A lip flip offers a natural, subtle enhancement by reducing lines while lip fillers allow for added volume and a bolder look. Consulting an expert can help determine whether a conservative lip flip or dramatic lip filler better suits one’s goals and natural lips. With guidance, both options alone or together are capable of achieving lovely, natural results when done judiciously.

What Is a BOTOX Lip Flip?

A Botox lip flip is a non-surgical lip enhancement procedure that involves injecting small amounts of Botox into the muscles surrounding the mouth. By temporarily weakening these muscles, Botox creates the illusion of fuller lips. Some of the main characteristics of a Botox lip flip include:

• No downtime. Botox lip flips can be performed within 30 minutes with no pain or recovery time needed. You can return to normal activities right away.
• Temporary results. The effects of Botox typically last 3-6 months before wearing off as the body metabolizes the toxin.
• More subtle effect. A lip flip provides a subtle enhancement by reducing upper lip lines and creating the appearance of fuller cupid’s bow shape. Lips may look 1-2 shades fuller.
• Natural appearance. When done skillfully, a lip flip looks natural and subtle compared to lip fillers or injections.

What Is Lip Filler?

Lip filler, also known as lip augmentation, involves injecting a gelatinous hyaluronic acid dermal filler substance into the lips to add volume. Some key aspects of lip fillers include:

• Immediate visible results. Lip fillers plump the lips immediately, creating a noticeable increase in fullness.
• Variable longevity. Depending on the type of filler used, results may last 6-12 months before touch-ups are needed.
• Downtime. Lips may be swollen or tender for 1-3 days after filler injections. Bruising or discoloration could also occur.
• More dramatic effect. Lip fillers add considerable volume and can increase lip size by 1-3 shades, producing an instantly fuller pout.
• Semi-permanent. While fillers dissolve gradually, the effects are long-lasting compared to Botox which wears off within months.

Comparing the Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler

Lip Flip	Lip Filler
Subtle, natural enhancement.	Noticeable, dramatic augmentation.
No recovery time.	Some swelling and bruising, 1-3 days downtime.
Temporary, 3-6 months.	Longer-lasting, 6-12+ months.
Lip lines reduced, fullness.	Significant volume added, 1-3 shades fuller.
Less risk, uses Botox.	Slightly more risk of side effects with filler injection.

In general, a lip flip provides a softer, more natural look while lip fillers create a bolder pout. A flip is better for subtle defined lips while filler is ideal for adding dramatic volume. Both can be combined for optimal customized results.

Schedule Your Lip Augmentation at Faces PLLC

Our board-certified dermatologists, Drs. Smith and Johnson, have over 15 years experience performing lip flips and fillers. We offer both procedures in our clinic with top-quality hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. Contact our offices today to set up a consultation to discuss the right lip enhancement option for your goals and skin type.

Does a lip flip look good on everyone?

A lip flip can enhance most lip shapes when performed properly. However, those with very thin lips may find the results of a lip flip too subtle. In these cases, lip filler may provide a more noticeable augmentation. Very full lips could become distorted appearing with over-injected Botox. It’s best to schedule a consultation so our experts can evaluate if a lip flip alone will achieve the desired look.

Will I notice a difference with a lip flip?

Most patients notice at least a slight but natural difference after a lip flip as it reduces lip lines and creates fuller cupid’s bow definition. However, the results are subtle without significant increase in volume. Those wanting very full pouts may prefer lip fillers instead. A skilled injector can customize the amount of Botox used to achieve your desired level of enhancement.

Should I get a lip flip before filler?

There is no definitive answer as to whether a lip flip should come before filler, as it depends on individual goals. For some, a subtle lip flip may be enough on its own. Others may want a lip flip initially to enhance definition prior to later adding volume with filler for more dramatic definition. Our practitioners can advise the best sequence during your consultation. In general, both can be safely combined for an ideal customized result.

Does lip flip or filler hurt more?

Most patients report that lip fillers cause slightly more initial discomfort during the injection process compared to a lip flip. This is because tiny needles are used to inject large volumes of thick dermal filler substance. A lip flip involves much less actual injection volume using only Botox. However, both procedures are generally well-tolerated and painless when performed by an experienced injector. Topical numbing cream can also help reduce any minor injection sensations.

How to decide between lip flip and lip filler?

There is no absolute right or wrong answer – it comes down to individual goals and preferences. A lip flip provides subtle enhancement through reducing lip lines while fillers add dramatic volume. Consider:

• Desired level of fullness – flip for 1-2 shades fuller vs filler for 1-3+ shades
• Preferred look – soft and natural vs bolder defined pout
• Time/budget – temporary flips vs longer filler
• Your natural lip shape – thin lips may prefer filler first

Our specialists can advise the best approach during your consultation by evaluating your unique features and enhancement goals. For many, combining both flips and filler over time provides ideal customized results.

Does lip flip look more natural than filler?

When done skillfully by an experienced provider, a lip flip generally creates a more natural looking enhancement than lip fillers. This is because it only reduces lip lines slightly rather than adding dramatic volume. However, subtle or small amounts of filler injections can also look very natural if tailored correctly. 

Overinjected lips filled with too much product will always be more obviously augmented. An artful hand and conservative approach is needed from the injector to achieve a natural enhancement with either flip or filler alone or combined techniques.

Conclusion

Both Botox lip flips and lip fillers can beautifully enhance thin lips when performed judiciously. A flip creates subtle youthful definition while fillers add noticeable fullness. Every patient should consult with a board-certified expert to determine the best approach or combination of techniques tailored just for them based on their goals and natural features. With the right experienced provider, natural looking results are very achievable with either approach depending on individual preferences.