The lips are a prominent facial feature that can significantly affect one’s overall appearance. According to global surveys, full and luscious lips are widely considered the most desirable and attractive shape.
Throughout history, plump lips have been associated with good health and fertility. While some individuals are born with naturally fuller lips, others may have thinner lips. Unfortunately, our lips lose volume as we age, resulting in a less full and less defined appearance.
Thankfully, advances in dermal filler technology have enabled people to achieve healthy, soft, and fuller-looking lips.
Dermal fillers, when administered by a proficient and knowledgeable medical injector, can diminish the appearance of deep nasolabial folds around the mouth and replenish volume lost as a result of aging.
Lip fillers can also address any asymmetries that detract from one’s facial harmony, such as an upper lip that appears thinner than the lower lip.
Anatomy of Lips
Lip proportions vary between different ethnicities, and even down to individuals, with the general guideline applied for consultations being that the top lip should make up ⅓ and the bottom lip – ⅔ of the total lip volume. Lip shape is mainly determined through genetics, though it also may change with repeated facial expressions through aging, resulting in volume loss and deflated-looking lips.
When assessing a patient’s lips for cosmetic treatments, experienced injectors evaluate the lips in both a neutral position and during movement to identify critical issues that need to be addressed. Understanding lip anatomy can also help patients better understand what treatments suit them.
The structures include:
- Vermilion: The reddish-pinkish colored border between the skin and mucous membrane of the lips.
- Vermilion Border: The outer edge of the vermilion that separates the lip from the surrounding skin.
- Cupid’s Bow: The double curve in the upper lip that resembles an inverted “V” shape.
- Nasolabial Folds: The skin folds that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- Labiomental or Mentolabial Fold: The skin fold that runs horizontally between the lower lip and the chin.
- Oral Commissures: The corners of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet.
Lip Filler Injection Techniques
Numerous techniques are available for lip augmentation using various products and technologies to achieve natural-looking, attractive results.
The process of lip filler treatment entails a thorough evaluation of the area and devising a tailored treatment plan, including the selection of suitable fillers and techniques for achieving consistent, exceptional outcomes. What are some of the best techniques for lip fillers?
- Classic Lips Filler Technique
Achieving a heart-shaped lip is the main goal of the classic lip filler technique. This technique accentuates Cupid’s bow, creating a complete and symmetrical figure in both the upper and lower lips. It also tapers out the edges and enhances the side projection, resulting in a plump, hydrated look. The overall effect is a fuller and more voluminous lip.
The results of the traditional lip filler technique can vary depending on individual facial features and the desired level of rejuvenation. For example, if patients have a strong side profile with a defined chin and facial features, they may require a filler treatment that complements and balances the overall look of their faces.
- Russian Lips Filler Technique
The Russian Lips Filler Technique has become increasingly popular in aesthetics in recent years. Many people desire a more natural look for their lips after receiving filler treatments, and this technique is often referred to as a “less is more” approach. Patients prefer this method because it uses a more moderate amount of filler.
With the Russian technique, filler accentuates Cupid’s bow shape and enhances the lower lip. This technique aims to increase the lips’ height, which shortens the distance between the chin and the base of the lip and provides proper rejuvenation.
- Paris Lips Filler Technique
The Paris Lips Filler Technique is a lip augmentation method that shares similarities with the Russian technique. It involves using dermal fillers to shape the lips and create a well-defined, pouty appearance. This technique focuses on the border of the lips, where the dermal fillers enhance the edges and create a defined cupid’s bow.
Additionally, a small amount of filler is injected vertically from the Cupid’s bow region towards the nose, and the vermilion is also filled. The amount and distribution of the filler are tailored to the individual’s needs, with more filler applied toward the lip edges to achieve the desired pout in the bottom lip.
Other lip fillers techniques are not as commonly used but still produce excellent results, such as:
- Linear Lip Injection Technique
The linear lip filler technique is another commonly used method for lip augmentation, utilizing either a cannula or a needle. This technique involves injecting the filler parallel to the vermillion border, making it a relatively straightforward process.
However, some downsides to this method can lead to undesired results. One potential issue is the formation of filler boluses that may cause gel displacement along the border.
In addition, these techniques typically involve filling the vermillion borders, which can cause an unnatural look and even create a “duck” shape that diminishes the sharp edge of a more youthful appearance.
- Lip Tenting Technique
Lip tenting involves multiple hyaluronic acid injections to create several filler sections. The goal is to prevent displacement and detectable lumps in the gel. To achieve this, lip filler injection points are carefully chosen along the collagen-rich white roll to enhance strength.
Unlike the traditional method, the injection is not parallel to the lip border. Instead, this technique provides precise control over the shape and volume of the lip. In addition, each injection is deep enough to reduce the risk of superficial or visible lumps of hyaluronic acid.
Managing Side Effects and Complications
As a doctor, you can help your patients manage lip filler injection side effects and complications in the following ways:
- Provide clear instructions: Make sure your patients understand the potential side effects and complications of lip filler injections and provide clear instructions on how to manage them.
- Monitor your patient: It is crucial to monitor your patient closely after the procedure to ensure they are not experiencing any adverse reactions. Follow up with them within a few days after the procedure to assess their progress and address any concerns they may have.
- Provide pain relief: If your patient is experiencing pain or discomfort, provide them with pain relief medication or recommend over-the-counter options. You can also prescribe a numbing cream before the procedure to minimize discomfort.
- Recommend cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the injection area can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Advise your patient to use cold compresses several times daily for the first few days after the procedure.
- Prescribe antibiotics: In rare cases, lip filler injections can lead to infection. If you suspect your patient has an infection, prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from spreading and worsening.
- Offer touch-up procedures: If your patient is not satisfied with the results of their lip filler injections, offer touch-up procedures to achieve the desired results. Ensure you assess their needs and consider any changes before administering additional filler.
- Advise against excessive activity: Advise your patients to avoid strenuous exercise and extreme heat or sun exposure for the first few days after the procedure. It can help minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing.
By following these steps, you can help your patients manage lip filler injections’ side effects and complications, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers offer a safe and effective way to enhance the appearance of one’s lips. By addressing concerns such as volume loss, asymmetry, and deep nasolabial folds, skilled injectors can help patients achieve their desired look while maintaining a natural appearance.
In addition, the different lip filler techniques available can be tailored to each individual’s needs, whether they are looking for a more traditional look, a more natural look, or a well-defined, pouty appearance.
FAQ
What is the best technique for lip filler?
There is no single best lip filler technique, as the ideal technique varies depending on the individual’s facial anatomy, desired outcome, and the expertise of the injector. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, and things that work for one patient may not work for another.
Are there different techniques for lip filler?
Yes, besides the listed techniques, there are others, for example, Microdroplet Technique, Nonsurgical Thread Lift Technique, and Microcannula Technique.
How many lip filler techniques are there?
The scientific community has yet to determine the exact number of techniques as medicine evolves and new advanced lip filler techniques and substances appear.
