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Understanding Lip Flip and Lip Filler: A Guide to Non-Surgical Lip Enhancements
Lip enhancement procedures like the “lip flip” and lip filler are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to subtly enhance the appearance of the lips without surgery or long downtime. A lip flip uses neurotoxin, like Botox or Dysport, to relax the muscles around the upper lip, making it appear slightly fuller. Lip fillers involve injecting hyaluronic acid-based substances to add actual volume and shape. Both are quick, non-surgical treatments with noticeable results, making them appealing to those seeking a more youthful or defined look. In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences between these two options, including costs, expected results, recovery time, and which option may be best suited to your goals.
What is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip is a quick, non-surgical treatment that uses a small amount of neurotoxin like Botox or Dysport to relax the muscles around the upper lip. When these muscles are relaxed, the upper lip gently flips outward, creating the appearance of a fuller lip without adding volume. The neurotoxin is injected just above the upper lip, and the results are typically subtle, helping to enhance the lip’s shape and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
It’s a great option for those who want a natural-looking lift without committing to fillers. The results typically last about 30-40 days and the cost is dependent upon the amount and type of product used.
What are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a popular non-surgical treatment used to enhance the volume, shape, and balance of the lips. When describing lip fillers to patients, it’s helpful to explain that the procedure involves injecting a hyaluronic acid-based gel, a substance naturally found in the body, into the lips to create a fuller, more defined look.
Depending on the desired outcome, fillers can add subtle volume, correct asymmetry, or enhance the lip’s overall contour and volume. Results are immediate, customizable, and typically last 6-10 months, making lip fillers a versatile option for patients looking to enhance their natural features. There are a variety of options available for use depending upon the desired results.
Lip Flip vs Filler: Let's Compare!
Results & Appearance
When comparing the appearance of a lip flip vs. lip filler, the lip flip offers a more subtle, natural-looking enhancement, gently lifting the upper lip without adding volume. It’s ideal for those who want a slight change or to reduce a gummy smile. Lip fillers, on the other hand, provide more dramatic and customizable results, adding actual volume and definition to either or both the upper and lower lips. If you are looking for a noticeable plump or reshaping, lip filler is the better option, while a lip flip is perfect for a soft, understated enhancement.
Duration & Longevity
A lip flip typically lasts about 30-40 days, as the effects of the neurotoxin will gradually wear off, while lip fillers generally last 6 to 10 months, depending on the type of filler used and the patient’s metabolism. Because of this, patients usually need more frequent touch-ups with a lip flip to maintain results, whereas lip filler requires less frequent maintenance, making it a longer-lasting option for lip enhancement.
Cost Analysis
The average cost of a lip flip ranges from $28.50-$87.00 while lip fillers typically cost between $700.00 and $900.00 per syringe. While a lip flip is significantly more affordable upfront, it only lasts a few months and may require more frequent touch-ups. Lip fillers, though more expensive initially, offer longer lasting and more dramatic results, which can make them a better value over time for those seeking noticeable enhancement. The right choice depends on your budget, desired results, and how long you want the effects to last.
Recovery & Downtime
Recovery and downtime are minimal for both a lip flip and lip filler, but there are slight differences. After a lip flip, patients can typically return to daily activities immediately, with full results appearing in about 3 to 5 days and little to no swelling or bruising. With lip fillers, mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising is more common and may last a few days, but most patients still resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Overall, both treatments are quick and require very little downtime.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
The pros involving a lip flip treatment are the subtle enhancement to the upper lip, it is a quick treatment, has minimal downtime and is very affordable. The pros involving lip filler treatments center around longer lasting results that appear immediately and settle out over the next few weeks. Lip fillers can add volume and definition to both the upper and lower lips and the results can be customizable depending upon the patients’ lips and desired results.
The cons for a lip flip treatment would be results that have a short duration (typically lasting 30-40 days) and the treatment does not add volume. The cons for lip fillers involve a higher price point and possible swelling or bruising post treatment. Both treatments require a skilled injector to perform the treatments.
Ideal Candidates
Best Candidates for Lip Flip
The ideal candidate for lip flip treatment is someone who desires a subtle lift to the upper lip or wants to reduce a gummy smile without adding extra volume. This is a great treatment for first time aesthetic patients looking for a gentle, low commitment change with minimal downtime.
Best Candidates for Lip Fillers
The ideal candidate for lip fillers is someone who wants to add more volume to their lips, address lip symmetry or add definition to their lips. If the patient wants noticeable volume or has naturally thin lips that need more structure, lip filler is the better alternative.
Achieve Refined Results by Combining Treatments
Depending upon the patient’s desired results, a lip flip treatment can safely be combined with a lip filler treatment. Volume is added using the filler and a lifted, more defined upper lip is the result of a lip flip. Together these can create a more balanced and enhanced result. Many patients will start with one treatment and see if they like their results before adding the other for a more refined result.
