Lip filler uses a soft hyaluronic acid gel made for the lips to restore definition, hydration and balance. Depending on what the lips need, treatment can focus on the border, the cupid's bow, the body of the lip or the corners of the mouth. The goal is proportion with the rest of the face, not size. Results are visible at once, settle within two weeks and usually last 6–9 months; hyaluronic acid can be dissolved if needed.
Medically reviewed: Dr. Ayhan Yener ·
Who it suits
- Thin or thinning lips
- An uneven upper and lower lip
- A lip border that has lost definition
- Fine vertical lines above the lip
- Downturned mouth corners
How the appointment runs
- 1
Proportion analysis
Upper-to-lower lip ratio, symmetry and the shape of your smile are assessed at rest and in motion.
- 2
Numbing
Numbing cream is applied; the filler itself also contains lidocaine.
- 3
Injection
Small amounts are placed at the border, cupid's bow or body of the lip with a fine needle or cannula.
- 4
Review
At two weeks, once swelling has settled, the shape and symmetry are checked and refined if needed.
Aftercare
- Avoid lipstick, kissing and hot drinks for 24 hours
- Skip sauna and intense exercise for 24 hours
- Use cold compresses for swelling
- Tell us in advance if you get cold sores; preventive treatment may be advised
Risks and side effects
Swelling, tenderness and small bruises are common and temporary. Small lumps usually settle or can be dissolved. Cold sores can be triggered in people prone to them. Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel; this is a medical emergency treated immediately with hyaluronidase, and careful technique and anatomical knowledge reduce the risk.
Questions about this treatment
Will my lips look fake?
Not with small, staged amounts matched to your face. Many patients want definition and hydration rather than size.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream and the lidocaine in the filler keep it tolerable. Most people describe pressure more than pain.
How long does the swelling last?
Most swelling settles in 2–3 days. The final shape is judged at the two-week review.