Is a Lip Flip the Same as Lip Filler?

No. A lip flip and lip filler are two different treatments that use different products, work in different ways, and produce different results. A lip flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin to relax the muscle above the upper lip, allowing it to curl outward slightly. Lip filler uses a hyaluronic acid gel injected directly into the lip tissue to add volume, shape, and definition. The two treatments are sometimes confused because both address the appearance of the lips, but they are not the same procedure.

In a short video on lip flips vs. lip filler, Stefanie Drozd, MSN, APRN, founder and Medical Director, explains the difference in one sentence: a lip flip relaxes the muscle around the upper lip so more of your natural lip shows when you smile, while filler adds physical volume. Watch the clip and read the full transcript, then come back here for the detail.

What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a neurotoxin treatment. A small amount of Xeomin, Botox, or another botulinum toxin type A is injected into the orbicularis oris, which is the muscle that rings the upper lip. When that muscle relaxes, the lip rolls slightly outward rather than tucking inward. The result is the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding actual volume.

Key points about a lip flip:

• Uses neurotoxin, not filler
• Affects the upper lip only
• Results are subtle and temporary, typically lasting 8 to 12 weeks
• Does not add measurable volume to the lip
• Works by changing how the lip sits at rest, not by adding tissue
• A good option for someone who wants more visible upper lip without a significant size change
• Results may vary based on anatomy and neurotoxin placement

A lip flip can soften the appearance of a gummy smile for some patients, where a significant amount of gum shows above the upper teeth when smiling. This is a clinical consideration that your provider will assess during your consultation.

At Express Med Spa, our nurse injectors perform lip flips using Xeomin and Botox. Both are FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A neurotoxins. Xeomin is a purified formula with no additives. Not sure which neurotoxin is right for you? Read our Xeomin vs Botox comparison to learn how they differ. We also offer Letybo, the newest FDA-approved neurotoxin option. A lip flip is billed as a flat-rate treatment that includes the neurotoxin dose applied to the upper lip, with no per-unit billing for this service, and your provider confirms the plan at your consultation.

After your lip flip, your provider will walk you through Xeomin aftercare tips to protect your results during the first 24 hours.

What Is Lip Filler?

Lip filler is a dermal filler treatment that adds physical volume and definition to the lips. The most common filler materials used in lip augmentation are hyaluronic acid gels. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body, which makes it well-tolerated for most patients.

During a lip filler appointment, a nurse injector places the filler in precise locations within and around the lip to achieve the desired shape. Depending on the product used and the technique applied, filler can:

• Add volume to the upper lip, lower lip, or both
• Define the lip border and Cupid’s bow
• Smooth vertical lip lines
• Improve symmetry
• Create a more projected look at the profile

Lip filler results are visible right away and typically last 9 to 12 months, though this varies by patient and product. Learn more about how long lip filler lasts and what affects the timeline.

At Express Med Spa, Lip Filler Augmentation is listed at $599 per syringe of Revanesse Lips+ on our med spa price menu, and pricing is subject to change. Our providers work with premium hyaluronic acid products and tailor placement to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Wondering when to come back for a touch-up? Our guide on how often you should get lip filler covers what to expect long term.

Lip Flip vs Lip Filler: Side-by-Side Comparison

The growing interest in both treatments is not just anecdotal. A 2025 peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology analyzed longitudinal public search trends for lip filler and lip flip alongside a review of clinical literature, finding that patient interest in both treatments has risen consistently over time. Lip Filler vs Lip Flip: Longitudinal Public Interest and Literature Review. Read the full study via the National Library of Medicine.

How Long Does a Lip Flip Last?

A lip flip generally lasts 8 to 12 weeks. The upper lip is one of the most active areas of the face, so the neurotoxin metabolizes faster there than it does in an area like the forehead. That is why a lip flip fades sooner than a forehead or crow’s feet treatment, and why many patients return every 2 to 3 months to maintain the result.

The timeline after your appointment usually looks like this. Most patients start to see the effect between days 3 and 5, and the full result settles by about two weeks. If something looks uneven at the two week mark, that is the right time for a follow-up assessment rather than the day after treatment.

Lip filler works on a completely different clock. A full syringe of Revanesse Lips+ typically lasts 9 to 12 months, and a mini top-up around the six month mark is a common way to hold the result between full appointments. Patients who keep up a consistent schedule often find their results land toward the longer end of that range. Results vary by anatomy, metabolism, and lifestyle.

Practically speaking, that difference in longevity is one of the honest reasons to start with a lip flip. If you are not sure you want to commit, a treatment that wears off in about two to three months is a much smaller decision than one that stays with you for the better part of a year.

What Lip Flip Results Look Like, Realistically

This is where expectations matter most, because the honest answer is that a lip flip is subtle. It reveals a few millimeters more of the upper lip when you smile and softens the way the lip tucks under itself. It does not make your lips bigger, and it will not close a noticeable gap between your upper and lower lip volume.

If your goal is a result nobody can point to, that subtlety is the feature rather than the limitation. Patients who tell us they are worried about looking overfilled are often the best candidates for a flip, because the treatment physically cannot add volume. If your goal is a visible increase in size, a flip will typically leave you disappointed and filler is the more honest recommendation.

