HYALURONIC ACID LIP INJECTIONS: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

WHY HAVE LIP INJECTIONS?

A QUICK, REVERSIBLE AESTHETIC GESTURE

L‘lip augmentation addresses a variety of morphological concerns. In my medical practice near Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris, The most common reasons for consulting a lipsurgeon are to correct lips that are too thin, an awkward asymmetry, or to restore the volume lost with aging. This option fills in the signs of time and effectively plumps up the labial area.

The reversibility is a major advantage of this new method. In case of dissatisfaction, hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with the’hyaluronidase, This reassures patients during their first consultation. This security offers a valuable «roll-back» function.

Finally, the intervention avoids plastic surgery invasive (like the lipofilling via fat injection) while offering an immediate transformation, although the final appearance requires a few days of stabilization for the edema to diminish naturally.

MOST FREQUENT AESTHETIC OBJECTIVES

Six main requests motivate my patients for the lip filling :

• Restore volume to the red lip. Women want to transform their thin or flat lips into a fuller, more sensual mouth, usually to achieve a more harmonious smile.
• Contour the lips restructures the cupid's bow and labial hem, particularly popular on the upper lip, which often lacks definition. This technique reshapes the philtrum and creates a more pronounced hemline.
• Correcting asymmetry to restore facial balance by compensating for volume differences between the upper and lower lips.
• Rejuvenate the perioral area to combat the signs of time, thanks to the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
• Correct ptosis of the commissures, the concave or drooping appearance of the labial commissures by slightly enhancing the corners of the mouth, to restore a more neutral or smiling expression.
• Lip hydration by injection in depth.

Depending on need, the treatment will target either the lower lip, upper lip, vermilion, philtrum or corners of the mouth.

BASIC RULES FOR SUCCESSFUL LIP INJECTIONS

Lip augmentation has become increasingly popular since 2015, but this popularity has also led to excesses. My role as a physician is to guide you towards a natural result, It's a far cry from inflated or artificial, sausage-shaped lips. This presupposes a mastery of artistic lip anatomy.

FIRST RULE: RESPECT NATURAL PROPORTIONS.

Lips must blend harmoniously with the face. To achieve this, I use precise reference points such as the ideal ratio between upper and lower lip (1 in 1.6), the Ricketts line, or the definition of labial tubercles. The aim is to achieve a sensual, well-defined mouth.

SECOND PRINCIPLE: PROGRESSIVENESS.

It is best to start with a moderate volume (never more than 1 ml per session) to allow the mucosa to adapt. If necessary, adjustments are made during a touch-up to avoid excessive, uncontrolled results. The mucosa needs time to adapt to the volume increase. This approach also helps to tame the change and avoid regrets.

THIRD PILLAR: PERSONALIZATION.

Every face is unique. A detailed analysis allows us to correct asymmetries, redesigning Cupid's bow or lift drooping commissures thanks to targeted micro-injections. This restores a natural smile and a soothed expression.

FINALLY, MODERATION PREVAILS OVER FASHION.

I reserve the right to refuse disproportionate requests that respect neither anatomy nor facial harmony. Injection is as much an artistic act as a medical one, guided by balance, not trends. The aim is never to reproduce the unrealistic standards promoted by social networks, but to subtly improve what nature has given us.

HOW IS A LIP INJECTION PERFORMED?

BEFORE A LIP INJECTION SESSION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

During the consultation at the doctor's office, I examine lip morphology during an open discussion, analyze expectations and establish a personalized protocol that varies according to each case.

Several contraindications temporarily or permanently prevent the procedure:

• pregnancy,
• breast-feeding,
• autoimmune diseases,
• active local infection (herpes-like)
• aesthetic history: non-degradable products previously injected into the area to be treated.

Certain precautions optimize the post-operative period. In particular, I ban aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol for a week before the operation to minimize bruising. Strong sun exposure is also forbidden.

Patients prone to herpes labialis may benefit from prophylactic treatment to prevent post-injection recurrence.

SESSION PROCEDURE: TECHNIQUE, PAIN, DURATION

I choose only medical products specifically formulated for lips, guaranteeing optimal safety and biocompatibility. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the dermis, the quantity of which diminishes with age.

Step 1 - Anaesthesia: Application of an anaesthetic cream to the lips 10 minutes beforehand completely eliminates pain. As the mouth is very sensitive due to its wealth of nerve endings, this step allows you to approach the session with complete peace of mind.

Step 2 - Preparation : Carefully disinfect lips with a mild antiseptic solution.

Step 3 - Injection technique : I use only ultra-fine needles rather than cannulas for maximum precision and perfect control. Every injection point is controlled with surgical precision. You can follow every step in the mirror and adjust your settings as you go.

Step 4 - Post-injection massage : This crucial step consists of a massage with a special gentle but firm pressure on the injection point. This ensures even distribution of the product, prevents irregularities and nodules and optimizes the final shape for a natural, harmonious look.

Step 5: Final check and advice I check symmetry and general harmony, give you precise instructions for the following hours and schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.

Thanks to anaesthesia and the ultra-fine needle, discomfort is minimal, and slight tingling is perfectly bearable.

Hyaluronic acid injection session : duration between 20 and 30 minutes, including preparation.

AFTER THE SESSION: NORMAL FOLLOW-UP AND PRECAUTIONS

Post-injection reactions are usually minor: moderate edema, discreet redness and sometimes small bruises disappear spontaneously within a few days. The use of foundation or lipstick easily conceals these small bruises.

My post-operative protocol temporarily proscribed for 48 hours:

• intensive sport,
• saunas or extreme heat,
• exposure to sunlight and UV light,
• energetic massages,
• alcohol consumption.

Applying indirect ice relieves initial discomfort. A more pronounced morning swelling the next day is nothing to worry about.

