Lip filler 2026: The complete special guide
Lip augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments. This guide gives you everything you need for successful, natural results.
Anatomy of the lips
Structural structure:
Upper lip: Philtrum, Cupid's bow, tuberculum, white roll
Lower lip: Usually more voluminous, two symmetrical bulges
Ideal proportions: Ratio of upper to lower lip 1:1.6 (golden ratio)
Vascular supply:
- Superior/inferior labial artery: 3-4mm behind Vermillion
- Risk: Intravascular injection may cause necrosis
The best fillers for lips
1. Juvéderm Volbella – The lip specialist
- Vycross technology, low viscosity
- Very low tendency to swelling
- Shelf life: 9-12 months
- Juvéderm Volbella Lidocaine 2 x 1 ml
- Ideal for: Natural augmentation, initial treatments
2. Restylane Kysse – For natural movement
- OBT technology for lip movement
- Natural softness
- Shelf life: 9-12 months
- Restylane Kysse Lidocaine 1 x 1 ml
- Ideal for: Volume with a soft feel
3. Juvéderm Ultra Smile – For contour
- Medium viscosity
- Juvéderm Ultra Smile 2 x 0.55 ml
- Ideal for: White Roll, Cupid Bow
Other products:
- Juvederm Ultra 3 – More volume
- Restylane Lidocaine – Classic
- Restylane Refyne – Natural movement
Product comparison
| product | Viscosity | Best application | swelling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volbella | Low | Natural augmentation | Very low |
| Kysse | Low-Medium | Volume + movement | Low |
| Ultra Smile | Means | contouring | Moderate |
Injection techniques
Basic principles:
- Less is more – dose conservatively
- Build up in layers
- Continuously check symmetry
- Inject slowly (max. 0.05 ml/sec)
1. Linear threading
Application: Volume building
- Insert needle horizontally
- Inject continuously while withdrawing
- 3-4 threads per lip
2. Serial Puncture
Application: Contouring, White Roll
- Several small depots (0.01-0.02 ml)
- Distance 2-3mm
- Precise contouring
3. Tenting Technique
Application: Cupid's arch, tubercle
- Insert needle vertically
- Small depots for projection
4. Blunt cannula
Advantages: Minimal bruising, safer
- One puncture point per lip
- 25G or 27G cannula
Treatment protocol
Preparation:
- Photo documentation (frontal, profile, 45°)
- Discuss patient wishes
- Mark asymmetries
- Disinfection
- Topical anesthesia 20-30 min.
Injection order:
- Define white roll/contour
- Emphasize Cupid's bow
- Upper lip volume (2-3 threads)
- Lower lip volume (2-3 threads)
- Symmetry correction
- Optional: tubercle
Aftercare:
- Gentle massage
- Symmetry check
- Cooling 10-15 minutes
- Photo documentation
Dosage
Natural augmentation:
- Upper lip: 0.3-0.5 ml
- Lower lip: 0.5-0.7 ml
- Total: 0.8-1.2ml
Moderate Augmentation:
- Upper lip: 0.5-0.8 ml
- Lower lip: 0.7-1.0 ml
- Total: 1.2-1.8ml
Significant augmentation:
- Upper lip: 0.8-1.2 ml
- Lower lip: 1.0-1.5 ml
- Total: 1.8-2.7ml
Complication management
1. Swelling (very common)
Normal: 24-72 hours, maximum after 24-48 hours
Management: Cooling, keep your head elevated, arnica
2. Bruises
Prevention: Stop taking blood thinners, blunt cannula
Treatment: Arnica gel, vitamin K cream
3. Asymmetry
Management: Wait 2 weeks, then correct it
4. Tyndall effect
Cause: Injection too superficial
Treatment: Hyaluronidase 5-10 IU locally
5. Nodules
Treatment: Intensive massage, hyaluronidase 10-20 IU
6. Vascular occlusion (EMERGENCY!)
Symptoms: Immediate paleness, severe pain
Immediate measures:
- Stop injection immediately
- Inject hyaluronidase 150-300 IU immediately
- Massage vigorously
- Heat, aspirin 300mg
- Nitroglycerin paste topical
- If worsening: hospital
Prevention: Always aspirate, inject slowly, blunt cannula
Patient education
Avoid before treatment:
- Blood thinner 7 days before
- Alcohol 24 hours beforehand
- Dental treatment 2 weeks before
- Herpes prophylaxis if there is anamnesis (acyclovir)
After treatment avoid:
- 24h: No makeup, no kissing
- 48h: No sport, no alcohol
- 1 week: No sauna, no dental treatment
- 2 weeks: No facials
Expectations:
- Immediate effect visible (exaggerated by swelling)
- Maximum swelling after 24-48 hours
- After 2 weeks: Final result
- Shelf life: 9-12 months
Special scenarios
Asymmetry correction:
- Document pre-existing asymmetry
- Fill smaller page
- Proceed conservatively
Elderly patients:
- Compensate for volume loss
- Restore White Roll
- Treat perioral lines
- Dose conservatively
Men's lips:
- More subtle augmentation
- Focus on contour, not volume
- Ratio 1:1
- Maintain masculine proportions
Revision after overfilling:
- Hyaluronidase 50-100 IU per ml filler
- Wait 2-4 weeks
- Conservative new treatment
Costs
Patient prices (DACH region):
- Natural augmentation: €350-550
- Moderate augmentation: €450-700
- Significant augmentation: €600-900
- Contouring only: €300-450
FAQ
Which filler is best for lips?
Juvéderm Volbella or Restylane Kysse – both specially developed for lips with a low tendency to swelling.
How long do lip fillers last?
9-12 months. Lips have high movement, therefore shorter shelf life than other areas.
How many ml do you need?
For natural augmentation: 0.8-1.2 ml total. Start conservatively, better treat afterwards.
Does it hurt?
Well tolerated with lidocaine filler and topical anesthesia. Optional: Dental block for painless treatment.
How long does swelling last?
Maximum after 24-48 hours, 70-80% gone after 1 week, completely after 2 weeks.
Can it be dissolved?
Yes, completely soluble with hyaluronidase. Effect within 24-48 hours.
Conclusion
Successful lip augmentation requires:
- In-depth knowledge: Anatomy, vascular courses, proportions
- Precise technology: Correct depth, appropriate technique, conservative dosage
- Complication management: Prevention, quick recognition, immediate action
- Patient communication: Realistic expectations, thorough explanation
Recommended products at FitTec
- Juvéderm Volbella Lidocaine 2 x 1 ml – Natural lip specialist
- Restylane Kysse Lidocaine 1 x 1 ml – For natural movement
- Juvéderm Ultra Smile 2 x 0.55 ml – For perfect contour
- Juvederm Ultra 3 – For more volume
- Restylane Lidocaine – Proven classic
All products are original, certified and intended for professional medical use. Fast delivery and expert advice included.
Note: This article is intended solely for the information of healthcare professionals. All treatments should only be performed by qualified and licensed physicians. As of: January 2026