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Lip Flip vs. Lip Filler: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?
Enhancing the lips has become one of the most requested aesthetic treatments in Toronto, but not every patient wants — or needs — lip filler to achieve their desired look. Two popular options at MD Skin Lab are Lip Filler and the Lip Flip. Although they both enhance the lips, they work in completely different ways, as one uses dermal fillers and the other uses Botox, a neuromodulator.
To help you understand which treatment aligns best with your anatomy and goals, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that breaks down the differences, benefits, timelines, and who is an ideal candidate for each option.
As always, treatments at MD Skin Lab are performed by physician injectors with a focus on achieving natural, balanced results. Let’s get into it!
What Is the Lip Flip?
The Lip Flip is a subtle enhancement using Botox, injected into the orbicularis oris muscle, the muscle surrounding the mouth. Instead of adding volume, a Lip Flip relaxes this muscle just enough to allow the upper lip to gently “flip” outward and upward. The result is the appearance of a fuller upper lip without altering its actual size.
It is ideal for patients looking for soft definition, a more visible upper lip, and a natural-looking result.
What is Lip Filler?
Lip filler uses hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers to add volume, shape, structure, and hydration to the lips. When performed by skilled physician injectors, lip filler enhances the lips’ symmetry and proportions while still maintaining natural movement.
Lip filler is ideal for patients seeking visible plumping, restoration of lost volume, or enhancement of lip borders, definition, and softness.
How Do a Lip Flip and Lip Filler Work Differently?
Patients often ask, “Are lip fillers and lip flip the same thing?” The answer is no — they work through entirely different mechanisms.
Lip Flip: Muscle Relaxation
Botox relaxes a portion of the muscle above the lip, allowing it to roll slightly outward. No volume is added. Instead, the muscle's tension is softened to create the illusion of a fuller lip.
Lip Filler: Volume Addition
Hyaluronic acid fillers physically add structure and fullness to the lips. The injector shapes, hydrates, and builds the lip to your desired aesthetic.
Both can enhance the lips, but they achieve this through distinct methods: one through relaxation, and the other through augmentation.
What Concerns Does a Lip Flip Treat?
A Lip Flip is perfect for patients who want a small, refined change. It helps with:
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A disappearing top lip when smiling
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A thin upper lip that needs a slight outward curl
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A gummy smile
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Subtle enhancement without volume
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A more defined cupid’s bow
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A natural result without the look of “filler”
It is also a great option if you want enhancement with minimal downtime or commitment.
What Concerns Does Lip Filler Treat?
Lip filler is ideal when a patient wants more structural changes to the lips, such as:
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Adding volume
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Correcting asymmetry
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Softening lines on or around the lips
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Enhancing hydration
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Restoring age-related volume loss
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Defining the lip borders
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Creating a poutier or more balanced lip shape
Lip filler can be extremely subtle or more noticeable — the approach at MD Skin Lab is personalized to align with your aesthetic preferences.
Which One Looks More Natural?
Both treatments can look natural when performed by experienced physician injectors. However:
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A Lip Flip always produces a subtle, naturally enhanced look.
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Lip Filler can look natural or more dramatic, depending on your desired outcome.
If you want something barely noticeable but still flattering, a Lip Flip is often the better choice. If you want fuller lips that still fit your facial proportions, lip filler is the way to go.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Flip?
A Lip Flip is best suited for:
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Patients wanting a slight boost without added volume
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Individuals with a “tucked-in” upper lip
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Those who lose their upper lip when smiling
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Patients who wish to reduce a gummy smile
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Those new to lip treatments and wanting a low-commitment option
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Patients who are not ready for filler but want enhanced definition
Your physician injector will evaluate your anatomy to determine if muscle relaxation will create the desired look.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Filler?
Lip filler is best for patients who want structural or volumetric enhancement, such as:
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Thin lips (naturally or from aging)
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Desire for balanced proportions
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Asymmetry between the left and right sides
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Definition of the vermillion border
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Hydration and smoothing
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More noticeable fullness
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Restoring volume loss
Not everyone is a candidate for aggressive volume. MD Skin Lab physicians take an anatomy-first approach to avoid overfilling and maintain your natural beauty.
Can I Do Both a Lip Flip and Lip Filler?
Yes, and many patients choose this combined treatment. The Lip Flip enhances the natural curl of the lip, while filler adds structure and hydration. When combined correctly, this approach creates a balanced, soft, plump appearance without looking overdone.
Your physician injector will determine whether combining both will support your goals or whether one treatment alone is more suitable.
How Long Does Each Treatment Last?
Lip Flip: Typically lasts 6–8 weeks, depending on how quickly your body metabolizes neuromodulators.
Lip Filler: Generally lasts 6–12 months, depending on:
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Filler type
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Patient metabolism
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Movement of the lips
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Lifestyle factors
Your physician injector will recommend the best filler for your goals and explain expected longevity.
Which Treatment Has More Downtime?
Lip Flip: Minimal to none. Some patients see slight lip heaviness for a few days, which resolves quickly.
Lip Filler: You may experience swelling and mild bruising for 1–5 days after treatment, which is completely normal. Final results will settle in 2 weeks.
Is One Option Safer?
Both treatments are very safe when performed by trained physician injectors using advanced anatomical knowledge. Lip filler requires more technical skill, especially when ensuring proper placement and avoiding migration — which is why MD Skin Lab prioritizes physician-led injections.
Your safety is always our highest priority!
What If I Don’t Like the Results?
Lip Flip: Since results are temporary and subtle, they fade naturally in a short timeframe.
Lip Filler: If needed, hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase for a full reset.
Patients appreciate that both treatments are reversible or temporary, depending on the option chosen.
Which Is Right for Me?
Here’s a helpful way to think about it:
Choose a Lip Flip if you want:
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Subtle enhancement
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A more visible upper lip
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A natural curl rather than volume
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Small corrections without plumping
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A beginner-friendly treatment
Choose Lip Filler if you want:
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Noticeably fuller lips
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Increased definition
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Better lip symmetry
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Hydration and smoothing
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Long-lasting results
The best way to know for sure is through a physician-led consultation, as your anatomy and goals determine which option is the best and safest choice.
Why Choose MD Skin Lab for Lip Enhancements?
MD Skin Lab is known for natural, balanced cosmetic enhancements. All injectables are performed by skilled physician injectors with extensive expertise in lip anatomy, product selection, and safe injection techniques. We never overfill. We never rush. We prioritize results that age beautifully and support your long-term lip health.
We invite you to book an appointment with our physician injectors at MD Skin Lab in Toronto. Together, we’ll design a safe, personalized lip treatment plan that enhances your natural features with confidence and precision.