Results also depend on your own anatomy. Patients with a strong orbicularis oris muscle and a lip that already curls inward tend to see the most visible change. Patients with a very thin upper lip and little vermillion to reveal typically see less. Your injector will tell you which group you are likely in before you book, and we would rather talk you out of a treatment than sell you one that will not do what you want.

Which One Is Right for You?

The answer depends on what you want to change about your lips.

Consider a lip flip if:

You want your upper lip to appear slightly fuller without adding volume. You are new to lip treatments and want to start with something subtle and short-term. You are curious about how neurotoxin feels before trying filler.

Consider lip filler if:

You want a visible increase in lip size or fullness. You want results that last longer than a couple of months. You want to address lip symmetry, border definition, or vertical lines around the mouth.

Consider both if:

Some patients choose to combine a small amount of lip filler with a lip flip for added projection and upper lip visibility. This is sometimes called a lip combo and can create a balanced result that neither treatment achieves on its own.

Before either appointment, review what to do before lip injections so you arrive prepared and reduce your risk of bruising and swelling.

The best way to decide is through a consultation with one of our nurse injectors. They will look at your lip anatomy, listen to what you want to change, and recommend an approach that fits your goals.

Can You Combine a Lip Flip With Lip Filler?

Yes, a lip flip and lip filler can be done in the same appointment or at separate visits. Some patients find that combining the two gives them the most balanced result, particularly those who want more upper lip visibility after filler without adding excessive volume. Some also find that combining the two can reduce the appearance of smiling lip creases after filler. Your provider will help you decide whether combining makes sense based on your anatomy and desired outcome.

If you are getting both at the same appointment, the filler is typically placed first, followed by the neurotoxin for the lip flip.

Does a Lip Flip Hurt?

A lip flip involves a small number of injections into the muscle above the upper lip. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch. The treatment takes only a few minutes. No topical numbing is typically required for a lip flip, though it can be applied if you prefer.

Lip filler appointments involve more injection points and take longer. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to reduce discomfort. Learn more about what to expect during a lip filler appointment.

How Long Does Swelling Last After Each Treatment?

After a lip flip, any swelling is minimal and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. After lip filler, swelling is more noticeable and may peak in the first 24 to 72 hours before settling over 1 to 2 weeks. For a detailed look at the recovery timeline, see our guide on how long lip filler swelling lasts.

Bruising from lip filler is also possible and usually fades within a few days to a week. For day-by-day guidance on what to expect through each stage of healing, read our post lip filler care guide. Reviewing our lip filler aftercare guide before your appointment can help you plan accordingly.

Who Should Wait or Skip These Treatments?

Both treatments have real timing and candidacy considerations, and a consultation is what confirms whether either one is appropriate for you. A few situations come up often enough to plan around.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss this with your provider before booking rather than assuming either treatment is appropriate. Our guide on lip filler during pregnancy covers the conversation to have.
• Dental work in the next two weeks. Active dental work, an oral infection, or a scheduled oral surgery or significant dental procedure within two weeks of your appointment is worth flagging before you book either treatment.
• Certain antibiotics. Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin within two weeks of a neurotoxin treatment may potentiate the effect, so tell your provider about every current medication and supplement.
• Recent resurfacing near the lip. Lip filler is not scheduled within four weeks of laser resurfacing, intense pulsed light, a chemical peel, or dermabrasion at or near the lip area.
• An event on the calendar. Swelling is a normal part of healing after filler, so plan any wedding, reunion, or photo session at least two weeks out.

None of these are automatic disqualifiers on their own. They are the reasons your provider asks about your medications, your recent treatments, and your calendar before anything is injected. A consultation confirms candidacy.

How Much Do a Lip Flip and Lip Filler Cost?

Cost is a fair question to ask before you book, and the two treatments sit at very different price points because they are very different commitments.

Lip Filler Augmentation is listed at $599 on our med spa price menu, which covers one full syringe (1 mL) of Revanesse Lips+. If you are trying lip filler for the first time or you want a more subtle result, a half-syringe Mini Lip Filler option is available at $349. Prices are subject to change, and the right amount of product varies by patient, so your exact plan is confirmed at your consultation.

A lip flip is billed as a flat-rate treatment that includes the neurotoxin dose applied to the upper lip, with no per-unit billing for this service. Because it uses a small dose and takes only a few minutes, it is typically the lower-cost way to try a lip treatment. Your provider confirms the current rate when you book.

Worth factoring into the math: a lip flip needs refreshing every 2 to 3 months, while a syringe of filler typically lasts 9 to 12 months. Over a full year the running cost of the two options can be closer than the per-appointment prices suggest, which is one more reason to talk the plan through rather than choose on sticker price alone. A complimentary consultation is available if you want a straight answer before committing to anything.

Where Can I Get a Lip Flip or Lip Filler Near Me?

Express Med Spa offers both lip flip and lip filler treatments at all four Chicagoland locations. Find your nearest location in Frankfort, La Grange, Shorewood, and Mount Greenwood (Chicago). All injectable treatments are performed by trained nurse injectors under the clinical oversight of Stefanie Drozd, MSN, APRN, founder and Medical Director.

We are a women-owned, nurse-practitioner-led practice, and lip consultations are unhurried and no-pressure by design. If you are still weighing a flip against filler, bring that question to the appointment. You can book online at any of the four locations, or start with a complimentary consultation and decide afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions: Lip Flip vs Lip Filler