Lip Contouring techniques
Different lip contouring techniques are available :
• Simple lip contouring.
• Lip contouring and vermilion volumising.
• Cupid’s bow contouring.
• Philtrum contouring.
• Philtrum and Cupid’s bow contouring.
Simple lip contouring
Lip contouring uses hyaluronic acid injections to redefine natural borders. A round-tipped cannula treats the vermilion border (lip contour), providing a gentle approach that is less invasive than conventional needles. The aim is better definition, corrected irregularities and stronger lip structure while preserving natural shape.
Which concern is treated ?
Lip contouring corrects :
• Blurred or uneven borders, often caused by ageing or environmental factors.
• Radial lines around lips caused by reduced skin elasticity.
• Lip asymmetry, whether genetic or injury-related.
• Lips lacking freshness or volume when the patient does not request a very visible change.
What happens during the session
The procedure follows a gentle, precise approach.
After an initial assessment and information consultation, Dr Romano performs injections.
A fine needle creates an entry point around 1 mm from the mouth corner to insert a cannula into subcutaneous layers, minimising tissue trauma and bruising risk.
A small amount of hyaluronic acid is injected while gently advancing the cannula, using anterograde injection to benefit from lidocaine’s anaesthetic effect.
Product is then distributed through retrograde injection as the cannula withdraws, evenly along the lip border to the Cupid’s bow.
Finally, gentle massage distributes product and smooths any irregularities for a natural, even result.
Who is this procedure indicated for ?
Lip contouring is recommended for :
• Patients seeking subtle enhancement without changing natural lip shape.
• Patients concerned about radial lines who want firmer, smoother borders.
• Young adults motivated by trends such as selfies, wishing to avoid shadows or wrinkles visible in photographs.
• Patients taking a preventive approach to ageing.
What causes the concern being treated ?
Lip contour changes may be caused by :
• Natural ageing, with declining collagen and elasticity.
• Environmental factors such as sun exposure or smoking that accelerate skin ageing.
• Genetics.
• Repeated movements such as pursing the lips.
Why choose this method ?
Benefits of hyaluronic acid lip contouring are :
• A gentle approach with a blunt cannula, reducing pain and bruising risk.
• Personalised treatment for each patient’s needs.
• A preventive and corrective method for all ages.
• Natural, subtle results.
Lip contouring and vermilion volumising
Lip contouring injects hyaluronic acid to reshape the natural contour, known as the vermilion border. It corrects irregularities, restores faded borders and improves definition while maintaining a natural appearance. Targeting strategic border areas also reduces perioral fine lines and adds freshness and subtle volume without changing original lip shape.
Which concern is treated ?
Lip contouring corrects :
• Blurred or uneven contours related to ageing or genetics.
• Perioral fine lines, often caused by declining collagen or habits such as smoking.
• Border asymmetry due to natural causes or previous injections.
• Poor Cupid’s bow definition, which can be subtly enhanced.
What happens during the session
Lip contouring must be precise to ensure natural, harmonious results.
Dr Romano first performs a personalised assessment, examining lip shape and identifying areas needing improvement or correction.
Injection points are marked. The contour is divided into quadrants, with 2 to 3 segments per quadrant according to lip length.
A fine needle injects hyaluronic acid using a linear retrograde technique.
Injections may start at the corners towards the Cupid’s bow or centrally outwards, depending on Dr Romano’s assessment.
Product is placed subdermally to reshape borders, add slight vermilion volume and treat surrounding fine lines.
Finally, the doctor adjusts product quantity and placement for perfect definition.
Who is this procedure indicated for ?
This method suits :
• Patients with age-related border atrophy (blurred or uneven contours).
• Patients wanting subtle enhancement of young, full lips.
• Patients seeking shape reconstruction to correct asymmetry or mild deformities.
• Preventive treatment to maintain definition and slow ageing effects.
What causes the concern being treated ?
Lip contour changes may relate to several factors :
• Ageing : natural collagen and elastin decline reduces definition.
• Hormonal factors : particularly declining oestrogen in women.
• Harmful habits : smoking or excessive sun exposure accelerating skin ageing.
• Genetics.
Why choose this method ?
Lip redefinition provides elegant, refined enhancement. Benefits are :
• Gentle, precise technique for natural, subtle results.
• Discreet improvement, ideal for a subtle, harmonious effect.
• Quick, safe treatment using a biocompatible, absorbable product.
• An ideal solution to correct imperfections while preserving facial balance.
Cupid’s bow contouring
Cupid’s bow reshaping injects hyaluronic acid to redefine and accentuate the distinctive area between the upper lip’s two peaks. It can correct irregularities, restore volume or reshape the bow.
This subtly enhances lip expression and sensuality.
Which concern is treated ?
This technique treats :
• Lost Cupid’s bow definition due to ageing or skin damage (herpes, sun exposure, etc.).
• A flattened or asymmetrical bow affecting natural lip aesthetics.
• An overly pronounced bow : it can be softened.
• Insufficient upper lip volume or an indistinct border.
What happens during the session
Cupid’s bow reshaping requires meticulous precision.
During consultation, Dr Romano assesses the face and natural bow shape, identifying areas to correct or accentuate.
The procedure can be combined with philtrum injections to reinforce vertical lip structure.
After disinfection, a fine needle (27 to 30G) injects hyaluronic acid into the vermilion border. Product is placed subdermally from the bow’s highest point to the central dip or in the opposite direction. Gentle massage evenly distributes product and avoids overcorrection.
Shape and volume are adjusted for a natural, symmetrical result perfectly suited to the patient’s face.
What causes the concern being treated ?
Cupid’s bow changes may relate to :
• Natural ageing : loss of collagen and elastin softens upper lip contours.
