A lip flip uses Botox or Xeomin to relax the muscle above the upper lip so it subtly rolls outward without adding volume, while lip filler uses hyaluronic acid gel to restore volume and enhance lip shape.
The treatments can also be combined to achieve both effects. As LaserAway registered nurse Arsema Hawariat explains, "While you can use one or the other, many patients like adding filler to the lips for more volume while also adding a slight arch with the lip flip."
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: Quick Comparison
A lip flip and lip filler can both enhance the lips, but they create different effects.
- How it works: A lip flip uses a neuromodulator to relax the muscle around the upper lip. Lip filler uses hyaluronic acid to add volume.
- Volume: A lip flip does not add physical volume. Lip filler adds volume to the lips.
- Upper-lip appearance: A lip flip can allow more of the upper lip to show. Lip filler can enhance fullness, shape, and definition.
- Hydration: Hyaluronic acid filler can help lips look smoother and more hydrated.
- Longevity: Lip flip results generally last 3 to 4 months, while lip filler can last up to one year.
Neuromodulators vs. Hyaluronic Acid
The biggest difference between a lip flip and lip filler is what is injected and how it changes the lips.
- A lip flip uses a small amount of a neuromodulator, such as Botox or Xeomin, to relax the muscles around the upper lip. As the muscle relaxes, the upper lip can subtly roll outward, making more of the lip visible for a fuller-looking appearance without adding volume.
- Lip filler uses a hyaluronic acid-based injectable to add physical volume to the lips. At LaserAway, Juvéderm Ultra XC is used for lip augmentation.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
| Treatment Goal |
Lip flip |
Lip filler |
| A subtle change without adding volume |
✓ |
|
| More of your upper lip to show |
✓ |
|
| Fuller lips |
|
✓ |
| More hydrated-looking lips |
|
✓ |
| More definition or a change in lip shape |
|
✓ |
| More volume plus a subtle change to your upper lip |
✓ |
✓ |
The right treatment depends on the look you want to achieve. Your clinician can assess your lips and goals to help determine whether a lip flip, lip filler, or a combination of both is appropriate for you.
Lip Volume
Lip filler is the better option when adding actual lip volume is the goal. A lip flip can make the upper lip look fuller, but it does not physically increase the volume of the lips.
Lip filler can be used for:
- Fuller-looking lips
- Added volume to the upper or lower lip
- A more balanced appearance
- Subtle or more noticeable enhancement, depending on the treatment plan
Lip Shape and Definition
Lip filler can enhance lip shape and definition by allowing the amount and placement of filler to be tailored to your treatment goals.
Lip filler can be used to:
A lip flip takes a different approach. Instead of adding volume or reshaping the lips with filler, it changes the way the upper lip sits by relaxing the surrounding muscle.
Upper-Lip Visibility
A lip flip may be the better option if your main goal is to show more of your upper lip. By relaxing the muscle around the upper lip, the lip can subtly roll outward, making more of the lip visible.
A lip flip may be a good fit for:
- A more visible upper lip
- A subtle enhancement
- A fuller-looking upper lip without added volume
Lip filler can also enhance the upper lip, but it does so by adding volume rather than changing how the muscle around the lip moves.
Hydration
Lip filler can help lips look and feel more hydrated because hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water.
Lip filler may help:
- Improve the appearance of dry lips
- Create a smoother-looking lip
- Support a softer, more hydrated appearance
A lip flip does not add hyaluronic acid or physical volume, so hydration is not a primary benefit of the treatment.
Results
Lip flip results develop gradually, while lip filler provides an immediate increase in volume. The treatments also differ in how long their results typically last.
- Lip flip: Neuromodulators typically begin working within 2 to 3 days and reach peak efficacy around 2 weeks. Results generally last 3 to 4 months, depending on factors such as dose and individual metabolism.
- Lip filler: Added volume is visible immediately, although swelling can temporarily make the lips appear fuller than the final result. As Dr. Kirby, LaserAway Chief Medical Officer and board-certified dermatologist explains, "Let a little of that swelling go down and within 3 or 4 days that's the result you can anticipate… a nice natural look."
Downtime
Both treatments require little to no downtime, although temporary swelling may be more noticeable with lip filler.
- Lip flip: You may experience mild redness or swelling for a few hours after treatment, but you can typically return to your normal routine right away.
- Lip filler: Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness can occur after treatment. Swelling may become more noticeable during the first few days, particularly in the lips, before gradually subsiding.
Your provider will explain what to expect before treatment and give you aftercare instructions based on your plan.
Is Lip Filler Better Than a Lip Flip?
Neither treatment is better overall. Lip filler may be a better fit when you want to add volume or enhance lip shape and definition, while a lip flip may be better suited to a subtle change in the appearance of the upper lip without adding volume.
Explore Your Lip Enhancement Options at LaserAway
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Book a complimentary consultation with one of LaserAway's licensed medical professionals to receive personalized treatment recommendations based on your goals.
