In the wonderful world of lip-boosting injectables, there’s an underrated little lip treatment that not everyone knows: The lip flip. If you find yourself wondering, what on earth is a lip flip, and how it compares to the much more familiar lip filler, this post is for you! 

Welcome to the lip filler vs lip flip showdown. We’ll compare the two treatments and explain exactly who each one of them is best for, so you’ll know exactly which is the right pout enhancer for you. 

What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is an injectable lip-enhancing treatment done with Botox or Dysport. 

If you’re not familiar, Botox is a neuromodulator that works by preventing muscles from contracting. That’s why it’s such an anti-aging miracle – it stops the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles from contracting. 

For a lip flip, we inject Botox into the muscle above the lip. By relaxing that muscle, the upper lip ends up getting “flipped” outwards and upwards slightly, giving it a naturally fuller appearance. It’s the perfect solution if you find that your upper lip is a little too thin or if it disappears when you smile. 

That said, lip flips aren’t for everyone. If your lips are truly quite thin, it might not be enough on its own, while for those with already full lips, it may not make a difference. At SEV, your nurse will always let you know what kind of results you can expect and consult you on whether you’d be a good candidate for a lip flip. 

Pros and Cons of a Lip Flip Treatment 

Pros: 

  • Creates a fuller and more defined upper lip
  • Looks very natural 
  • Minimizes lines and wrinkles above the mouth
  • Helps prevent gums from being visible when smiling 
  • Requires a very small amount of Botox 
  • Very affordable in the short term 
  • No risk of migration or over-filling 

 

Cons: 

  • Does not impact lower lip
  • Results will take week or two to show
  • Results only last for approximately 2 to 4 months 
  • Can feel odd at first 
  • May make it difficult to pucker lips
  • It’s not for everyone

 

What Are Lip Fillers?

If you can’t tell from the name, lip fillers very literally fill the lips in order to give them plump appearance or subtle volume. At SEV, we exclusively use lip fillers made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance known for its cushioning and moisturizing effect in the body.

During a lip filler treatment, a registered nurse injects a few key spots in the lips with the hyaluronic acid filler. The result is an immediately fuller pout. It’s very customizable – we can actually adjust and even correct the shape of your lips by controlling how and where we inject. 

At SEV, we offer a few different filler texture options for different effects, like Juvéderm Ultra XC for a fuller look and Restylane Kysse for a very tasteful, natural look. If you’re nervous about overdoing it, we can also inject you with just half a syringe.

 

Pros and Cons of Lip Fillers

Pros: 

  • Impacts both upper and lower lips 
  • Controllable results depending on injector or material
  • Better choice if you want very lush, pillowy lips 
  • Still works for a more natural look
  • Very long-lasting 
  • Excellent for almost everyone 

 

Cons:

  • A little more pricey (although we aim to keep our prices accessible at SEV) 
  • May migrate
  • Can be intimidating for those new to aesthetic procedures
  • Lip may be a little sore, bruised or swollen for a few days following treatment

 

You Don’t Have to Choose!

We don’t think there’s a clear winner in the lip filler vs lip flip battle. They’re two very different methods for amping up the lips, and the results look a little different. 

A lip flip is the perfect choice if you want a bit more fullness in your upper lip and you’re not necessarily worried about how long it’ll last – maybe knowing it’ll fade within a few months is even a bonus! If you’re coveting full, pillowy lips, then lip filler is a no-brainer (although natural results are also possible!). 

But truthfully, you don’t have to choose one! You can have both treatments at the same time, to enjoy hybrid effects – plush but natural lips, lasting results, and a more balanced pout. 

Regardless of which lip enhancing procedure you’d like to try, our team at SEV is ready to help! Visit our book now page to schedule your appointment with one of our incredible aesthetic nurses.