Key points
Lip injections, lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid in Geneva
How can you plump the lips ? How can you achieve fuller lips?
There are very few ways to plump lips naturally : glosses and serums temporarily increase hydration, but their effect on volume is minimal and short-lived.
Hyaluronic acid lip injections are the reference technique for full lips.
Dr Romano performs hyaluronic acid lip injections in Geneva using several techniques according to the patient’s anatomy and wishes.
The techniques performed are :
- Russian lips.
- Brazilian Hug lips.
- Lip contouring.
- Rejuvenation of the oral region.
- The gloss effect.
- Enhancement of the oral region.
- Treatment of lip wrinkles.
How can lips be enlarged without surgery ?
Lip augmentation is a very common request in aesthetic medicine. According to a European study, one woman in two may have had this procedure at least once in her life.
Some women feel self-conscious about lips they consider too thin and dream of a full mouth. Lips are an asset for beauty, sensuality and allure. Aesthetic medicine offers several non-invasive lip augmentation techniques.
For a more attractive result, other treatments targeting concerns around the mouth are often combined with this procedure : treatment of nasolabial folds, marionette lines and fine lip lines.
Daily hydration is essential to keep lips supple and protect them from external stresses such as stress, pollution and cold. Particularly in winter, this facial area is sensitive and easily becomes chapped because the skin covering the lips is thin and fragile.
How can hyaluronic acid give you fuller lips ?
Several hyaluronic acid lip augmentation techniques are available. Following a precise assessment of anatomy and expectations, Dr Romano determines the most appropriate method.
Plumping the lips
This treatment gives lips a fuller, more voluptuous appearance while preserving their natural consistency.
Lip filling
Lip filling involves injecting hyaluronic acid to fill hollow or flat areas. It adds volume while also reducing wrinkles around the mouth and improving lip hydration.
Gloss lips
Lasting lip hydration without increased volume. This technique is particularly indicated for patients with persistently dry, chapped lips.
Lip contouring
Lip contouring redefines the lip border for a sharper, more defined result without significantly increasing volume.
Brazilian Hug Lips
“Brazilian Hug Lip” is a recent lip augmentation technique aiming to create a full, natural appearance.
It produces naturally fleshier lips, a subtle lifting effect and better Cupid’s bow definition.
The word “hug” suggests lips being gently enveloped and enhanced, with particular emphasis on improving their quality and border definition.
The improvement is visible and faithful to natural facial proportions.
Russian lips
“Russian Lips” is a lip augmentation method creating a lifted effect, with raised lips and a fairly flat appearance reminiscent of Russian dolls’ lips.
Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid injections
Lip injections are among the most complex facial injections. Not every doctor achieves a natural result.
Hyaluronic acid injections are preceded by consultation and assessment of dental support, orbicularis oris muscle tone and the amount of fat in the lips.
How are hyaluronic acid injections for the lips performed ?
Injections may use a cannula or needle.
Lip assessment, product selection, injection plane, quantity and injection type make all the difference between doctors and between a beautiful result and “duck lips”.
Lip injections are tailored to the individual.
What is the best hyaluronic acid for the lips ?
In most cases, a volumising lip product is used. In certain situations (very thin lips, an almost absent muscle, lack of dental support…), Dr Romano may select different products.
Specific lip products have been developed.
Injection level matters for the result : injection behind the orbicularis oris muscle everts the lip, while injection into the mucosa and lip border increases red lip height.
How should you prepare your lips before injections ?
No specific preparation is required for lip plumping with hyaluronic acid.
One week beforehand, avoid medicines and supplements that can thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication must only be stopped after consulting the prescribing doctor.
Avoid smoking for a few hours before injection.
Keep lips well hydrated and gently exfoliate to remove dead cells. This slightly reduces pain during the procedure.
Tell the doctor about any allergy or medical condition.
What are the contraindications to lip injections ?
Contraindications are those of hyaluronic acid injections.
