Cost, Results, Duration & How to Choose the Right Lip Enhancement
Lip filler and lip flip are two of the most popular non-surgical lip enhancement treatments available today — but they work in completely different ways, cost different amounts, and produce very different results. Choosing between a lip flip vs. lip filler (or combining both) depends on your goals, budget, and anatomy.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about both procedures so you can make an informed decision — or, if you're a healthcare practitioner, better educate and serve your patients.
A lip flip is a quick, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses a small amount of botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin) to enhance the appearance of the upper lip. Unlike lip filler, a lip flip doesn't add volume — instead, it works by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle that surrounds the mouth.
When this muscle is relaxed, the upper lip gently rolls outward and upward, revealing more of the lip's surface (the "vermilion border"). The result is a subtly fuller-looking upper lip — especially noticeable when smiling, which is when many people feel their upper lip disappears.
Lip flip fun fact: A lip flip uses only about 4-8 units of Botox — compared to 20-40 units used for forehead and crow's feet combined. This makes it one of the most affordable Botox treatments available.
Lip filler (also called lip augmentation or lip injection) is a cosmetic procedure that uses hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler to add volume, shape, and definition to the lips. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and holds moisture, making it ideal for creating soft, natural-looking fullness.
Lip filler is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, with millions of procedures performed annually. Modern lip fillers offer highly customizable results — from a subtle enhancement to a dramatic transformation.
| Factor | Lip Filler | Lip Flip |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Adds volume, shape, and fullness | Reveals more lip surface, no volume added |
| Product used | Hyaluronic acid dermal filler | Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) |
| Cost per session | $500 – $1,500 | $100 – $300 |
| Annual cost | $500 – $3,000 | $400 – $1,200 |
| How long it lasts | 6 – 12 months | 2 – 4 months |
| When results appear | Immediately (final results at 2 weeks) | 3-5 days (full effect at 10-14 days) |
| Pain level | Mild to moderate (numbing cream used) | Minimal (slight pinch) |
| Procedure time | 15 – 30 minutes | 5 – 10 minutes |
| Downtime | 1-3 days (swelling, bruising possible) | None to minimal |
| Reversible? | Yes — hyaluronidase dissolves HA filler | No — must wait for it to wear off |
| Best for | Adding volume, shaping, correcting asymmetry | Subtle enhancement, lip curling when smiling |
| Affects eating/drinking? | No | Slightly — may feel odd using a straw initially |
Cost is often one of the deciding factors when choosing between lip filler and a lip flip. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Product | Cost Per Syringe | Syringes Needed | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvederm Ultra XC | $600 – $900 | 1-2 | Up to 12 months |
| Juvederm Volbella XC | $500 – $800 | 1 | Up to 12 months |
| Restylane Kysse | $650 – $900 | 1-2 | 6-9 months |
| Restylane Silk | $500 – $750 | 1 | 6 months |
| RHA Redensity | $600 – $850 | 1 | 6-9 months |
| Product | Units Needed | Cost Per Unit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | 4-8 units | $10 – $15 | $50 – $120 |
| Dysport | 10-20 units | $4 – $6 | $50 – $120 |
| Xeomin | 4-8 units | $10 – $14 | $50 – $112 |
Cost comparison over one year: If you maintain results year-round, a lip flip costs roughly $200-$500/year (3-4 sessions) while lip filler costs $500-$1,500/year (1-2 sessions). The per-session cost of a lip flip is lower, but the annual cost can be comparable due to more frequent treatments.
Lip filler results typically last 6-12 months, depending on:
A lip flip lasts approximately 2-4 months. The neurotoxin gradually wears off as your body metabolizes it, and the muscle regains its normal function. Factors that affect duration include:
Setting realistic expectations: A lip flip creates a subtle enhancement — don't expect dramatically fuller lips. If you want noticeable volume, lip filler is the better choice. Many patients try a lip flip first to "test the waters" before committing to filler.
Common (expected and temporary):
Uncommon:
Rare but serious:
Why injector training matters: The most serious complication — vascular occlusion — is almost entirely preventable with proper injection technique, thorough anatomy knowledge, and appropriate training. Always choose an experienced, trained injector. If you're a practitioner, comprehensive filler training is essential before performing lip injections.
