fitness classes, or sing professionally, expect the shorter end of the range.
Maintenance visits are quick, often 10 to 15 minutes once your injection points are mapped. Your Botox certified injector should document your dose, dilution, and precise injection points with photos or diagrams. This record makes your Botox touch up predictable and helps prevent dose creep. If you felt too soft for the first two weeks, ask for a 10 to 20 percent reduction next time. If you relapsed quickly, you can increase by a small increment.
My approach to different smile types
A very gummy smile with thin lips: Start with a low-dose gummy smile correction, recheck at day 14, then add a conservative lip flip only if the lip still rolls under. Discuss dental options for tooth lengthening if the gum-to-tooth ratio remains unbalanced.
A mild gummy smile with medium lips: Treat the elevator muscles at the nose base with the smallest effective dose. Skip the flip unless the upper lip tucks in at rest. This minimizes functional impact while preserving natural expression.
A disappearing upper lip with little gum show: Skip the gummy smile correction. Add a lip flip at the lowest dose to improve red show, then reassess. If the client wants more definition, add a small hyaluronic acid filler pass rather than piling on more Botox.
A smile asymmetry where one side hikes higher: Treat the hyperactive side minimally, often one or two tiny points. Overcorrecting both sides will flatten the smile. Reassess in two weeks for micro-adjustments.
A singer or brass musician: Proceed carefully. A gummy smile correction can be acceptable with conservative dosing. A lip flip can alter embouchure and articulation. If performance is central to your life, you may prefer filler for shape and avoid Botox near the orbicularis oris.
Practical appointment planning
Book your Botox appointment at least two weeks before any big event or photoshoot to allow full settling. Avoid alcohol and high-dose fish oil the day before to reduce bruising. Arrive with clean skin and a clear idea of what bugs you most: is it gum show at full laugh or the vanishing upper lip at rest? Show your injector candid photos, not just selfies, especially where you are laughing.
During the Botox consultation, ask three direct questions. First, how many units do you plan and where will they go? Second, what is your plan if I feel too stiff or too light at day 14? Third, how will you document my map so we can reproduce or adjust next time? A confident Botox practitioner will answer these clearly, note your animation patterns, and discuss realistic Botox results timelines.
Myths, facts, and the natural look
The common myth is that a lip flip creates big lips. It does not. It enhances lip show and shape when done conservatively. Another myth holds that gummy smile treatment will make you expressionless. Poor technique can, but a careful dose simply limits vertical lift to a more flattering range.
The natural look comes from matching dose to function. You should be able to sip, pronounce, and grin without thinking about your mouth after the first week. Friends may notice you look more at ease in photos without being able to pinpoint why. That is the goal.
The role of alternatives and neuromodulator brands
Botox is the brand most people know. Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are alternatives. They all relax muscles through the same mechanism with small differences in onset and diffusion. Dysport sometimes feels quicker in onset in the mouth area, while Xeomin’s pure formulation appeals to some repeat users. The differences are subtle compared with the impact of dose and placement. A seasoned injector can deliver consistent results with any of them.
Some clients ask about micro Botox or Baby Botox near the lip. These terms simply mean lower doses and more superficial placement. Around the mouth, that is the rule, not the exception. Precision beats volume.
Who should not get these treatments
Do not schedule a lip flip right before a speech-heavy week, a musical performance, or a long-haul flight with dehydration and masks. If you are actively managing cold sores, pause until your skin is quiet, and consider prophylactic antivirals if you are prone to outbreaks along the lip line. Avoid Botox if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions. If you have dental work planned that near my area botox changes tooth length or gum coverage, finish that first, then tailor the neuromodulator dose to the new landscape.
Realistic budgets and stacking procedures
If you already maintain Botox for forehead lines, frown lines, or crow’s feet, adding a gummy smile or lip flip is straightforward and inexpensive relative to larger areas. Many clinics bundle pricing for multiple zones. Just remember that the per-unit math still applies. A bundled discount should not justify more units than you need. Ask for the dose you respond to, not the dose the bundle encourages.
You can pair these treatments with skin work such as gentle lip exfoliation, hydrating glosses, or microneedling around the mouth for fine vertical lines. For deeper perioral lines, neuromodulators alone will not fix etched creases. Consider a staged plan that adds light resurfacing or filler when appropriate.
Before and after: what success looks like
Strong before and after photos show the smile in motion. Static resting shots do not tell the story. Success for a gummy smile correction is measured in reduced vertical gum display during a big laugh, not a frozen grin. Success for a lip flip is visible red show at rest, a defined border, and no functional awkwardness after the first week. If your after photo looks good but sipping feels off, the dose or placement needs refinement next time.
A good Botox clinic will keep your photos, document your exact injection points, and ask for a quick check-in at two weeks for fine-tuning. That habit builds consistent Botox results across sessions and avoids overcorrection.
The bottom line: choosing the right path
If your priority is less gum when you laugh, choose a Botox gummy smile correction. If your priority is a slightly fuller-looking upper lip at rest without filler, choose a lip flip. If you want both and your lips are thin, sequence conservative doses and reassess at two weeks. Favor an injector who maps your animation and speaks clearly about units, timing, and function.
Find a Botox provider with strong testimonials, a clean track record, and a willingness to say no when a request does not fit your anatomy. Whether you book with a Botox doctor, a Botox nurse injector, or another trained practitioner, credentials and experience matter more than the sign on the door. Search “Botox near me” if you like, but vet with care. Safety, subtlety, and follow-through deliver the natural look that still feels like you.
If you are ready, schedule a Botox consultation rather than a same-day treatment. Bring photos, speak plainly about your goals, and ask for a conservative start. The mouth is a busy neighborhood. Gentle adjustments and precise technique will carry you from first time jitters to reliable, comfortable results.