Lips are an asset of beauty, femininity and charm. Many women wish to have well-defined and full lips.
In aesthetic-oriented medicine, hyaluronic acid injections are an effective way to increase lip volume.
It is also possible to hydrate them, creating a gloss effect on the lips, or to treat the vertical fine lines that appear over time, known as barcode wrinkles.
How to plump the lips ? How to get fuller lips ?
There are very few methods to naturally plump the lips : glosses and serums transiently increase their hydration, but the benefit on volume is minimal and short-lived.
Hyaluronic acid injections into the lips are the reference technique for achieving full lips.
Dr Romano performs hyaluronic acid injections into the lips in Geneva using several techniques depending on the patient’s anatomy and wishes.
The techniques performed are :
The demand for lip augmentation is very common in aesthetic-oriented medicine. According to a European study, one woman out of two has undergone this type of procedure at least once in her lifetime.
In fact, some women feel self-conscious about the thickness of their lips, which they consider too thin, and dream of having a fuller mouth. A symbol of beauty and sensuality, lips are an element of charm. In aesthetic-oriented medicine, several non-invasive techniques exist for lip augmentation.
To achieve a more harmonious result, other treatments targeting imperfections of the perioral region are often combined with this procedure : treatment of the nasolabial folds, the marionette lines and lip fine lines.
On a daily basis, lip hydration is essential to maintain their suppleness and protect them from external aggressions such as stress, pollution or cold. In winter in particular, this area of the face is especially sensitive and can easily become chapped. This is explained by the thinness and great fragility of the skin covering the lips.
There are different hyaluronic acid–based lip augmentation techniques. After a precise analysis of the patient’s anatomy and expectations, Dr Romano will determine the most appropriate method.
This treatment aims to give the lips a fuller and more voluptuous appearance while preserving their natural consistency.
Lip filling is a technique that consists of injecting hyaluronic acid to fill hollow or flat areas of the lips. This method is used not only to add volume, but also to soften wrinkles around the mouth and improve lip hydration.
Long-lasting hydration of the lips without volume increase. This technique is particularly indicated for patients who constantly have dry and chapped lips.
Lip contouring is a technique that redefines the lip border for a cleaner, more defined result, without significantly increasing lip volume.
The “Brazilian Hug Lip” is a recent lip augmentation technique whose goal is to create a full and natural appearance.
The technique aims to achieve naturally fuller lips, with a subtle lifting effect and enhanced definition of the Cupid’s bow.
The term “hug” evokes the idea that the lips are gently enveloped and enhanced, with particular emphasis on improving their quality and the definition of the vermilion border.
The improvement is visible and faithful to the natural proportions of the face.
The “Russian Lips” technique is a lip augmentation method that aims to create a lifted effect in which the lips are raised with a fairly flat appearance, reminiscent of the shape of Russian doll lips.
Lip injection is one of the most complex injections of the face. A natural result is not achieved by all physicians.
The injection of hyaluronic acid is preceded by a consultation and an analysis of dental support, the tone of the orbicularis oris muscle, and the amount of fat present in the lips.
The injection can be performed with a cannula or a needle.
The analysis of the lips, the choice of the product, the injection plan, the amount of product injected, and the type of injection performed make all the difference from one physician to another, between a sublime result and a «duck mouth».
Lip injection is tailor-made.
In the majority of cases, the product used is a volumizing product for the lips. In certain cases (very thin lips, an almost non-existent muscle, absence of dental support…), different products may be chosen by Doctor Romano.
Specific products for the lips have been developed.
The level of product injection is important for the result : injection behind the orbicularis oris muscle causes lip eversion, injection at the level of the mucosa and the vermilion border makes it possible to increase the height of the red lip.
To plump the lips by hyaluronic acid injection, there is no specific preparation.
One week before the procedure, it is recommended to avoid medications and dietary supplements that can thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. The discontinuation of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications must be done after seeking the advice of the prescribing physician.
It is recommended to avoid smoking a few hours before the injection.
It is also recommended to keep the lips well hydrated and to gently exfoliate them to remove dead skin cells. This slightly reduces pain during the procedure.
It is imperative to inform the physician of any allergy or medical condition.
Contraindications are the same as for other hyaluronic acid injections.
Post-injection care after a lip injection is important to guarantee an optimal result and prevent any complication. It is recommended not to massage the lips in the days following the injection to avoid moving the product. Doctor Romano has positioned the hyaluronic acid precisely and, given that it is a moderately cross-linked gel, it will remain in place without migrating.
For two days, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising and avoid intense physical activities as well as exposure to heat sources, such as saunas or hot baths.
