Lip augmentation has become an essential procedure in aesthetic-oriented medicine, particularly thanks to the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections in achieving plumper and well-defined lips. However, not all patients wish to undergo injections. Some prefer to explore alternative solutions, whether non-invasive or less long-lasting, but still capable of providing a similar effect.
This article offers an overview of the main alternatives to lip injections for those who are looking for different options.
Plumping glosses are a popular alternative for people seeking a discreet and temporary lip-volume effect. Enriched with active ingredients such as menthol, cinnamon or even capsaicin — a molecule derived from chili pepper — they stimulate local microcirculation, which induces slight swelling and a plumper appearance. Their main advantage lies in their ease of use : non-invasive, they can be applied in just a few seconds and provide a visible effect very quickly, usually within minutes.
However, this immediate benefit comes with an important limitation : their action is short-lived, lasting on average only one to two hours, requiring frequent reapplications to maintain the result. Moreover, unlike injections that allow precise volume adjustment based on the patient’s wishes, plumping glosses offer a standardized effect, without any real possibility of personalization.
Although this method is a quick and affordable solution, it cannot compete with the long-lasting and customized results of hyaluronic acid injections.
It is possible to obtain a gloss effect on the lips even through hyaluronic acid injection : visible hydration without volume.
Some claim that targeted lip exercises can slightly increase their volume and improve their firmness. These exercises usually involve stretching the lips, contracting them, then maintaining this tension for a few seconds, with the goal of toning the orbicular muscles surrounding the mouth and giving them a firmer appearance. This method, entirely natural and requiring no product, theoretically helps strengthen the muscular tone of the lips when practiced regularly. However, the results remain modest : these exercises cannot produce a volume comparable to that obtained from injections and require consistent practice to hope for an improvement, often a subtle one. Thus, although they may provide a slight gain in firmness, they offer only minimal volume enhancement, far from the immediate and much more pronounced effects provided by hyaluronic acid.
Makeup, notably thanks to contouring and highlighting techniques, can create the illusion of fuller lips. It generally involves slightly tracing beyond the natural lip line with a pencil to visually enlarge the shape, then applying a more matte lipstick to the center, combined with a brighter touch on the contours in order to give a volumizing effect. This approach, completely non-invasive, makes it possible to modify the appearance of the lips according to one’s preferences and to adjust the intensity of the result depending on the desired style. However, the effect remains temporary since it disappears as soon as the makeup is removed, and a certain level of skill is required to obtain a credible and harmonious result. Thus, while this technique constitutes an interesting solution for a particular occasion, it cannot compete with the longer-lasting and more pronounced result provided by injections.
The alternatives to lip injections, although they offer certain advantages, do not make it possible to obtain the same level of personalization, durability and immediate results as hyaluronic acid injections. It is therefore essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method before making an informed choice.
Thread lifts are an increasingly used technique in aesthetic-oriented medicine, particularly to lift and redefine certain areas of the face. Although more commonly used for the eyebrows or cheeks, thread lifts can also be applied to the lips to plump them and improve their contour. The threads are inserted under the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten the tissues.
The advantages are :
The disadvantages are :
Thread lifts are a good option for those who wish to improve the contour and firmness of the lips, but are not necessarily looking for a significant increase in volume. However, hyaluronic acid injections remain the preferred solution for a faster and more volumizing result.
Hyaluronic acid remains the preferred solution for achieving fuller lips, due to its versatility and proven effectiveness. Let’s compare this option with other less invasive or temporary methods.
Method | Longevity | Invasiveness | Volume effectiveness | Downtime |
Hyaluronic acid injections | 6–12 months | Minimal | Excellent | 1–2 days (mild swelling) |
Thread lifts | 6–12 months | Moderate | Moderate (contours) | A few days (redness, light bruising) |
Plumping glosses | 1–2 hours | None | Low | None |
Lip exercises | Uncertain results | None | Very low | None |
Lip makeup | A few hours | None | Low (visual illusion) | None |
Although hyaluronic acid injections are a quick and safe option, they still involve certain risks, such as bruising and swelling. Non-invasive alternatives, such as makeup or plumping glosses, present no risks, but they do not offer the same results nor the same durability.
The thread lifts can lead to complications, such as irregularities or temporary pain. The major drawback is the variability of the results. However, these risks are also low when the procedure is performed by an experienced physician.
The alternatives to lip injections, such as plumping gloss, makeup, exercises or even thread lifts, are temporary or less invasive solutions to improve the appearance of the lips. However, they do not manage to match the effectiveness, personalization and durability of the results obtained with hyaluronic acid.
For people looking for an immediate, adjustable and long-lasting solution, hyaluronic acid injections remain the best option. They make it possible to obtain a made-to-measure volume while respecting the harmony of the face. The alternatives can however be considered for those who want a temporary effect or who prefer to avoid injections.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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