Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?
- tealfoster9
- Dec 10, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: 15 minutes ago
In this article:
If you've been thinking about enhancing your lips, you've probably come across two popular options: a lip flip and lip filler. While they're often talked about together, they are very different treatments — with different goals, results, and ideal candidates.
Understanding the difference between a lip flip vs. lip filler can help you choose the option that actually matches what you're trying to achieve. At Refine Wellness Clinic, a premier med spa in Stillwater, MN, we help clients navigate these options to achieve natural, beautiful results.
What Is a Lip Flip?
A lip flip uses a small amount of neuromodulator (like Botox or Jeuveau) injected into the muscles around the upper lip. Instead of adding volume, it relaxes the muscle so the upper lip gently rolls outward. This non-surgical lip enhancement technique is a popular choice for those seeking subtle improvements.
What a Lip Flip Does
Makes the upper lip appear slightly fuller when relaxed or smiling
Reduces a lip that “disappears” when you smile
Softens vertical lip lines (also known as smoker's lines or lipstick lines)
Creates subtle enhancement without adding volume
What a Lip Flip Does Not Do
Add actual volume
Change lip shape significantly
Fill asymmetry or deep volume loss
Results timeline:
Starts working in 3–5 days
Full effect at 10–14 days
Lasts about 6–8 weeks
What Is Lip Filler?
Lip filler uses hyaluronic acid dermal filler to physically add volume, shape, and structure to the lips. This allows for more noticeable and customizable results. Lip augmentation with dermal fillers is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures for enhancing lip fullness and definition.
What Lip Filler Can Do
Add volume to thin lips
Enhance lip shape and symmetry
Improve lip definition and border
Correct age-related volume loss
Provide longer-lasting results
Balance facial proportions
Results timeline:
Immediate improvement
Mild swelling for a few days
Results last 6–12 months depending on product and metabolism
Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Lip Flip | Lip Filler |
Adds volume | No | Yes |
Uses Botox/Jeuveau | Yes | No |
Uses dermal filler | No | Yes |
Subtle enhancement | Very subtle | Can be subtle to full |
Improves lip shape | Minimal | Yes |
Longevity | 6–8 weeks | 6–12 months |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Downtime | Minimal | Mild swelling/bruising possible |
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?
A lip flip may be right for you if:
Your upper lip curls inward when you smile
You want a very subtle enhancement
You’re not ready for filler
You want to test lip enhancement without committing to volume
Many first-time patients choose a lip flip as an entry point into aesthetic treatments.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Filler?
Lip filler is often better if:
You want noticeable fullness
Your lips have thinned with age
You want to correct asymmetry
You want longer-lasting results
You want shape, contour, or structure changes
Filler is fully customizable — subtle, natural results are absolutely achievable with proper technique.
Can You Combine a Lip Flip and Lip Filler?
Yes — and for some patients, this is the best option.
A small amount of filler adds volume, while a lip flip enhances how the lip rests and moves. This combination can create a balanced, natural look without overfilling.
At Refine Wellness Clinic, we determine the best approach during your consultation based on anatomy, goals, and facial movement.
Which Looks More Natural?
Neither treatment looks unnatural when done correctly. Unnatural results come from:
Too much product
Poor placement
Not respecting facial anatomy
When performed conservatively by a medical provider, both lip flips and fillers can look soft, balanced, and natural. Our experienced injector team in Stillwater, MN prioritizes natural-looking results that enhance your unique features.
Common Questions Patients Ask
Will a lip flip make it hard to drink or talk?
Possibly — but usually very mild and temporary. Some patients notice slight weakness when using a straw or pronouncing certain sounds for the first week or two.
Is lip filler painful?
Most fillers contain lidocaine, and we use additional numbing for comfort. Discomfort is usually minimal.
What if I don’t like the results?
Lip filler is reversible. A lip flip naturally wears off.
So… Lip Flip or Lip Filler?
The right choice depends on:
Your anatomy
Your goals
How subtle or noticeable you want results
How long you want results to last
This is why a personalized consultation matters. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Why Choose Refine Wellness Clinic for Lip Injections in Stillwater, MN?
When it comes to cosmetic injectables, expertise and artistry matter. At Refine Wellness Clinic, we specialize in natural-looking lip enhancements tailored to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
What sets us apart:
Board-certified injectors with 15+ years of clinical experience
Personalized consultations to determine the best treatment for your goals
A wellness-based approach that prioritizes your safety and satisfaction
Conveniently located in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota
Comprehensive aesthetic services including neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and advanced skin treatments
Whether you're new to injectables or looking to refine your current look, our team provides the expertise and care you deserve.
Final Thoughts On Lip Flip Vs. Lip Filler
A lip flip and lip filler are tools — not competing treatments. When used thoughtfully, they can enhance your natural features without making you look overdone.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, a consult allows us to look at your lip movement, facial balance, and goals so we can recommend the safest, most natural approach.
Ready to enhance your lips? Schedule a consultation at Refine Wellness Clinic in Stillwater, MN, and discover which treatment is right for you. Our expert team is here to help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Flips and Lip Filler
How do I know if a lip flip or filler is right for me?
The best option depends on your lip anatomy, how much enhancement you want, and how long you'd like results to last. A lip flip is ideal for subtle changes, while filler adds volume and shape. A consultation helps determine what’s best for your features and goals.
Does a lip flip make your lips bigger?
Not exactly. A lip flip relaxes the muscles around your upper lip so it gently rolls outward, making it appear slightly fuller. It doesn’t add actual volume like filler does.
Is lip filler reversible?
Yes. Most hyaluronic acid lip fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. A lip flip, on the other hand, wears off naturally in 6–8 weeks.
Can I get a lip flip and lip filler at the same time?
Yes, and it’s often a great combo. The lip flip enhances how the lip rests and moves, while a small amount of filler adds structure or volume. This combination creates a soft, balanced result.
What does recovery look like for each treatment?
Lip flips have virtually no downtime. You may feel slight tightness for a few days. Lip filler may cause mild swelling or bruising for 2–3 days. Both are quick, in-office procedures.
How long do lip flips and lip fillers last?
A lip flip typically lasts 6–8 weeks. Lip filler results last 6–12 months depending on the product used, your metabolism, and how much filler is placed.
ABOUT TEAL FOSTER, DNP, FNP-C
Founder of Refine Wellness Clinic, Stillwater MN
With over 15 years of diverse clinical experience, Dr. Teal Foster is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Refine Wellness Clinic in Stillwater, MN. Her background spans emergency medicine, women’s health, concierge care, and aesthetics, uniquely positioning her to deliver results-driven, personalized treatments. Teal combines her medical expertise with a passion for wellness and beauty, helping patients look and feel their best at every stage of life. At Refine Wellness Clinic, her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based care—focused on empowering each patient through customized hormone therapy, advanced skin rejuvenation, and holistic health solutions.
Comments