Common (expected and temporary):
Uncommon:
Lip flips have a significantly lower risk profile than lip filler because less product is used and there is no risk of vascular compromise from hyaluronic acid injection.
Yes — and many practitioners consider the lip filler + lip flip combination to be the gold standard for comprehensive lip enhancement. Here's why the combination works so well:
When combining treatments, most providers will perform the lip filler injection first, then add the lip flip during the same appointment or at a follow-up 2 weeks later (once the filler has settled).
The most popular lip filler in the U.S. Provides robust volume and smooth results. Lasts up to 12 months.
Thinner formula ideal for subtle lip enhancement and smoothing perioral lines. Natural-looking results.
Designed specifically for lips using XpresHAn Technology for flexible, natural-feeling results. FDA-approved for lips.
Smaller, smoother HA particles for subtle lip enhancement and fine line correction around the mouth.
Designed to move naturally with facial expressions. The first and only FDA-approved filler for dynamic lip lines and lip augmentation.
Uniform spherical HA particles for even distribution and a smooth finish. Often slightly lower-priced than Juvederm.
The original and most recognized neurotoxin. 4-8 units typically used for a lip flip.
Diffuses slightly more than Botox, which some providers prefer for lip flips. May onset faster (2-3 days). 10-20 units for lip flip.
"Naked" neurotoxin without complexing proteins — may reduce risk of antibody resistance over time. Same dosing as Botox.
Our CME-accredited training programs include hands-on injection experience with live patients, expert faculty, and certification upon completion.
Botox Training Filler TrainingIf you're a healthcare professional looking to add lip filler and lip flip procedures to your practice, proper training is essential. Lip injections require a strong understanding of:
Explore our training options:
A lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses a small amount of botulinum toxin (such as Botox or Dysport) injected into the orbicularis oris muscle along the upper lip border. The neurotoxin relaxes the muscle, causing the upper lip to gently roll outward and appear fuller — without adding any actual volume. Results typically appear within 3-5 days and last 2-4 months.
A lip flip typically costs between $100 and $300 per session, depending on your provider and geographic location. Since it only requires 4-8 units of Botox (at $10-$15 per unit), it is significantly less expensive than lip filler. However, lip flips need to be repeated every 2-4 months, so the annual cost can be $400-$1,200.
Lip filler typically costs between $500 and $1,500 per syringe, depending on the product and provider. Most patients need 1-2 syringes for natural-looking results. Popular brands like Juvederm Ultra XC and Restylane Kysse are at the higher end of this range. Results last 6-12 months, making the annual cost roughly $500-$3,000 depending on how much filler is used and how often touch-ups are needed.
A lip flip lasts approximately 2-4 months. Because the effect relies on the neurotoxin relaxing the lip muscle, results fade as the Botox wears off. Most patients return for repeat treatments every 2-3 months to maintain results.
Lip filler typically lasts 6-12 months, though this varies by product and individual metabolism. Thinner fillers like Restylane Silk may last 6 months, while thicker products like Juvederm Ultra Plus can last up to 12 months or more.
Yes, many patients combine a lip flip with lip filler for a comprehensive lip enhancement. The filler adds volume and shape, while the lip flip relaxes the upper lip muscle to reveal more of the lip's surface — particularly helpful for patients whose upper lip curls inward when smiling.
A lip flip can be an excellent option for patients who want a subtle, natural-looking enhancement without the commitment or cost of filler. It is especially worth it for patients whose upper lip disappears when smiling, those who want to try lip enhancement before committing to filler, and patients on a budget. However, if you want noticeable volume or fullness, lip filler will deliver more dramatic results.
A lip flip involves only 2-4 small injections along the upper lip border using a very fine needle. Most patients describe the sensation as a slight pinch — generally less painful than lip filler injections. No numbing cream is typically needed, though some providers offer it for patient comfort. The entire procedure takes about 5 minutes.
Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites, typically resolving within 3-7 days. Less common side effects include asymmetry, lumps or bumps, and filler migration. Rare but serious complications include vascular occlusion, infection, and allergic reaction. Choosing a trained, experienced injector significantly reduces the risk of complications.
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