- Damaged or infected skin at the injection site, particularly active cold sores.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Allergy to lidocaine, a relative contraindication because lidocaine-free products are available.
- Hepatitis C.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Non-absorbable product present in the injection area.
- Taking anticoagulants.
- Serious uncontrolled chronic diseases.
What aftercare is needed following lip injections ?
Aftercare following lip injections is important for optimal results and preventing complications. Do not massage the lips in the following days to avoid displacing the product. Dr Romano has precisely positioned the hyaluronic acid and, as 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 strenuous activity and heat sources such as saunas or hot baths.
For two days, apply healing cream and avoid smoking. If stopping smoking is impossible, rinse the lips with water immediately afterwards.
If you have a history of cold sores, Dr Romano prescribes antiviral prevention to avoid an outbreak following injection.
Why do lip injections not last ?
Lip injections produce fuller, more defined lips. However, results sometimes last less than expected. Several factors can explain why hyaluronic acid lip injections do not last.
Product choice : hyaluronic acid products differ in quality and firmness. Lower-quality or unsuitable products break down faster.
Injection technique : technique plays a crucial role in result longevity. Poorly performed injections may lead to uneven product distribution or faster resorption.
- Individual metabolism : everyone has a different metabolism. Some metabolise injectable products faster than others. Age, genetics and lifestyle (diet, physical activity) influence metabolism of injected substances.
Lip movement : lips are extremely mobile, constantly used for speaking, eating and expressing emotions. This intense muscle activity accelerates hyaluronic acid breakdown.
Maintenance and follow-up : maintenance sessions (every 8-12 months) are needed to preserve injection results. An inappropriate or irregular protocol causes the effect to diminish faster.
Hydration and skincare : hydration and daily skincare can influence how long results last. Results last longer when skin is healthy and well hydrated.
Individual sensitivity.
What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid injections in the lips ?
Hyaluronic acid injection side effects are rare and limited. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body and is biocompatible.
Initial swelling immediately after injection generally subsides within a few days, revealing an attractive, natural result.
If the patient wishes, medication may be prescribed to help swelling resolve faster.
Patients with a history of cold sores require antiviral cover to prevent an outbreak.
Bruising is rare but possible and temporary.
How long does recovery take after lip injections ?
Recovery after lip augmentation generally ranges from a few hours to a few days. Although hyaluronic acid is natural and well tolerated by the body, bruising and swelling may occur after treatment.
When does lip swelling subside after injections ?
Significant swelling generally resolves within 48 to 72 hours, with complete resolution in 7 to 14 days depending on individual response.
Lip injection results
Lip injection results are visible immediately after treatment, although swelling may obscure the final result for a few days.
Depending on the patient’s needs and wishes, possible results are :
- Lip augmentation for lips that are more or less full and defined.
- Lip hydration.
- Correction of lip asymmetry.
- Contouring and definition of the lip border.
Lip injections before/after
This procedure effectively corrects :
- Insufficient lower and/or upper lip volume.
- An indistinct lip border.
- Eversion of the lower or upper lip.
- Slight widening of the mouth.
- Poorly defined philtral ridges.
- Drooping mouth corners due to facial ageing.
When do the effects of hyaluronic acid injections in the lips become visible ?
The result is not immediate but visible seven to ten days after injection. Immediately afterwards, the lips are swollen and do not look natural.
Lip volume is increased, the border shaped and the Cupid’s bow well defined.
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps lips, giving them a younger, more attractive appearance.
Do lip injections wear off ?
How long do lip injection results last ? Results last between six and twelve months, after which maintenance may be considered to preserve them.
Generally, the first injection lasts six months, the second eight to ten months and subsequent injections one year.
This non-invasive procedure enhances lips while respecting facial harmony. It is a safe, effective aesthetic solution for patients wishing to highlight their lips and smile.
What is the price of lip injections ?
