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The gloss effect is a lip injection technique performed to hydrate the lips without adding volume. The goal is to treat chapped lips, prevent dryness, and create a plump effect, making them more attractive. Lip dehydration is a fairly common reason for consultation and is not necessarily linked to aging. Hyaluronic acid injections are an effective technique to meet this need.
The lips lack sebaceous and sweat glands, which produce the protective hydrolipidic film on the surface. This is why lips become dehydrated, chapped and damaged. External aggressors (cold, smoking…) worsen the condition. The severity and speed at which this occurs do not necessarily depend on age but rather on the anatomical characteristics of the lips, which vary from person to person. Lip hydration fluctuates throughout the day. Topical treatments (such as lip balms) provide temporary relief, but deep hydration can only be achieved through hyaluronic acid injections.
It is best to choose balms (rather than sticks) that contain fatty substances, occlusive agents (like beeswax), healing agents (vitamin E), and soothing ingredients (such as oat extract).
When lips are chapped, it is recommended to :
Hyaluronic acid injections have a hydrating effect on the lips.
We recommend combining this with certain habits to keep lips hydrated daily : daily application of lip balms, healthy and balanced diet, use of quality cosmetics, thorough makeup removal, avoiding aggravating factors (smoking, sun…), and gentle exfoliation of the lips using a soft toothbrush.
The injection is performed with a needle, and the product is placed into the superficial submucosal layer.
The doctor must be trained in this technique : a poorly executed injection can cause lip eversion, commonly known as duck lips (if the product is injected too deeply), or visible lumps on the surface (if injected too superficially).
The hyaluronic acid used is lightly cross-linked with very fine particles.
The injection is slightly painful, but the anesthetic contained in the product acts quickly. Doctor Romano does not apply anesthetic cream, as it causes lip swelling and reduces the visibility needed to identify the correct injection plane.
Volumizing lip injections can be added to this procedure if the patient wishes and if their anatomy allows it.
The result is not immediate. Although the final effect is a plump appearance without volume enhancement, post-injection swelling is common and varies from person to person.
Doctor Romano systematically advises of two days of significant swelling. The final result is visible seven days after the injection.
The result lasts between six and ten months.
For a subtle “gloss effect” finish, a hyaluronic acid injection (one syringe) is offered at a price of 650 CHF. This fee includes : the assessment consultation, the procedure performed in-office in accordance with safety standards, and post-treatment follow-up. The price does not vary based on the technique used, but solely on the amount injected — limited to one syringe in this case, to ensure a natural result.
To keep lips well-hydrated, apply a lip balm regularly that contains nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, sweet almond oil, or hyaluronic acid. It’s also important to stay well-hydrated by drinking water, avoid licking the lips, and gently exfoliate to remove dead skin.
The best lip moisturizers are those with natural, restorative ingredients like cocoa butter, honey, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Balms enriched with hyaluronic acid are also very effective for deeply hydrating and restoring lip volume.
The lips lack sebaceous glands, which produce the sebum that protects and moisturizes the skin. As a result, they are more susceptible to dryness. Their thin, delicate skin and exposure to environmental aggressors (sun, wind, cold) increase this vulnerability.
Common signs of dehydrated lips include chapping, cracking, tightness, flaking, and sometimes painful splits. The lips may also appear dull and feel less supple.
Cold weather, wind, prolonged sun exposure, indoor heating, poor hydration, and the use of drying cosmetics can all contribute to lip dryness. Frequently licking the lips can also make dehydration worse.
Yes, seasonal changes can significantly impact lip hydration. In winter, cold and wind tend to dry out the lips, while in summer, sun exposure can cause chapping. Adapting your lip care routine to each season is essential to keeping lips soft and healthy.