Lip design can take various forms, including adding fullness, filling thin areas, defining the lip border, lifting the mouth corners, or balancing the upper and lower lips. Before treatment, the doctor assesses the existing lip shape, facial structure, and individual preferences.
What is lip filler?
Lip filler involves injecting a filler into the lips to add or adjust volume and refine the shape of different parts of the lips.
Fillers commonly used in the lips are Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a water-retaining substance that can be designed for areas needing flexibility and movement, such as the lips.
The results and post-treatment lip shape depend on several factors, such as the original lip shape, filler amount, injection technique, and the properties of each filler formulation.
Highlights of the lip filler programme
- Helps add volume for fuller-looking lips
- Helps adjust upper and lower lip proportions
- Helps refine the lip border and Cupid’s bow
- Helps adjust areas that look thin or asymmetric
- Lip shapes can be designed to suit each face
- Details can be adjusted from a natural look to a more defined lip shape
What can lip filler improve?
Lip filler injections are not limited to making lips thicker; they can refine several areas, such as:
Adding lip volume
For people with relatively thin lips or those wanting fuller-looking lips.
Refining the Cupid’s bow
Helps add detail to the centre of the upper lip for a more dimensional lip shape.
Defining the lip border
Helps enhance definition in selected parts of the lip border.
Balancing the upper and lower lips
For people who feel that their upper and lower lip proportions differ significantly.
Adjusting the mouth corners
In some cases, the doctor may position filler to refine the mouth corners so they look more balanced with the lip shape.
Correcting lip asymmetry
If the left and right lips differ in shape or volume, an assessment can be made to improve their balance.
Who is lip filler suitable for?
The lip filler programme may be suitable for people who:
- Feel their lips are thin and want more volume
- Want to adjust their lip shape to better suit their face
- Want a more defined Cupid’s bow or lip border
- Have disproportionate upper and lower lips
- Have unequal sides of the lips
- Want to reshape their lips while retaining their own characteristics
- Have previously had lip filler and want an assessment for additional treatment
The doctor assesses the original lip shape, existing filler amount, and facial proportions before planning treatment.
What lip filler shapes are available?
A special technique exclusive to the ality clinic
Individually designed beautiful shapes to best suit each face
Examples of popular shapes
Natural Lips
Focuses on adding a moderate amount of volume, preserving the original lip shape, and achieving a natural-looking result.
Defined Lips
Focuses on more clearly defining the lip border, Cupid’s bow, and lip structure.
Plump Lips
Focuses on greater lip fullness and volume.
Cupid’s Bow
Focuses on the details of the Cupid’s bow at the centre of the upper lip.
Balanced Lips
Focuses on adjusting upper and lower lip proportions to balance the facial structure.
Lip shape names are only guides for communicating preferences. The actual shape should be designed around each person’s original lips.
How many cc of filler are needed?
The amount depends on the original lip shape and desired result.
Some cases may only need a little refinement, while others need added volume or adjustments to several areas at once, so the amount can differ.
The doctor assesses the appropriate amount beforehand. A large amount is not necessarily needed for a visible effect, because the shape and placement of filler also influence the result.
How do lip filler formulations differ?
Each formulation differs in gel properties, elasticity, firmness, and shape retention.
For the lips, the doctor selects filler by considering its texture together with the desired result, such as:
- A natural look and softness
- Added volume
- Refining the lip border
- Creating Cupid’s bow details
- A filler suited to areas with frequent movement
No single formulation therefore suits everyone. Selection should consider the lip shape and treatment plan for each case.
Steps in lip filler treatment
1. Consultation and lip assessment
The doctor assesses the original lip shape, facial proportions, filler history, and desired result.
2. Designing the shape
The locations and details to adjust are determined, such as volume, lip border, Cupid’s bow, or lip proportions.
3. Preparing the area before injection
The treatment area is cleaned and prepared to reduce discomfort according to the clinic’s procedures.
4. Injecting filler according to the assessed plan
The doctor gradually refines the shape at the planned locations.
5. Checking the shape after treatment
The doctor checks lip balance and provides aftercare advice.
How long does lip filler last?
The duration of results varies between individuals and depends on several factors, such as:
- Filler type and formulation
- Amount used
- Injection location and technique
- Lip movement
- Individual metabolism
- Aftercare
The lips move relatively frequently, so their volume may change over time.
Will there be swelling after lip filler injections?
Swelling, tightness, tenderness, or needle marks may occur at the injection site after treatment, especially initially.
Severity and duration vary between individuals, and the initial lip shape may not be the final appearance after the filler settles.
Monitor symptoms as advised by the doctor. If unusual symptoms occur, such as unusually severe pain, skin colour changes, or concerning symptoms, contact the clinic or seek medical attention immediately.
Preparing for lip filler injections
Before treatment, tell the doctor about:
- Underlying medical conditions
- Any history of drug allergies
- Current medicines and supplements
- Previous lip filler injections
- Previous filler dissolution
- Any history of infection or wounds around the lips
If there is a wound, inflammation, or infection in the treatment area, always inform the doctor for assessment beforehand.
Aftercare following lip filler injections
Follow the doctor’s and clinic’s instructions carefully after treatment. In general:
- Avoid pressing, massaging, or squeezing the injection area yourself
- Avoid intense heat initially
- Avoid activities that may impact or press on the lips
- Keep the treated area clean
- Drink enough water
- Take medicines only as advised by the doctor
- Watch for abnormal symptoms after treatment
Is downtime needed after lip filler?
Generally, daily life can resume after treatment, but some people may experience swelling, redness, needle marks, or bruising.
If you have an important event or activity, allow time for lip swelling to subside and the lips to settle beforehand.
Can more lip filler be added?
Additional filler can be assessed, but the doctor should first check the shape and existing filler.
Additional treatment should not be based on cc alone; the lip area, facial proportions, and remaining filler should be considered together.
Can lip filler be dissolved?
For Hyaluronic Acid filler, the enzyme Hyaluronidase can help dissolve the filler when the doctor determines that there is an indication.
Filler dissolution should be performed by a doctor after assessing the existing filler and the area requiring correction.
Which lip shape should I choose?
Lip shape should not be selected from reference images alone because each person’s lip structure and facial proportions differ.
An appropriate approach is to bring an image of a shape you like as a Reference, then let the doctor assess which elements can be adapted to your original lips.
The goal therefore does not have to be reproducing the reference image entirely, but designing a shape suited to each face.