For two days, it is recommended to apply a healing cream and to avoid smoking. If stopping smoking is impossible, the lips should be rinsed with water immediately after smoking.
In case of a history of labial herpes, Doctor Romano will prescribe an anti-herpetic prophylaxis to prevent a herpes outbreak following the injection.
Lip injections give fuller and more defined lips. However, it sometimes happens that the results of these injections do not last as long as expected. Several factors can explain why hyaluronic acid injections in the lips do not last.
Choice of the product used : there are several types of hyaluronic acid with different quality and firmness. Lower-quality or poorly adapted products degrade more quickly.
Injection technique : the injection technique plays a crucial role in the longevity of the results. A poorly executed injection can lead to an uneven distribution of the product or faster resorption.
Movement of the lips : the lips are an extremely mobile area, constantly used for speaking, eating, and expressing emotions. This intense muscular activity accelerates the degradation of hyaluronic acid.
Maintenance and follow-up of injections : to maintain the result of injections, maintenance sessions (every 8-12 months) are necessary. An inappropriate or irregular protocol causes a faster decrease in the effect of injections.
Hydration and skin care : hydration and daily skin care can influence the duration of injection results. If the skin is well hydrated and healthy, the results last longer.
Individual sensitivity.
Side effects of hyaluronic acid injections are rare and limited. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, making it a biocompatible product.
The initial swelling that occurs just after the injection generally subsides within a few days, leaving a pretty and natural result.
If the patient wishes, medication can be prescribed to speed up the resolution of swelling.
In case of a history of cold sores, antiviral treatment is recommended to prevent an outbreak following the injection.
Bruising is rare, but possible and temporary.
After lip augmentation, the recovery period generally varies from a few hours to a few days. Indeed, although hyaluronic acid is a natural substance and well tolerated by the body, bruising and swelling may appear after the procedure.
Significant swelling usually disappears within 48 to 72 hours. The lips completely deflate within 7 to 14 days depending on the individual response.
The results of lip injections are visible immediately after the treatment, although swelling may mask the final result for a few days.
Depending on the patient’s needs and request, the possible results are :
This procedure effectively corrects :
The result is not immediate but visible seven to ten days after the injection. In fact, immediately after the injection, the lips are swollen and the result is not natural.
The volume of the lips is increased, the vermilion border is defined, and the Cupid’s bow is well defined.
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the lips, giving them a younger and more attractive appearance.
How long do the results of lip injections last ? The results last between six and twelve months; after this period, maintenance sessions may be considered to preserve the result.
Generally, for the very first injection the result lasts six months, for the second eight to ten months, and then one year.
This non-invasive procedure makes it possible to enhance the lips while respecting the harmony of the face. It is a safe and effective aesthetic solution for patients who wish to enhance their lips and smile.
To better understand your expectations and establish an aesthetic diagnosis, Dr Valeria Romano welcomes you to her practice in Geneva. During this consultation, she analyzes your anatomy, determines the most appropriate technique to correct any imperfections, then provides you with a personalized quote for lip augmentation.
The price of a hyaluronic acid injection in the lips is set at 650 CHF. This service includes a personalized medical assessment, the performance of the injections using a technique adapted to the patient’s morphology, as well as the necessary follow-up.
Patient reviews of lip injections for augmentation and contouring are varied, but a positive trend emerges. Many appreciate the possibility of redefining the lip border and achieving better definition thanks to hyaluronic acid, which is widely favored for its ability to add volume in a natural and reversible way. Patients report that the procedure is quick and that results are visible quickly, with a subtle or more pronounced effect depending on their preferences.
Overall, lip injection is considered an effective method to enhance the lips while preserving their suppleness and a natural appearance.
The “duck mouth” is a frequent concern among patients considering lip injections. This exaggerated effect can occur if the injection is poorly performed : inappropriate product, excessive injected quantity, poor injection plane (injection too deep that flips the lip), poor indication.
To avoid this result, it is essential to consult an experienced physician, attentive to your expectations and who masters the anatomy of the area and the technique.
Natural lip enhancement is possible but temporary, and the results are not comparable to those of hyaluronic acid injections.
Cinnamon or menthol are known to improve lip volume temporarily.
After hyaluronic acid injections in the lips, it is generally advisable not to massage the area, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Massaging could displace the product and compromise the result.
There is no real way of making the result last longer. In fact, the lifespan of the product depends on the patient's metabolism. It is advisable to keep the lips well moisturised and to avoid repeated contractions of the orbicularis muscle of the lips (avoid smoking, for example).
From the age of 18, but it is from the age of 25 that this procedure is often carried out.
