Lip flip vs lip filler: which one is right for me?

A lip flip relaxes the muscle above your upper lip so the lip rolls out slightly and shows more at rest. It doesn't add volume. Lip filler adds hyaluronic acid to the lip itself, so it can change hydration, shape and volume, and it usually lasts longer. At Clinique Le RoseWood on Nuns' Island, Montreal, a lip flip is $150 + tax and lip filler starts at $400 + tax (October 2026).

What's the actual difference between a lip flip and lip filler?

They work in completely different ways, which is why they give different results.

A lip flip uses a small amount of neuromodulator injected along the upper lip border. It relaxes part of the muscle that circles the mouth, so the upper lip turns out a little. You see more of the pink part of the lip, especially when you smile, but there's no extra volume in the lip.

Lip filler is a hyaluronic acid gel placed in the lip. It can hydrate the lip, sharpen the border, balance the upper and lower lip or add fullness. Both lips can be treated.

Who is a lip flip a good fit for?

A lip flip is often a good match if:

• your upper lip seems to disappear or "roll in" when you smile
• you like the size of your lips and just want the upper lip to show a bit more
• you're curious about a fuller look but not ready for filler
• you want something subtle and short-term, for example to see how you feel about it

It's a small, quick treatment. Because it only relaxes the muscle, the change is softer than filler, and some people find it too subtle for what they had in mind. That's normal, and it's good to know before you book.

Who is lip filler a better fit for?

Filler is usually the better choice if:

• your lips feel thin or dry and you want more hydration
• you want a more defined border or a clearer cupid's bow
• your upper and lower lip are out of balance, or one side is fuller than the other
• you've lost some volume over time

If your goal involves your lower lip, or actual fullness, a lip flip can't do that on its own. Filler can.

How long does each one last?

A lip flip is the shorter one. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says results with a neuromodulator typically last between two and three months (ASPS), and Cleveland Clinic gives a range of two to five months (Cleveland Clinic).

Lip filler usually lasts longer. How long depends on the product, the amount, your metabolism and how much your lips move. Our hyaluronic acid fillers page lists maintenance roughly every 6 to 9 months depending on the area. Everyone is different, so think of these as ranges, not promises.

What does recovery look like for each?

With a lip flip, there's usually very little to see afterwards. Some people notice mild swelling or a small bruise. While it's active, it can cause some weakness around the mouth, so things like smiling or using a straw may feel a little different, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). It wears off as the treatment does.

With lip filler, swelling is more noticeable for the first 24 to 48 hours, and it usually settles over the first week. We assess the final result at about two weeks. There's a day-by-day guide in our Journal: lip filler healing, what to expect.

For both treatments, book at least two weeks before a wedding, photos or a big event.

Can I get both a lip flip and lip filler?

Yes, some people combine them. The filler gives hydration and shape, and the flip lets the upper lip show a bit more. Whether that makes sense for you, and in what order, is something we decide at your consultation. Sometimes one of them alone is enough.

What does each one cost in Montreal?

At Le RoseWood, as of October 2026:

• Lip flip: $150
• Lip hydration (0.5 mL filler): $400
• Lip enhancement (1 mL filler): $550
• Nurse consultation: free with all treatments

If it's your first time at the clinic and you don't already have a prescription, there's a $150 physician consultation fee when your treatment is under $400. At $400 or more, the clinic covers it. So a first-time lip flip on its own comes to $150 plus the $150 consultation, while lip filler clients don't pay the fee. Booking requires a $60 + tax deposit, which goes toward your treatment and can be refunded or moved with at least 48 hours' notice. The full price breakdown is in our post on how much lip filler costs in Montreal, and everything else is on the price list.

The cheaper option isn't always the better deal. If what you want is volume, a lip flip won't give it to you, and you'd end up paying for a treatment that doesn't match your goal.

Is either one safe?

Both are medical treatments with risks, and we go over them with you before anything is done. For filler, common effects are swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary unevenness, and rare but serious complications can happen, like a blocked blood vessel. For a lip flip, the main thing people notice is that temporary change in how the mouth moves. More detail on filler risks and warning signs is on our lip filler page.

At Le RoseWood, both treatments are done by me under the medical direction of a physician, after a review of your health history. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active cold sore, or take certain medications, we may suggest waiting.

Not sure which one you need?

That's what the consultation is for. You don't need to arrive knowing the answer. Tell me what bothers you when you look at your lips, show me photos if you have them, and we'll figure out together whether a flip, filler, both, or nothing at all makes sense. The clinic is at 108 Chemin de la Pointe N, Nuns' Island, Montreal, with free parking behind the building. Book a consultation or see our Nuns' Island, Montreal page for directions.