If you’ve been thinking of giving your lips a little boost but not sure whether a lip filler or a lip flip is the better option, we’ve got you covered. These two treatments may sound similar, but they work in very different ways and choosing the right one depends entirely on your natural lip shape, facial anatomy, and what you actually want to achieve.
Whether you’re going for more volume, correcting a gummy smile, or simply want smoother, hydrated lips, understanding the difference can help you make a more confident choice.
What’s the Difference Between a Lip Filler and a Lip Flip?
For beginners, the easiest way to remember it:
- Lip Filler = adds volume
- Lip Flip = creates a subtle lift
Lip fillers (like Juvederm) are made of hyaluronic acid—a gel-like substance that adds fullness, defines lip borders, and smooths lines. A lip flip, on the other hand, uses a small amount of Botox injected into the muscles above the upper lip to relax them. This causes the lip to slightly roll outward, creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip—without adding volume.
To put it simply, if lip fillers are about shape and size, the lip flip is more about optical illusion and subtle enhancement.
What Is a Lip Filler? (And Why It’s So Popular)
Lip fillers are the go-to treatment for actual volume. Most products used in aesthetic clinics are hyaluronic acid-based and customizable depending on your natural shape and goals.
Pros:
- Immediate results
- Long-lasting (6–12 months)
- Adds volume, definition, symmetry
- Can smooth out vertical lines around the lips
Cons:
- Swelling and bruising for up to a week
- Slightly higher upfront cost ($500–$800 per syringe in Toronto)
- Requires a skilled injector for natural results
For those seeking noticeably fuller lips, improved structure, or restored volume lost to aging, lip filler offers a transformative solution.
What Is a Lip Flip? (And How It Works)
A lip flip involves micro-dosing Botox into the orbicularis oris muscle (the one around your mouth). Once relaxed, the top lip subtly unfurls which gives the illusion of a more visible lip without filler.
Pros:
- Super subtle enhancement
- Lower cost (around $100–$200 in Toronto)
- Great for gummy smiles or thin upper lips
- Short procedure with no downtime
Cons:
- Results take 5–10 days to show
- Lasts only 6–8 weeks
- Doesn’t actually add volume
- Might slightly affect your ability to whistle or drink from a straw
This cosmetic procedure is ideal for people who want a very natural enhancement or a quick trial before committing to filler.
Lip Flip vs Lip Filler: An Overview
By understanding how each treatment works, you can confidently choose the option that aligns best with your lip goals. Here’s a quick guide:
| Treatment Feature | Lip Filler | Lip Flip |
| Volume Enhancement | Adds visible fullness by injecting hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler | Does not add volume; creates the illusion of fullness by relaxing upper lip muscles |
| Lip Shape Definition | Highly customizable; ideal for reshaping, contouring, or correcting asymmetry | Subtly enhances the upper lip’s appearance, especially when smiling |
| Longevity of Results | 6 to 12 months (varies based on metabolism and product used) | 6 to 8 weeks (temporary; requires more frequent touch-ups) |
| Downtime and Recovery | Mild swelling or bruising for 2–4 days; full results in ~2 weeks | Minimal to none; no swelling or bruising; results begin in 5–10 days |
| Treatment Cost (Toronto) | Approx. $500–$800+ per syringe (depending on clinic and injector expertise) | Approx. $100–$200 (depending on units of neuromodulator used) |
| Time to Visible Results | Immediate improvement post-injection (initial swelling common) | Gradual onset; results typically visible within one week |
If you want noticeable plumpness, go for lip fillers. However, if you’re after a subtle lift or enhancement to your smile, the lip flip might just be your move.
Can You Combine Lip Flip and Lip Filler?
Yes—and many people do. In fact, combining both can create more defined, balanced, and youthful-looking lips, especially if you’re trying to improve your smile or upper lip shape.
For example, you may use filler to add volume, and a lip flip to expose more of the upper lip and reduce a gummy smile. The combination gives structure and softness.
Your injector will help guide you based on your anatomy and goals.
Final Thoughts
Many of our clients in Toronto actually combine both treatments for optimal results—a small dose of filler for volume and structure, plus a lip flip to enhance their smile. However, they don’t have to be done together. What matters most is that you’re working with a qualified injector who understands facial balance and customizes your treatment for you.
If you’re still unsure, book a consultation with Canada MedLaser Clinics in Toronto to chat through your options. We’ll help you understand which treatment—or combo—is the perfect fit for your facial features, lifestyle, and budget.