Between the first and second injection of one’s life, it is recommended to wait eight months. For injection sessions from the third onward, the interval between two injections is ten-twelve months.
If a significant volume increase is desired, two syringes are often injected; the interval between these two syringes is two months.
The application of certain moisturizing products based on hyaluronic acid increases lip volume. The result lasts a few hours.
It is best to wait 24 to 48 hours after the injection.
Lip injection is a procedure of aesthetic-oriented medicine in which a filler agent, hyaluronic acid, is used to increase volume, define contours, and improve the shape of the lips.
Anyone wishing to improve the shape, volume or definition of their lips may be a good candidate. Patients should have no contraindications to hyaluronic acid injections.
Yes, it gradually wears off over 6 to 12 months.
Lips become thinner with age because the production of collagen and elastin decreases over time and fat is resorbed.
The main techniques are the "Russian Lips", the volumizing technique (overall increase in lip volume) and the contouring technique (definition of the lip contour).
The injections are slightly painful, but the procedure is very quick, lasting just a few minutes. Dr Romano prefers not to apply an anaesthetic cream for this injection.
Yes, lip injections can be combined with other aesthetic treatments such as botulinum toxin and fillers.
It's not possible to plump up lips naturally, but here are a few tips to improve their tone and surface hydration.
Before a hyaluronic acid injection session in the lips, it is recommended to avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs or certain dietary supplements that increase bleeding. After the session, it is advised not to massage the treated area, to avoid sun exposure, and to avoid smoking for two days.
Thin lips can be genetic or linked to ageing.
If the injection is carried out by an experienced doctor, the procedure is risk-free. Injections carried out by a non-physician or a doctor who is not trained in this procedure can cause necrosis of the lips and infections.
It is crucial to choose a physician trained in the technique and experienced. It is important to inquire about reputation, seniority, experience, and the number of aesthetic procedures performed.
It is necessary to have good rapport and to feel confident with the physician you choose.
Redefining the lip contour is possible through hyaluronic acid injection. This technique is a quick and non-invasive solution to obtain defined and more symmetrical lips.
The main difference between hyaluronic acid injections and implants lies in the nature and durability of the treatment. Injections are temporary, reversible, and it is possible to adjust the volume and shape of the lips according to the patient’s preferences. Implants are a permanent solution requiring a surgical procedure, with potentially higher risks and complications. The definitive result is determined by the shape of the implant and therefore cannot be modulated according to the patient’s wishes.
Yes, lip injections using hyaluronic acid are reversible. The product is resorbable and can also be dissolved.
During the first two days after lip injection, it is not recommended to smoke as this can increase the risk of infection. Smoking can also cause contraction of blood vessels, which may alter the result and cause complications.
If the injections have been carried out correctly, they have not altered the lips, so once the product has been absorbed, the lips will regain their original shape and volume.
The use of non-absorbable products is prohibited because of the side-effects they can cause.
Labial implants, such as Permalip implants, are the longest-lasting method of lip augmentation because they are permanent. These implants are placed by a surgeon. Hyaluronic acid injections in the lips last from 6 to 12 months, but they are less invasive.
To give the lips greater volume, two syringes of hyaluronic acid can be injected, but not in the same session. There should be an interval of two months between injections.
The Permalip implant is a soft, permanent silicone implant inserted surgically to augment the lips.
Hyaluronic acid injections in the lips are safe when they are performed by an experienced physician.
The only product authorised for lips is hyaluronic acid.
To avoid an artificial result with lip injections, it is essential to choose an experienced practitioner.
Yes, that's possible.
It is generally not recommended to massage the lips after hyaluronic acid injections unless your physician advises you to do so.
After lip injection, it is recommended to use a soothing and moisturizing cream, often based on hyaluronic acid, to help reduce inflammation and maintain hydration.
Yes, but it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours to avoid any risk of irritation.
It is recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before wearing lipstick.
It is normal for the lips to be more swollen in the morning because lying down while sleeping encourages water retention.
It is possible to eat immediately afterward, but for your comfort it is recommended to wait about one hour for the numbness due to anesthesia to wear off.
You can assume any position you like, the product will not move.
No, pregnancy and breast-feeding are contraindications to hyaluronic acid injections.
The lips generally begin to deflate 48 to 72 hours after the injection. The swelling disappears completely within one to two weeks, depending on individual reactivity.
To reduce swelling after a lip-filling injection, it is advisable to apply cold compresses to the treated area and to take the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Injections in the lips are generally reserved for adults. However, with parental consent and on medical advice, they may be performed at 17 years of age.