Safety & Side Effects
Lip Flip Side Effects
After a lip flip, patients may experience very mild swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising at the injection site. Occasionally, there may be temporary difficulty with puckering, drinking from a straw, or pronouncing certain words due to the relaxed upper lip muscle. These side effects are usually very mild and temporary, typically lasting a few days to a week. Most patients return to normal activities right away with little to no disruption to their schedule.
Lip Filler Side Effects
Common side effects after lip fillers include swelling, bruising, tenderness, redness, and mild lumps or bumps at the injection site. These effects are typically temporary and resolve within a few days to a week. In rare cases, more serious complications like vascular occlusion can occur, which is why a trained provider, proper technique and experience are crucial.
To minimize risks, providers use high-quality products, follow sterile injection techniques, and carefully assess each patient’s anatomy and goals. Patients are also advised to avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and strenuous activity before and after treatment to reduce bruising and swelling. Choosing a qualified, experienced injector is the most important step in ensuring safe, natural-looking results.
Safety Considerations
Choosing a qualified provider for a lip flip or lip filler is essential to ensure safe, natural–looking results and minimize complications like uneven results, overfilling, or more serious issues such as vascular occlusion. Providers should be licensed medical professionals with specialized training in facial anatomy and injectables. Patients should look for providers who use FDA-approved products who follow strict sterile techniques and safety protocols.
These treatments may not be suitable for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have certain neurological or autoimmune conditions, active skin infections, or a history of severe allergic reactions to ingredients in the products. A proper consultation by your provider is key to determine if you are a good candidate for each treatment.
Choosing the Right Provider for Lip Enhancement
When selecting a provider for a lip flip or lip filler, look for someone with medical credentials who has specific training in facial anatomy and injectable treatments. Experience and credentials are important. During your consultation it is important to ask questions about their recommendations, expectations for results and recovery and possible side effects. Red flags to avoid include extremely low pricing, unclear credentials, and vague answers to your questions. Before and After photos can showcase the provider’s skill and help set realistic expectations.
Aftercare Instructions for Lip Injectibles
After a lip flip or lip filler treatment, patients should follow a few simple aftercare steps to ensure the best results and minimize side effects. Avoid touching or massaging the area for at least 24 hours and stay upright for 4 hours after a lip flip to prevent the neurotoxin from spreading. For both treatments, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat (like saunas), alcohol, and blood thinners for 24–48 hours, as these can increase swelling or bruising. Patients should also avoid wearing makeup around their lips for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
Contact your provider if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, discoloration, or any signs of infection or allergic reaction.
To help results last longer, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, use a good lip balm with SPF, and follow up with recommended touch-ups at the appropriate intervals.
FAQ's About Lip Flips and Lip Fillers
What’s the main difference between a lip flip and lip filler?
A lip flip uses a neurotoxin, like Botox or Dysport, to relax the muscles around the upper lip, making it appear slightly fuller. Lip fillers inject hyaluronic acid-based substances to add actual volume and shape. Both are quick, non-surgical treatments with noticeable results.
Which lasts longer? A lip flip or lip filler
A lip flip lasts 30-40 days while lip filler can last 6-10 months, depending upon the products used and the patients desired results.
How much does each lip treatment cost?
Treatment prices vary depending upon the product used and the amount needed to create the desired result. Schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation to review price differences!
Which lip treatment looks more natural?
Both treatments can offer a natural, subtle enhancement. Although, the lip filler can also add volume and contour.
Can I combine a lip flip with lip filler in the same visit?
Yes, both treatments can be combined to create fullness and volume to the lips at Bellissimo.
How long is the recovery time for each lip enhancement treatment?
Recovery and downtime are minimal for both a lip flip and lip filler, but there are slight differences. After a lip flip, patients can typically return to daily activities immediately; lip fillers may have mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising immediately after treatment.
Which treatment is better for thin lips?
Lip fillers can add actual volume and shape to the lips while a lip flip can help add volume to the upper lip and decrease a gummy smile.
Do lip flips hurt more than lip fillers?
A topical numbing cream can be used in both lip flips and lip fillers to minimize any discomfort during treatment.
Can a lip flip help with a gummy smile?
Yes, a lip flip can minimize a gummy smile. The neurotoxin is injected just above the upper lip.
Are the lip results reversible?
The fillers used at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa are made with hyaluronic acid and can be dissolved if needed. Neurotoxins are not reversible, which are used for the lip flip.
Which lip treatment is better for first timers?
First timers are encouraged to come in for a consultation with a provider to discuss their desired results. The provider will discuss both treatment options and determine a plan for the patient to help them reach their goal. Schedule your consultation today!
Schedule Your Lip Enhancement Consultation in Pittsburgh
If you’re considering a lip flip or filler in Pittsburgh or exploring your lip enhancement options, schedule a private consultation with one of our Bellissimo injectable providers at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa. Our boutique practice is dedicated to delivering natural-looking results through personalized treatment plans, patient education, and compassionate, supportive care.
We’re here to guide you confidently—from your first consultation through every step of the way.
