Lip filler uses soft hyaluronic acid gels to improve shape, hydration, definition and proportion. At Nuance Clinic we plan lips against your facial proportions and existing anatomy, treat conservatively, and reverse or refine at review rather than overfilling in one session.
What it is
- A soft, low-density hyaluronic acid gel is placed in defined anatomical planes of the lip: the vermilion body for volume, the border for definition, the philtral columns for shape and the corners for support.
- Good lip work is a design problem before it is an injection. Upper-to-lower ratio, tooth show, philtrum length and the shape of the smile all decide how much product — if any — the lips can carry.
Who it suits
- Thin, deflated or asymmetric lips
- Loss of definition of the vermilion border with age
- Downturned corners or a flat cupid's bow
- Not suitable in active cold sore outbreak, pregnancy, or when previous permanent filler is present without assessment
Products we use
- Teosyal RHA Kiss, Juvéderm Volbella and Volift, Restylane Kysse — all original CE-approved
- Volume is measured in fractions of a syringe; we rarely use a full syringe in a first session
How the treatment is performed
- Assessment of proportion, tooth show and smile dynamics with photographs.
- Strong topical anaesthetic for 20 minutes, or a dental block for sensitive patients.
- Injection with needle or cannula in small, controlled aliquots.
- Moulding, symmetry check with the patient sitting upright, and a mirror review.
Safety
- Lips are a high-vascularity area; slow injection, low volumes and aspiration reduce risk.
- Herpes simplex prophylaxis is prescribed for patients with a history of cold sores.
- Hyaluronidase is available on site, and the result is fully reversible.
Before your appointment
- Start antiviral prophylaxis if you have a history of cold sores (we prescribe it).
- No alcohol for 24 hours, no blood thinners for 3–5 days where medically allowed.
- Do not plan a wedding, shoot or flight-critical event within the first week.
Aftercare
- Expect significant swelling for 48–72 hours; this is normal and not the result.
- Cold compress intermittently on day one, no hot drinks for a few hours.
- No lip products, kissing, straws or dental treatment for 24 hours.
- Avoid gym, sauna and alcohol for 48 hours.
Results and longevity
- The real shape appears at day 10–14. Judging lips at day 2 is judging swelling.
- Most patients maintain with a small top-up every 8–12 months.
- Repeated overfilling stretches tissue; we prefer to let lips fully settle between sessions.
Possible side effects and risks
- Swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary lumpiness are expected.
- Uncommon: asymmetry needing a refinement, nodules, cold sore reactivation.
- Rare: vascular occlusion — managed immediately with hyaluronidase and an established protocol.
Follow-up
- Review at 3–4 weeks with photographs; refinement is included in the treatment plan when required.
- Direct WhatsApp access to the clinic during healing.
Questions about this treatment
Can I get natural-looking lips?
Yes — with 0.5 ml or less, correct placement and respect for your upper-to-lower ratio. Natural results are a planning choice, not a product choice.
How swollen will I be?
Most patients look noticeably swollen for 2–3 days. Plan treatment at least a week before an important event.
Can lip filler be dissolved?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid lip filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, usually with a short waiting period before re-treatment.
What is the difference between lip filler and Russian lips?
Russian lips is a specific vertical injection technique that lifts height without projecting the lip forward. It is a technique, not a product.