Lip Filler vs. Lip Flip: Which Lip Treatment Is Right for You?

February is the month of love, and at Bare Beauty Aesthetics, we love helping clients feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in their own skin. When it comes to lips, two of the most popular treatments we offer are lip filler and lip flips. While they’re often grouped together, these treatments are very different in how they work, what they achieve, and who they’re best for.

If you’ve ever wondered which option is right for you, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in a clear, approachable way so you can choose the treatment that fits your goals, lifestyle, and comfort level.

Why Lip Treatments Are So Popular

Lips play a major role in facial balance and expression. Over time, lips can lose volume, definition, and hydration, even if the rest of your skin still feels youthful. Others simply want a bit more symmetry, rejuvenation, or softness.

Modern aesthetic lip treatments aren’t about dramatic change. They’re about enhancement; restoring what’s been lost or subtly highlighting what’s already there. The key is choosing the right approach.

What Is Lip Filler?

Lip filler is a gel-based injectable made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your skin that helps maintain hydration and volume. When placed carefully, filler can enhance and reshape the lips in a very natural, customizable way.

What Lip Filler Can Do

• Add volume to naturally thin lips

• Restore fullness lost with age

• Enhance lip shape and symmetry

• Improve hydration and smooth fine lines

• Define the lip border for a softer, polished look

  
  

Lip filler is ideal for clients who want actual volume, whether that’s a subtle boost or a more noticeable enhancement. The treatment is fully customizable, meaning you’re in control of how soft, full, or natural your lips look.

You may experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days, but most clients return to normal activities quickly. Results are visible immediately and continue to settle over the next one to two weeks.

Lip filler typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on the product used and how your body metabolizes it.

What Is a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a treatment that uses a small amount of tox (a neuromodulator) placed above the upper lip. Instead of adding volume, it relaxes the muscle that pulls the lip inward when you smile.

The result? Your upper lip gently rolls outward, making it appear slightly fuller and more visible.

What a Lip Flip Can Do

• Increase upper lip visibility when smiling

• Create a softer lip line

• Enhance lip shape without adding volume

• Provide a subtle, natural-looking change

  
  

Lip flips are perfect for clients who feel their top lip disappears when they smile or who want a very minimal enhancement.

A lip flip has little to no downtime, with results appearing gradually over about a week and feeling very natural. The results typically last 2–3 months, as the tox naturally wears off over time.

Lip Filler vs. Lip Flip: Key Differences

Lip filler and lip flips differ in how they work and the results they create. Lip filler adds actual volume to the lips using hyaluronic acid, making it ideal for those with naturally thin lips or anyone wanting fuller, more hydrated lips with enhanced shape and symmetry. It can be customized for both subtle and more noticeable results and typically lasts between six to twelve months. 

Lip flips, on the other hand, do not add volume. Instead, they use a small amount of tox to gently relax the muscle above the upper lip, allowing the lip to roll outward slightly. This creates a subtle enhancement that increases lip visibility, especially when smiling, and is best for clients who want minimal change. 

Common Questions We Hear

One of the most common concerns clients have is whether lip treatments will look “overdone.” The truth is, modern lip enhancements are all about technique and personalization. When performed by a skilled provider, both lip filler and lip flips can look incredibly natural and balanced with your facial features. At Bare Beauty Aesthetics, we focus on enhancing your natural lip shape rather than changing it completely.

Another frequent question is whether it hurts. The good news: both treatments are very manageable, and your comfort is always a priority. For lip filler, we use a dental block: a numbing technique that numbs the lips thoroughly, so you stay comfortable throughout treatment. Lip flips are quick and involve just a few small injections.

Clients also ask about recovery and aftercare. With lip filler, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising for a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and excessive heat for the first 24 hours to allow proper healing. Lip flips require minimal aftercare, though you may notice slight tightness or a different sensation when smiling during the first few days as the tox settles.

Can Lip Treatments Look Natural?

Absolutely. The goal of both treatments is subtle enhancement, not drastic change. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to feel more confident day to day, lip treatments should complement your features and feel like an elevated version of you.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose lip filler if you:

• Want fuller lips

• Have lost volume over time

• Want longer lasting results 

• Want to enhance both shape and hydration 

  
  

Choose a lip flip if you:

• Want a very subtle change

• Feel your upper lip disappears when smiling 

• Don’t want added volume 

• Want to test the waters before filler 

  
  

Some clients even choose both, using a small amount of filler for shape and hydration, paired with a lip flip for enhanced visibility. 

The Bare Beauty Approach to Lips 

At Bare Beauty Aesthetics, our philosophy is simple: natural always wins. 

We prioritize balance, facial harmony and results that feel like you, just refreshed. No two lips are the same, and not everyone has to choose the same treatments. Every appointment begins with a consultation to understand your goals, your comfort levels and what will give

you the most confidence. 

February Is the Perfect Time for Lip Love

With Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s celebrations, and self care top of mine, February is all about  embracing confidence and showing love. Whether you choose lip filler or a lip flip, the goal isn’t perfection, but feeling good when you smile, talk, and laugh. 

And with our February Lip Special, it’s a great time to explore your options. 

💋 February Lip Love Special: FREE lip flip with a 40+ units of tox.

✨ February Skincare Special: 27% off skincare products in honor of owner Kathleen’s birthday on the 27th!

Love Your Lips, Your Way

There’s no “right” choice, only the one that feels right for you. Lip filler and lip flips are both beautiful enhancements when used thoughtfully and intentionally. 

If you’re unsure which option fits your goals, we’re here to guide you. You should love your lips and your smile everyday.

Book your lip consultation at Bare Beauty Aesthetics and give your lips the love they deserve.

BOOK MY LIP APPOINTMENT