Many people dislike their thin lips. Thankfully, today’s cosmetic treatments provide an easy fix to this issue.
If you’re thinking about giving your lips more volume and a sensual pout, lip flips and fillers are your answer. But how to choose between the two?
Read on to learn how lip flips differ from fillers, which cosmetic treatment is better for your desired image, and when to use both.
Lip Flip Overview
A lip flip is a Botox treatment that uses small doses of the botulinum neurotoxin to relax the muscle above the upper lip. By paralyzing this muscle, the upper lip slightly curls upward in a sensual pout.
Botox doesn’t add any volume—the appearance of fuller lips comes from the changed upper lip contour.
Lip Filler Overview
Lip fillers are dermal fillers injected into the lips and surrounding area. Most lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. They aim to make the lips bigger, fuller, smoother, and more sensual. They may also fix asymmetries and reduce the appearance of fine lines around the mouth.
Lip Flip vs. Filler: What Are the Differences?
Lip flips and lip fillers both provide a more sensual look to your lips, and that’s where the similarities stop. The two injectables differ in their composition, how quickly they work, how long they last, and how much they cost.
Consult the table below for a breakdown of the main differences between these two lip procedures.
| LIP FLIP | LIP FILLER | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it | A small dose of Botox injected into the muscle above the upper lip. | Hyaluronic acid injected into the top and bottom lips. |
| What does it do | It flips the upper lip upward, visually enhancing it. | It adds volume to lips, making them fuller and softer. |
| Time to first results | Up to one week. | Immediately. |
| How long does it last | Approximately six weeks. | Up to one year. |
| Potential side effects | Minor swelling and bruising. | Swelling, bruising, redness, pain. Rarely, allergies, infection, cold sores. |
| Recovery time | No recovery time. | 3-10 days |
| Price | $125 | $625-749 |
Lip Flip vs. Filler Pros
These lip-enhancing procedures are among the most popular beauty treatments. People love them because they provide the following benefits:
Lip Flip
- Subtle, natural look
- Short-term results (ideal for people who are evaluating their new look)
- Less expensive than fillers
- Less invasive than fillers
- Usually, no side effects
Filler
- Immediate and long-lasting results
- Visibly fuller, enhanced lips
- Mild side effects and short recovery time
Lip Flip vs. Filler Cons
These procedures have a few drawbacks, which you should consider before choosing your treatment. The lip flip provides delayed results and doesn’t last as long as the filler. This may suit first-time patients. People who want longer-lasting results usually opt for fillers. However, they are more expensive than lip flips.
Lip Flip vs. Filler Procedure
The two treatments differ in the ingredients used and the duration of the procedure.
Lip Flip
The medical provider may apply numbing cream to the treatment area. After it takes effect, they inject a small dose of Botox (usually 4-6 units) into the muscle above the upper lip. The neurotoxin paralyzes the muscle, causing the lip to curl upward. The dosage is intentionally low so that the remaining part of the muscle can contract to allow eating and speaking.
The process takes about ten minutes. The patient resumes their daily activities right after the treatment.
Note: This article provides more details on the Botox lip flip procedure.
Filler
This procedure also starts with the medical provider first applying a numbing cream to the treatment area. After about 30 minutes, they administer lip fillers to multiple sites on the lips, lip line, and the surrounding tissue. The dosage depends on the patient’s desired goals. Patients usually need at least one syringe.
After the treatment, the medical provider gently massages the lips to ensure there are no asymmetries or bumps. The whole procedure takes up to 45 minutes.
The recovery time after a lip filler treatment is 3-10 days.
Lip Flip vs. Filler Results
The treatments offer fuller lips but to a varying degree.
Lip Flip
The lip flip doesn’t add any actual volume to lips, but the change in the upper lip shape makes them appear fuller. The results are subtle and natural-looking.
The treatment also helps people whose upper lip seems to disappear when they smile, revealing the teeth and gums in what is called a gummy smile. The neurotoxin paralyzes the muscle above the upper lip, preventing the lips from moving too far up.
It takes up to one week to enjoy the results of a Botox lip flip. The low Botox dose reduces the longevity of results – they last approximately six weeks. The treatment can be used as a preview of what the results of a dermal filler would look like.
Filler
Lip fillers provide full, plump lips. The injected substance volumizes the lips, so their size and shape are not just a visual enhancement.
The results are immediate, appearing right after the treatment. They last for up to a year but may require touch-ups in some cases.
Note: Read our article to find out how long Juvéderm lasts in lips.
Lip Flip vs. Filler Side Effects
Consider the potential side effects when choosing your treatment.
Lip Flip
In most cases, lip flips don’t cause serious side effects. Patients may experience minor swelling, numbness, and bruising. During the consultation, medical providers explain to patients how to lower the chances of bruising and swelling.
Filler
The most common side effects of lip fillers are bruising, swelling, redness, and mild pain. They usually go away within two weeks.
Note: Learn more about filler side effects and how to minimize their risk.
Lip Flip vs. Fillers Aftercare
Before the procedure, medical providers instruct their patients on what to do and avoid after the treatment to ensure the best results and reduce the risk of adverse effects. The aftercare guidelines for Botox lip flips and fillers are similar.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid sun exposure and high heat.
- Don’t rub or press the treated area.
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine for 24 hours.
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Don’t lie down for four hours.
- Drink a lot of water.
Note: Read more about lip filler aftercare to learn how to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising, and how to get the most of the procedure.
Lip Flip vs. Filler Cost
The price gap between lip flips and fillers is significant and may be the deciding factor when choosing a lip-enhancing treatment.
Lip Flip
At Vibrant Skin Bar, Botox lip flip costs $125. The price may vary depending on your desired look and how many units of Botox you need.
Fillers
Lip fillers may cost $625-749 per syringe, depending on the product.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, we use three main brands of hyaluronic acid lip filler: Juvéderm, Restylane, and Versa. Your medical provider will determine the right product for you depending on your medical history and desired effects.
Lip Flip vs. Filler: Which One Is Better?
The Botox lip flip is a quicker procedure than lip fillers and has fewer side effects but provides more subtle results. It’s an ideal solution for people who are uncertain if they’ll like it because the effects of a lip flip wear off quickly.
Lip fillers produce a more noticeable change to one’s appearance. The lips are bigger and plumper, and keep their volume for up to one year.
Combining the treatments provides the whole package: full lips, perfectly defined lip contours, and an attractive pout. Adding the lip flip to a filler is also a great way to make the filler last longer because it reduces the amount of movement in the area.
At Vibrant Skin Bar, you can book an appointment for both treatments.
Conclusion
Gone are the days of thin lips and a gummy smile. A lip flip and fillers can help you achieve the look you want and feel good about it.
Getting your treatment from an experienced, certified professional at a reputable med spa or clinic is essential. Otherwise, you risk the possibility of undesirable results like bumpy lips, an asymmetrical smile, and an oversized mouth.