RESULTS, DURATION AND MAINTENANCE OF INJECTIONS

EXPECTED AND IMMEDIATE RESULTS

The transformation appears instantly, despite the initial swelling that partially masks the final result. Complete stabilization occurs once local inflammation has resolved, revealing a reshaped appearance.

The extent of the change depends on the volume injected and the strategy chosen. My approach systematically favors overall facial harmony, respecting natural proportions.

HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS LAST?

Longevity varies according to multiple parameters: nature of the product, individual metabolism and mobility of the treated area. The usual interval is 6 to 12 months.

Constant labial motricity accelerates resorption compared to other areas of the face, explaining this relatively short duration.

IS IT TIME FOR TOUCH-UPS?

Optimum maintenance is achieved with sessions spaced 6 to 9 months apart. After several procedures, this interval can be extended thanks to the lasting improvement in skin hydration.

A minor correction is still possible 15 days after the first session if the amplitude appears insufficient, enabling a gradual adjustment according to the wishes expressed.

SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS

FREQUENT BUT MINOR SIDE EFFECTS

Current events include transient edema, localized erythema and occasional bruising. A temporary tension usually accompanies the first few days, depending on individual reaction.

These symptoms regress spontaneously without any particular therapeutic intervention. Discomfort rarely persists beyond 72 hours.

RARE BUT POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Some very exceptional complications are worth mentioning. The inflammatory granulomas are extremely rare with modern formulations. The persistent asymmetries may sometimes require subsequent correction.

The migration feared by many has all but disappeared thanks to today's cross-linked products and refined techniques.

The true allergies to hyaluronic acid are exceptional due to its biocompatibility. Nevertheless, reactions to preservatives can occasionally occur.

ESSENTIAL MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS

The choice of aesthetic doctor is the key to your safety. Be sure to check the’registration with the "conseil de l'ordre and the specialized training in aesthetic medicine.

Absolutely avoid non-medical interventions, economically attractive. Only doctors are legally authorized to inject in France.

Insist on the presentation of photographic work, and don't hesitate to ask about qualifications. Competent professionals are happy to engage in this dialogue.

WHO CAN PERFORM LIP INJECTIONS?

QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS: AESTHETIC PHYSICIAN OR PLASTIC SURGEON

French legislation reserves the right to inject hyaluronic acid exclusively to doctors, protecting patients from the abuses observed in certain institutes in Paris and elsewhere.

Aesthetic doctors and plastic surgeons are trained to deal with any complications, so you can rest assured.

Resist the tempting offers of non-medical structures, whose consequences can be dramatic and irreversible.

AT WHAT AGE CAN INJECTIONS BE GIVEN?

Although legally authorized from 18 years, I recommend careful consideration before the age of 25. At this age, lips generally retain their natural fullness.

My duty includes moderating excessive demands, especially among young people influenced by social networks.

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING AN EXPERT PRACTITIONER

Systematically check the RPPS number (Répertoire Partagé des Professionnels de Santé) via the official platform, The company's name and address are listed on the company's website, attesting to its statutory qualifications.

Ask about training, experience, products used and access to before-and-after photos. A serious practitioner will gladly take the time to do this.

Transparent pricing and full information on the outcome are proof of the professionalism of your contact person.

PRICE OF A LIP INJECTION: WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

HOW MUCH DOES A LIP INJECTION COST?

*Aesthetic medicine prices are given for information only and are non-contractual.
The first consultation at our office in the 16th arrondissement of Paris costs 100 euros.

To find out about the prices of all hyaluronic acid injections, you can see my rates page.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The quotation details all the following elements:

• the consultation,
• the filling product,
• the medical act and possible retouching included, to avoid unexpected extras.

LIPS DESIGN: VOLUME, CURVE OR NATURAL?

RUSSIAN LIPS

This trendy approach generates a «Heart» particularly spectacular. The injection focuses on the central portion to maximize vertical projection. The final result is a lip that bulges in the center with a characteristic M-shaped silhouette on the upper lip, appealing to patients aiming for a strong visual impact.

Russian lips, Eastern European technique revolutionizes lip augmentation by vertical injection of hyaluronic acid. The practitioner injects perpendicularly from the base outwards, working the upper middle and lower deep dermis. This approach avoids the traditional «swollen» effect for a subtle augmentation. The 20-minute procedure, performed under local anaesthetic, produces visible results after 3 days, A touch-up is required after 2 weeks.

LIP FLIP WITH BOTOX

Botox lip flip uses botulinum toxin injected into the periphery of the orbicularis muscle. The effect is to discreetly turn back the upper lip without adding volume. The technique visually enlarges the red lip by exposing more of the inner mucosa, perfectly suited to those who prefer subtlety.

This 15 minutes uses 2 to 4 units of botulinum toxin injected at the outer corners and Cupid's bow. By relaxing the perioral muscles, it causes a natural tilting effect, revealing more of the red surface without altering the shape. Ideal for correcting gummy smile, This painless technique offers visible results from day 3, lasting 4 to 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Today, hyaluronic acid injections in the lips represent a safe and efficient solution to restore a harmonious smile. This aesthetic medicine technique can correct asymmetries, restore volume or reshape lip contours while preserving a natural appearance.

The success of your aesthetic project rests on three essential pillars: choosing a qualified doctor, the use of certified medical products and a personalized approach respecting your natural features. Thanks to the reversibility of hyaluronic acid and modern techniques, you can look forward to this transformation with complete peace of mind.

If you'd like to find out how lip augmentation can enhance your smile, please visit make an appointment with my medical practice for a personalized consultation.

Together, we will establish a protocol adapted to your expectations and your morphology for a result that reflects you.

Don't wait any longer to make your lips your most seductive asset - they'll be all the more talkative for it!