Lip Flip vs. Lip Fillers: Which Is Right for You?

A lip flip is a subtle, non-surgical enhancement that creates the illusion of fuller lips without actually adding any volume.

During this quick treatment, Dr. Reina Barrett-Baas, DNP, carefully injects a few units of a neuromodulator (like BOTOX® or Dysport®) into the orbicularis oris—the muscle just above your upper lip. This relaxes the muscle, causing the upper lip to gently “flip” outward and upward.

Best For:

• Patients who feel their upper lip disappears when they smile.
• Correcting a “gummy smile” (where too much of the upper gums show).
• Those looking for a very subtle, natural enhancement.
• First-timers who aren’t quite ready for filler.

What to Expect: Lip Flip Results Timeline

Unlike filler, a lip flip is not instant. Here is the typical timeline for your results:

• Days 1-3: You won’t see much change. The neuromodulator is settling into the muscle.
• Days 3-7: You will start to notice your upper lip relaxing and turning slightly outward.
• Week 2: Full results are visible! Your upper lip looks fuller when you smile.
• Months 2-4: Results remain stable before gradually wearing off.

While a lip flip relaxes the muscle, lip fillers physically add volume, shape, and structure to the lips.

We use premium hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers (such as Juvéderm® or Restylane®). Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that attracts and retains moisture. When carefully injected into the lips, it provides beautiful, customizable, and immediate volume.

Best For:

• Adding overall volume and plumpness to thin lips.
• Improving lip symmetry and balancing the top and bottom lip.
• Defining the lip border (vermillion border) and Cupid’s bow.
• Smoothing out fine lines around the mouth (smoker’s lines).
• Longer-lasting results.

Yes! In fact, combining a lip flip with lip filler is one of our most requested treatments at Salt Boutique Labs. We can use filler to add beautiful structural volume and a lip flip to give the upper lip that perfect, outward pout when you smile. Our team can help you decide if this combination is right for your anatomy during your consultation.

A lip flip involves just a few quick injections above the lip—most patients describe it as a tiny pinch that is over in seconds. For lip fillers, we use an exceptionally strong topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable, and the fillers themselves contain lidocaine to minimize any discomfort.

A lip flip is generally a very budget-friendly entry into aesthetics because it only requires a few units of Botox (usually 4 to 8 units). Lip fillers are priced by the syringe. Because everyone’s goals are different, we recommend a consultation to give you an exact price for your desired look.

One of the best things about Hyaluronic Acid fillers is that they are entirely reversible. If you are ever unhappy with your results, we can safely dissolve the filler using an enzyme called Hylenex. (Note: A Botox lip flip cannot be dissolved, but it naturally wears off in a few months).

Whether you want a subtle outward flip or a perfectly plumped pout, trust your face to an expert. Dr. Reina Barrett-Baas provides safe, precise, and stunning lip enhancements in a luxurious, relaxing boutique environment.

Location: 70 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590