Lip filler vs Lip flip. What is the difference and which one is right for you?

Lip filler vs Lip flip.

Lip enhancement treatments have become incredibly popular across Hertfordshire, but one question we are getting asked almost daily in clinic is: what’s the difference between lip filler and a lip flip? They may sound similar, but they work in very different ways, and choosing the right one can make all the difference to your final result.

Let us explain it to you clearly, so you can make an informed, confident decision.

What is lip filler?

Lip filler, also called lip augmentation, is a treatment where we inject hyaluronic acid dermal filler into the lips.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body. Filler contains cross linked HA which stays in gel form for longer and doesn’t disperse. It is perfect for adding volume to create results that look soft, hydrated and natural.

Lip filler adds volume to the lips, improves shape and symmetry, enhances definition and creates moisturised, younger looking lips.

One of the biggest advantages of lip filler is that it can be customised. If you want a very subtle enhancement or more noticeable fullness that is possible.

 

How long does lip filler last?

Usually around 12 months, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.

 

What is a lip flip?

A lip flip is a non surgical treatment that very subtly enhances the look of the upper lip, but without adding any volume. Instead of filler, a small amount of anti-wrinkle treatment is injected into the muscle above the upper lip. This relaxes the muscle, making the lip slightly roll outward.

A lip flip doesn’t physically increase lip size, it makes the upper lip more visible, creates the illusion of fullness rather than actual volume, but is very limited in customisation as it relaxes the muscle not actually inserting anything inside like the filler.

It can be helpful for people with a strong muscle pull or those who want help with smoker’s lines (the same muscle that pulls lips inward is responsible for these little lines around your lips).

 

How long does a lip flip last?

Results last up to 3 months.

Lip filler vs lip flip differences

• Lip filler adds volume, shape and structure
• Lip flip relaxes the muscle to make the upper lip show more, without volume
• A lip flip cannot reshape the lips or significantly enhance symmetry, where lip filler gives far more control over the final look.

 

Which one is better for small or thin lips?

A common misconception is that thin or small lips aren’t suitable for enhancement, or that filler will look obvious or “wrong”.

That simply isn’t true. Beauty isn’t defined by lip size. Smaller lips have their own elegance, and often just a subtle adjustment to shape or balance can make a beautiful difference.

For thinner lips, technique is everything.

We usually recommend first to relax the muscle with the lip flip, and then inject them gradually, often using the russian lip technique, which lifts and shapes rather than overfills.

Our approach also reduces the risk of filler migration. Filler migration happens when we don’t relax the muscle first, or too much product is injected at once, causing filler to move beyond the lip borders into surrounding tissue. This can result in a puffy, shapeless or unnatural look, something we are very careful to avoid at Beauty Bar.

 

The magic of lip filler for thin lips

Lip filler can be genuinely transformative for small lips. Many clients tell us they’ve felt self conscious for years, only to find out that a well planned, subtle enhancement makes them feel more confident and not overdone.

Cosmetic enhancement, when done correctly, is about improving what you have, not changing who you are.

What to consider when enhancing thin lips?

• The most important rule? Go slowly. Start with a lip flip and build volume in stages.
• Avoid trying to achieve a final result in one appointment and focus on balance, not size.
• Thin lips often have a strong surrounding muscle that pulls the lips inward. In these cases, filler alone can sometimes be pushed back internally over time.

To get the best and longest lasting natural result, we may recommend relaxing the muscle first, to let the filler settle beautifully and remain stable.

 

Which treatment is right for you?

If you want:

• Fuller lips
• Improved shape or symmetry
• Long-lasting results

Lip filler is usually the best option.

If you want:

• A very subtle enhancement
• No added volume
• A short-term result

A lip flip may be suitable.

A professional consultation is always available in our beauty salon to help you determine what will work best for your anatomy and goals.

Choosing the right treatment, and the right technique, is the key to natural, confident results that enhance rather than overpower your features.

At Beauty Bar in Hertfordshire we welcome clients from Hertfordshire including towns and villages like Ware, Hertford, Hoddesdon, Bengeo, Nazeing, Standon, Buntingford, Puckeridge, Royston, Harlow, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Cheshunt and Broxbourne. Book your appointment today.