Dr Valeria Romano welcomes you to her Geneva practice to understand your expectations and establish an aesthetic assessment. She analyses your anatomy, determines the most appropriate technique to correct any imperfections and provides a personalised quotation for lip augmentation.
Hyaluronic acid lip injections cost 650 CHF. This includes a personalised medical assessment, injections using a technique adapted to the patient’s anatomy and the necessary follow-up.
Lip injection reviews
Patient reviews of lip augmentation and contouring injections vary, but show a positive trend. Many appreciate the possibility of reshaping the lip border and improving definition with hyaluronic acid, valued for adding volume naturally and reversibly. Patients report a quick procedure and rapidly visible results, with a subtle or more pronounced effect according to preference.
Overall, lip injections are considered an effective way to enhance lips while preserving suppleness and a natural appearance.
Duck lips after injections
“Duck lips” are a common concern among patients considering lip injections. This exaggerated effect can occur with poorly performed injections : unsuitable product, excessive quantity, incorrect injection plane (overly deep injections that turn the lip outwards) or inappropriate indication.
To avoid this, consult an experienced doctor who listens to your expectations and has mastered the area’s anatomy and the technique.
Enlarging the lips naturally
Natural lip augmentation is possible but temporary, with results that do not compare to hyaluronic acid injections.
Cinnamon and menthol are known to temporarily increase lip volume.
Frequently asked questions about lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid in Geneva
Should you massage your lips after hyaluronic acid injections ?
After hyaluronic acid lip injections, it is generally advisable not to massage the area unless your doctor instructs otherwise. Massage could move the product and compromise the result.
What are the aims of lip augmentation ?
- Redefining lip contours.
- Achieving fuller lips.
- Correcting asymmetry.
How can you make lip injections last ?
There is no real way to prolong results. Product longevity depends on the patient’s metabolism. Keep lips well hydrated and avoid repeated orbicularis oris contractions (for example, avoid smoking).
From what age can you have lip injections ?
From 18 years, although this procedure is often performed from 25 years onwards.
How long should you wait between hyaluronic acid lip injections ?
Between the first and second injections in your lifetime, waiting eight months is recommended. From the third session onwards, the interval is ten-twelve months.
If a substantial volume increase is desired, two syringes are often injected, with two months between them.
How can you plump your lips without injections ?
Applying certain hyaluronic acid moisturising products increases lip volume. Results last a few hours.
When can you kiss after lip injections ?
It is best to wait 24 to 48 hours after injection.
What are lip injections ?
Lip injections are an aesthetic medical procedure using a filler, hyaluronic acid, to increase volume, define contours and improve lip shape.
Who is a good candidate for lip injections ?
Anyone wishing to improve lip shape, volume or definition may be a good candidate. The patient must have no contraindications to hyaluronic acid injections.
Does hyaluronic acid remain in the lips ?
Yes, it gradually resorbs over 6 to 12 months.
Why do lips become thinner with age ?
Lips become thinner because collagen and elastin production declines over time and fat resorbs.
What are the different lip injection techniques ?
The main techniques are “Russian Lips”, the volumising technique (overall lip volume augmentation) and contouring (definition of the lip border).
Are lip injections painful ? Do lip injections hurt ?
Injections are slightly painful, but the procedure is very quick, lasting only a few minutes. Dr Romano prefers not to apply anaesthetic cream for this injection.
Can I combine lip injections with other facial aesthetic treatments ?
Yes, lip injections can be combined with other aesthetic treatments such as botulinum toxin and fillers.
How can you plump lips naturally before considering injections ?
It is not possible to plump lips naturally, but here are some ways to improve tone and superficial hydration.
- Regular hydration : use moisturising balms rich in hyaluronic acid or collagen.
- Gentle exfoliation : exfoliate lips regularly to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation.
- Lip masks : apply moisturising masks specifically designed for lips.
- Facial exercises.
What precautions should you take before and after hyaluronic acid injections to plump the lips ? What aftercare is needed following lip injections ?
