The lip flip has become a sought-after trend in non-surgical cosmetic treatments, thanks in part to its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. While lip flips are similar to lip fillers, there are some notable differences that distinguish these two popular injectable treatments. 

 

Before booking your lip flip, take a look at our guide explaining the differences between lip flips and lip fillers and how to ultimately determine which could be right for you.

 

What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a particular cosmetic treatment that uses an injectable neurotoxin like BOTOX® to very subtly curl the top lip upward to create a larger appearance and correct cosmetic concerns like a gummy smile. 

 

During a typical lip flip treatment, a small amount of BOTOX — usually 4 to 6 units — is carefully placed near the corners and/or the center of your upper lip. The muscle-relaxing action of BOTOX causes the slight upward curl that can make your top lip appear larger and more in balance with your bottom lip.

 

Pros of a Lip Flip 

Lip flips come with a number of benefits unique to this treatment. Consider getting a lip flip if these perks sound like what you are looking for:

 

• Achieve a subtle change in appearance. Lip flips offer a subtle enhancement to your lip shape and symmetry that can make your upper lip appear slightly larger. Many people looking for a very natural result are great candidates for a lip flip. 

• Show more of your lip when you smile. If your top lip tends to appear very thin or “barely there” when you smile, a lip flip can help by making more of your upper lip visible when you smile. 

• Treat a gummy smile. A “gummy smile” refers to a smile that shows a significant amount of your gum line above your teeth. While there is nothing wrong with a gummy smile, some people choose injectable treatments like a BOTOX lip flip to dial down the amount of gum line that is visible when they smile. 

• Treat wrinkles at the same time. Because of the nature of neuromodulators like BOTOX, a lip flip that uses these injectables can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines above your upper lip.

• Spend less than with fillers. Lip flips generally cost less than lip fillers simply because of how little product is used. However, it is still crucial that you choose an experienced provider for your lip flip to ensure smooth, natural-looking results and minimal risks of complications.

 

Cons of a Lip Flip

While a lip flip can offer excellent results, it may not be the right choice for everyone. You might consider a different treatment if these drawbacks are deal-breakers for you:

 

• Lip flips won’t add volume to your lips. If you’re looking for a more dramatic boost of volume, lip fillers may be the better fit for you. While a lip flip can make your upper lip appear slightly larger than normal, this treatment does not technically add volume to the lip itself.

• Lip flips don’t last as long as lip fillers. Lip flips tend to last for three to four months before the effects of BOTOX wear off. Lip fillers, by comparison, can last for 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used.

• Lip flips cannot be reversed. Your lip flip results will have to fade away on their own over the next several months, as there is no way to dissolve BOTOX sooner. Hyaluronic acid lip fillers, on the other hand, can be dissolved before wearing away on their own if needed.

 

What Is Lip Filler?

Lip fillers are typically comprised of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that is known for its ability to retain moisture. This property makes hyaluronic acid an excellent ingredient for lip fillers aimed at adding volume to your lips. 

 

During a typical lip filler treatment, one to two syringes is carefully injected into the upper and/or lower lips, depending on the desired result. Lip fillers can be used to add volume to your lips and create a more symmetrical lip shape and proportion.

 

Pros of Lip Filler

There are a number of benefits to getting lip filler, including:

 

• Add volume to your lips. Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are best known for creating a plumper pout, whereas a lip flip does not add volume. 

• Treat an asymmetrical smile. If lip asymmetry is a cosmetic concern for you, lip fillers can help by strategically adding volume to certain areas of your lips to create a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.

• Treat wrinkles at the same time. Hyaluronic acid fillers can also be used to smooth away fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth.

• Get long-lasting results. Most lip fillers last an average of 12 to 18 months before their effects fade away. Lip flips, on the other hand, only last 3 to 4 months on average.

• Reverse the effects of hyaluronic acid if needed. Hyaluroinc acid fillers can be dissolved at any time using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Neuromodulators like BOTOX cannot be reversed, so you’ll have to wait for your lip flip results to fade away on their own.

 

Cons of Lip Filler

Despite its long list of benefits, lip filler does come with a few drawbacks, such as:

 

• Lip fillers are more expensive than lip flips. Generally speaking, lip fillers are going to cost more than a lip flip because more product is used for fillers. However, always work with a qualified and experienced professional, no matter which treatment you choose to avoid complications. 

• Lip fillers generally achieve a more dramatic result. If you’re looking for a subtler change of appearance, a lip flip might be the better choice for you, as fillers do add volume, even when used sparingly. 

 

Better Together: When to Combine BOTOX and Fillers

So what if both a lip flip and lip fillers sound like something you are interested in? Don’t worry, there’s no need to choose! BOTOX and fillers are frequently combined to achieve even more comprehensive results. In fact, lip flips and fillers are often perfect complements to each other, especially if you are looking to address a specific cosmetic concern such as a gummy smile while also adding volume and balance to your lips.

 

Lip Flip or Filler: How to Know Which Is Right For You

Despite their differences, lip flips and fillers are similar treatments. The best way to know which is right for you, or if a combination of both would be best, is to schedule a consultation with a reputable provider to discuss your specific goals. 

 

If you’re ready to take the first step toward achieving your new look, call our Boca Raton office at 561-886-0970 or contact us online to book your consultation today!