• Skin damage : particularly herpes or prolonged sun exposure (actinic damage).
• Genetics : some people naturally have an indistinct bow.
• Upper lip trauma or scarring.
Why choose this method ?
Cupid’s bow reshaping with hyaluronic acid has the following benefits :
• Natural, subtle results harmonious with facial features.
• Precise improvement with biocompatible products such as hyaluronic acid.
• A quick, non-invasive procedure without social downtime.
• Complete adaptability to accentuate, correct or soften the bow as needed.
Philtrum contouring
Philtrum contouring injects hyaluronic acid to redefine and accentuate the philtral ridges between nose and upper lip. These two vertical lines from the medial nostril edges to the Cupid’s bow are essential to facial aesthetics, giving the upper lip an elegant, sensual and well-defined shape. Injections restore or enhance the philtrum naturally and harmoniously.
Which concern is treated ?
This technique corrects or improves :
• Age-related loss of philtral ridge definition.
• An indistinct philtrum in young adults seeking subtle enhancement.
• Faded or asymmetrical philtral contours affecting natural lip appearance.
• Sun damage (actinic damage) or reduced elasticity.
What happens during the session
Philtrum reshaping must be performed by an experienced doctor.
During consultation, Dr Romano assesses philtral anatomy.
After disinfection, the upper lip is divided into segments for symmetrical, targeted treatment. A fine needle injects hyaluronic acid using a retrograde technique from the nostril base to the Cupid’s bow peak. Philtral ridges are traced from medial nostril edges to the upper lip curve. Product is placed at the junction between skin and vermilion for natural definition.
Gentle shaping distributes it evenly for smooth, harmonious contours.
Who is this procedure indicated for ?
Philtrum contouring particularly suits :
• Patients who have lost natural philtral definition, often through ageing.
• Young adults with an indistinct philtrum seeking enhancement.
• Patients wanting to rebalance philtral asymmetry.
• Patients seeking natural, subtle results.
What causes the concern being treated ?
The main causes of philtral changes are :
• Ageing : declining collagen and subcutaneous tissue thickness flatten the ridges.
• Actinic damage : prolonged sun exposure weakens skin.
• Genetics.
• Reduced skin elasticity due to ageing or environmental factors.
Why choose this method ?
This technique offers :
• Natural, subtle results : enhancing lips without transforming them.
• A quick, minimally invasive procedure without social downtime.
• Suitability for all ages, to restore or enhance philtral contours.
• A risk-free technique when performed by an experienced doctor.
Philtrum and Cupid’s bow contouring
Combined Cupid’s bow and philtrum reshaping redefines the bow peaks and philtral ridges to enhance the upper lip. Highly precise, targeted hyaluronic acid injections subtly lift its contour, providing an elegant, natural finish to this anatomically important area and definition to a flat or indistinct upper lip.
Which concern is treated ?
This technique targets :
• Loss of bow and philtral ridge definition, mainly related to ageing.
• A flat or poorly structured upper lip due to genetics or age-related anatomical changes.
• Aesthetic imbalance between philtrum and Cupid’s bow.
• A blurred or asymmetrical upper lip contour.
What happens during the session
Combined reshaping requires meticulous work for natural, harmonious results.
Dr Romano examines lip anatomy to identify areas needing improvement.
Philtral lines and bow peaks are assessed and marked for perfect symmetry.
After disinfection, a fine needle injects hyaluronic acid into the dermis.
Product is placed directly in the bow peaks and along the philtral ridges, from medial nostril edges to the upper lip curve.
Gentle massage distributes it evenly and creates natural transitions between treated areas.
Who is this procedure indicated for ?
This method is ideal for :
• Patients with age-related loss of upper lip contour definition.
• Patients with an indistinct bow or philtrum seeking enhancement.
• Patients wanting subtle, natural improvement without excessive lip volume.
What causes the concern being treated ?
Cupid’s bow and philtrum changes may result from :
• Natural ageing : declining collagen and elastin cause sagging or flattening.
• Environmental damage : particularly sun exposure or smoking accelerating skin ageing.
• Genetics : some patients naturally have indistinct lip contours.
• Trauma or scarring altering upper lip structure.
Why choose this method ?
Combined Cupid’s bow and philtrum reshaping with hyaluronic acid is an effective, safe solution to enhance the smile and lips. Benefits are :
• Natural, elegant results.
• A quick, non-invasive procedure without social downtime.
• A customisable technique adapted to each patient’s needs and wishes.
Lip contouring : what is the price ?
What is the price of hyaluronic acid injections for lip contouring ? One syringe generally suffices to reshape borders harmoniously. Priced at 650 CHF, this includes consultation, injections and follow-up if needed. Price remains fixed regardless of technique.
What is the difference between lip augmentation and contour enhancement ?
Lip augmentation injects hyaluronic acid to add volume and fullness. Contour enhancement focuses on border definition, reshaping the Cupid’s bow and corners without necessarily increasing overall volume.
Can injections change Cupid’s bow definition ?
Yes, hyaluronic acid injections reshape and improve definition. A precise, adapted technique creates a sharper, more elegant border while maintaining a natural result harmonious with facial shape.
Why do some lips lose definition with age ?
Collagen and elastin production declines with age, reducing firmness and volume. Borders become less sharp and fine lines may develop. Lost hydration and repeated external exposure (sun, smoking) also accentuate this.
What is the best anti-wrinkle care for lip contours ?
Effective anti-wrinkle care should contain hydrating, regenerative ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol or peptides. Regular use of a specific serum or cream with sun protection helps prevent and reduce fine lines.
Is lip contouring suitable for people who do not want increased volume ?
Yes, it is ideal for redefining borders without adding volume. It corrects asymmetry, improves definition and gives lips a younger, more refined appearance while preserving natural shape.
