Lip filler
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