The Russian lip technique injects small amounts of hyaluronic acid vertically, from the free edge towards the border, to lift the lip and flatten the profile rather than push it forward. It suits patients who want a heart-shaped, doll-like upper lip while keeping the side profile discreet.
What it is
- Instead of laying product horizontally along the lip body, the injector places multiple tiny vertical columns of filler. This gives height, a crisper cupid's bow and a flatter profile from the side.
- It is a demanding technique that requires many injection points, precise depth control and an understanding of how the lip drapes over the teeth.
Who it suits
- Patients who want more visible lip height from the front
- People whose lips project forward easily and who dislike a 'duck' profile
- Those with a defined but flat cupid's bow
- Less suitable for very thin, tight lips with heavy scarring or very long philtrum without a combined plan
Products we use
- Firmer, well-projecting hyaluronic acid gels such as Teosyal RHA 3, Juvéderm Volift or equivalents
- Product density is chosen by lip tissue thickness, not by trend
How the treatment is performed
- Detailed lip mapping and photography, including profile views.
- Dental block or strong topical anaesthesia — this technique involves more injection points.
- Serial vertical micro-injections from the wet-dry border toward the vermilion border.
- Careful compression and moulding to keep the profile flat.
Safety
- More entry points means more vessels to respect; slow, small-volume injection is essential.
- Only performed by the doctor, with hyaluronidase available.
- Not layered onto old, unassessed filler without ultrasound or clinical evaluation first.
Before your appointment
- Antiviral prophylaxis if you have had cold sores.
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements before treatment.
- Expect more swelling than a classic lip treatment — plan accordingly.
Aftercare
- Cold compress for the first 24 hours; sleep with your head elevated.
- No lip pressure, straws or hot food for 24 hours.
- No exercise, sauna or alcohol for 48 hours.
- Gentle rehydrating balm from day 2 if the doctor approves.
Results and longevity
- Height and definition are visible immediately but exaggerated by swelling for 4–5 days.
- Final shape at 3–4 weeks; a second session then refines height if needed.
- Typically lasts 8–12 months with softening over time.
Possible side effects and risks
- Pronounced swelling and bruising in the first days.
- Migration risk if too much product is placed too superficially — a key reason to use conservative volumes.
- Rare vascular events, managed with an on-site protocol.
Follow-up
Review at 4 weeks with photographs before deciding on a second session.
Questions about this treatment
Do Russian lips migrate more?
Migration is caused by overfilling and superficial placement, not by the technique itself. Conservative volumes and correct depth prevent it.
Will my lips look bigger from the side?
That is exactly what this technique avoids. Height increases while the profile stays relatively flat.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients get their preferred shape in two sessions spaced four weeks apart.