The Lip Filler Guide: Process, Techniques and Common Questions

Lip filler is one of the most widely performed aesthetic treatments in the world. But the result depends as much on the practitioner's command of facial analysis and their restraint as it does on the product used. In this guide we have gathered the questions most often asked about lip filler, answered with our clinic's approach.

What is lip filler?

Lip filler is the controlled application of gel-textured products containing hyaluronic acid into the lip tissue. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body; because it holds water, it gives the lips both volume and hydration. The aim is not simply to enlarge the lips, but to correct proportions, define the contour and balance any asymmetry.

How does the treatment work?

First a lip analysis is carried out: the ratio between the upper and lower lip, the shape of the cupid's bow, the direction of the lip corners and the overall balance of the face. The amount and technique are then decided. A surface numbing cream is applied beforehand and left to take effect. The application itself usually takes 15-20 minutes; with preparation the whole visit is about 30-40 minutes.

Does it hurt?

The lips are one of the more sensitive areas of the body, but thanks to numbing cream and fillers containing lidocaine, the treatment is comfortably tolerated by most people. What you feel is usually mild pressure and a slight sting. Additional measures can be taken for those with a low pain threshold.

How long does it last?

On average 8-12 months. This depends on the density of the product used, the amount applied, your metabolism and your lifestyle. Filler tends to break down faster in people with a fast metabolism, in smokers and in very active people; with regular repeat treatments after the first application, longevity usually increases.

What is the difference between Russian and Italian lips?

Both use hyaluronic acid; the difference is in the technique. In the Russian technique the filler is placed vertically, in small amounts, from the centre of the lip outwards. The lip opens upwards without spreading sideways, the cupid's bow becomes more defined and the look is more lifted. In the Italian technique the volume is distributed more evenly; the result is rounded, soft and extremely natural. Which one suits you depends on your lip structure and what you want.

Are swelling and bruising normal?

Yes — some swelling in the first 24-48 hours is expected and usually subsides noticeably within 2-3 days. Small bruises can occur and fade within a few days. Applying ice on the first day helps reduce swelling.

When does the final result appear?

The filler usually takes about two weeks to settle fully and show its final appearance. For that reason it is important not to judge by how the lips look immediately after the treatment. If a fine adjustment is needed, it is made at the two-week check.

What should you be careful about afterwards?

For the first 24 hours we advise not massaging the lips, avoiding very hot food and drink, and staying away from the sauna, hamam, pool and sea. It is best not to do intense exercise the same day, and makeup is also better avoided during this period. Advice specific to you is explained one by one after the treatment.

Can filler be reversed?

This is a significant advantage of hyaluronic-acid-based fillers: when necessary they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. If you are not happy with the result, or if something unexpected occurs, the treatment can be reversed. Permanent fillers offer no such option, which is why they are not used at our clinic.

Who is it not suitable for?

It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, when there is an active infection at the treatment site (a cold sore, for example), in uncontrolled autoimmune conditions, or where there is a known allergy to the ingredients. This is why your medical history is always reviewed at the first consultation.

What determines the price?

The main factors are the brand and quality of the product used, the amount applied (usually measured in millilitres) and the experience of the person performing the treatment. Where an offer is markedly below the market average, the quality of the product and the conditions of the application should be questioned. The exact price is shared at the consultation, once your needs have been assessed.

The single most important factor for a natural result

In one word: restraint. The most common mistake in lip filler is applying too much in a single session. The key to a natural result is respecting the lip's own shape and, where needed, spreading the volume across sessions. A good treatment is one where nobody asks whether you have had something done — they only notice that you look more rested.