Before hyaluronic acid lip injections, avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicines and certain supplements that increase bleeding. Afterwards, do not massage the area, avoid sun exposure and avoid smoking for two days.
Why do people have thin lips ?
Thin lips may be genetic or age-related.
Are there risks associated with lip injections ?
When injections are performed by an experienced doctor, the procedure carries no risks. Injections by a non-doctor or a doctor without training in this procedure can cause lip necrosis and infections.
How should you choose a practitioner for lip injections ?
Choose a trained, experienced doctor. Research their reputation, years in practice, experience and number of aesthetic procedures performed.
It is important to establish a good relationship and feel confident with the doctor you choose.
How can lip contours be reshaped ?
Hyaluronic acid injections can reshape lip contours. This technique is a quick, non-invasive solution for defined, more symmetrical lips.
What is the difference between hyaluronic acid injections and lip implants ?
The main difference concerns the nature and durability of treatment. Injections are temporary and reversible, allowing lip volume and shape to be adjusted to patient preferences. Implants are permanent and require surgery, with potentially higher risks and complications. The final result is determined by implant shape and cannot be adjusted to the patient’s wishes.
Are lip injections reversible ?
Yes, hyaluronic acid lip injections are reversible. The product is absorbable and can also be dissolved.
Can I smoke after lip injections ?
Smoking is discouraged during the first two days because it can increase infection risk. It can also constrict blood vessels, potentially affecting results and causing complications.
Do lips return to normal if hyaluronic acid injections are stopped ?
If injections were correctly performed, they have not changed the lips, so once the product resorbs, the original shape and volume return.
Can non-absorbable products be used to enlarge lips ?
Non-absorbable products are prohibited because of their side effects.
Which lip augmentation method lasts longest ?
Lip implants such as Permalip last longest because they are permanent. They are inserted by a surgeon. Hyaluronic acid lip injections last 6 to 12 months but are less invasive
Which technique can give lips substantial volume ?
Two syringes of hyaluronic acid can provide substantial volume, but must not be injected in the same session. Injections must be two months apart.
What is the Permalip implant ?
The Permalip implant is a soft, permanent silicone implant surgically inserted to enlarge lips.
Are lip injections safe ?
Hyaluronic acid injections in the lips are safe when performed by an experienced doctor.
What is injected into the lips ?
The only product authorised for the lips is hyaluronic acid.
How can you avoid an artificial result with lip injections ?
To avoid an artificial result, it is essential to choose an experienced practitioner.
Can I have further lip filler injections after 3 months ?
Yes, this is possible.
When should lips be massaged after injections ?
It is generally inadvisable to massage lips after hyaluronic acid injections unless your doctor recommends it.
Which cream should be applied after lip injections ?
After lip injections, a soothing, moisturising cream, often based on hyaluronic acid, is recommended to help reduce inflammation and maintain hydration.
Can I apply lip balm after injections ?
Yes, but wait at least 24 hours to avoid irritation risk.
How long after lip filler injections can I wear lipstick ?
Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before wearing lipstick.
Why are my lips so swollen in the morning ?
Lips are normally more swollen in the morning because lying down during sleep encourages fluid retention.
When can you eat after lip injections ?
You can eat immediately afterwards, but for comfort it is advisable to wait around one hour until anaesthetic numbness has worn off.
How should you sleep after lip injections ?
You may sleep in any position you wish, as the product will not move.
Can you have lip injections during pregnancy ?
No, pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications to hyaluronic acid injections.
When does swelling subside after lip injections ?
Lips generally begin to lose swelling 48 to 72 hours after injection. Swelling fully resolves within one to two weeks, depending on individual response.
How can swelling be reduced after lip filler injections ?
Apply cold compresses to the treated area and take medication prescribed by your doctor to reduce swelling after lip filler injections.
Can you have lip injections at 17 ?
Lip injections are generally reserved for adults. However, with parental consent and medical advice, they may be performed at 17.
