TL;DR:
- Lip shape: Influenced by genetics, aging, injuries, and external factors like sun or wind.
- Lip augmentation procedures: Improve shape, symmetry, size, hydration, or contour, often providing a natural look.
- Popular methods:
- Hyaluronic acid: Non-surgical, safe, lasts 6–12 months; moisturizes and enhances shape.
- Fat grafting: Long-lasting, uses body fat, includes body contouring benefits.
- Mesotherapy: Injects nourishing solutions; improves hydration, color, and shape.
- Bullhorn Lip Lift: Surgical, permanent, reduces upper lip-nose distance for better proportions.
- Other methods: Russian Lips, French Lips, Baby Doll, mouth corner lifting with threads.
- Considerations: Recovery time, desired effect, duration, risks, and doctor consultation.
The shape of the lips depends on genetic predisposition. It is also affected by the aging process and past illnesses and injuries. Imperfections in the appearance of the lips are a source of complexes for many people. The popularity and development of aesthetic medicine has made it possible to create a wide selection of lip augmentation treatments. Thus, we have the opportunity to customize the method of lip augmentation according to the effect we want to achieve. What method to choose in order to enjoy the achievement of beautiful and full lips for the maximum length of time?
When is it worth thinking about a lip augmentation procedure?
Lip augmentation procedure is classified as an aesthetic medicine service. It is aimed at people who are not satisfied with the shape, color or texture of their lips. It is often performed in the case of significant lip asymmetry or when the size of the lips is not proportional to the rest of the face. The unsightly appearance of the lips can be due to genetics, but also external factors. Lip shape correction is often indicated because of damage to the lips due to trauma. Also, sun exposure or high wind exposure causes the lips to dry out, resulting in cracking and uneven contours. Both women and men benefit from this type of treatment. Keep in mind that the effect does not have to be spectacular, and the procedure is intended to provide a natural and healthy look.
Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body and is responsible for moisturizing the skin. Unfortunately, it is sometimes present in insufficient amounts or we lose it as we age. Through its action it binds collagen fibers and elastin, and has strong water-binding properties. For this reason, preparations with hyaluronic acid are successfully used in aesthetic medicine. They are used not only for lip augmentation, but also for wrinkle filling, skin hydration and facial contouring, among other purposes.
With the help of hyaluronic acid, moisturizing, shaping and lip augmentation can be performed. The procedure is completely safe and minimally invasive, as it does not require surgical interference and is performed with a thin needle, which makes it virtually painless. In addition, anesthetic cream is commonly used during its performance. The procedure takes only several minutes and involves the local, subcutaneous insertion of the acid using a thin needle or cannula. There may be slight swelling of the lips or bruising for the first few days after the procedure, but once healed, the effect of the specific is satisfactory and can last from 6 to 12 months, depending on lifestyle, genetics and diet.
Fat as an autogenous filler
The advantage of fat grafting is the use of autogenous tissue taken from another part of the body. This results in easy absorption of the material and eliminates the risk of allergies. Its application is wide – it can be successfully used to model the entire body. The lipotransfer procedure lasts from 30 to 90 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. It consists of the extraction of adipose tissue, so that micro-liposuction is performed – removal of excess fat from the area where it is not desired. So the patient gets the added benefit of fine body contouring for the same price. The material is enriched with stem cells, and is then applied with a thin needle. The first effects are visible immediately after the procedure, but they are much more noticeable after a few days, when the swelling and bruising from the lip area disappear. The result of the procedure is long-lasting and can be seen for many years.
Mesotherapy of the lips
Mesotherapy of the lips involves the injection of a nourishing preparation into the lips, which is selected individually according to the needs of the lip skin and the results the patient wants to achieve. Depending on the purpose of the treatment, the preparation may contain vitamins, amino acids, inorganic salts, collagen, fibrin, blood plasma, coenzymes or peptides. However, it is usually a combination of several components. As with the aforementioned methods, its application is wide and can be used in modeling different parts of the body. After treatment, the lips will be firm and moisturized. The contour should be evened out, the shape enhanced and the natural redness of the lips more pronounced. The procedure takes several minutes, and the length of time the effect lasts depends on the choice of preparation. It is performed using a thin needle and under local anesthesia.
Bullhorn Lip Lift
Bullhorn Lip Lift is a plastic surgery procedure specifically concerned with the correction of the upper lip. It is usually chosen when significant asymmetry between the upper and lower lips is apparent. The goal of the interference is to restore proper facial proportions. The procedure involves reducing the distance of the upper lip from the base of the nose. As a result, the redness of the lip is widened, and the middle part of the upper lip is optically enlarged.
As we age, due to loss of skin elasticity and atrophy of soft tissues, the lips become elongated and flattened. The lips begin to appear smaller because the lip redness curls inward, making the lip appear flat and long. When smiling, the upper lip covers the dentition, and there is too much space between it and the nose, which disturbs the proportions of the face. Such a situation is an indication for the procedure, and it happens not only to elderly patients. This option is used by people who expect a permanent result without the use of temporary fillers. This is a surgical procedure, so prior consultation with a doctor is necessary to determine the lack of contraindications to the procedure. Among them are diabetes, impaired blood clotting, pregnancy and lactation periods. The procedure is classified as minimally invasive. It is performed using local anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. It involves cutting a piece of skin located between the nose and upper lip and turning the lips upward. This method is considered to be the most effective and gives permanent results. It is recommended especially for a certain lip shape and while injecting any preparations does not work. The sutures are removed between 7 and 14 days after the procedure, and the skin recovery time is about 2 weeks. During this time frame, it is recommended to avoid sunlight.
Other lip augmentation methods
In addition to the Bullhorn Lip Lift, there are other methods of lip augmentation, which are selected in consultation with the doctor performing the procedure, depending on the shape that is ultimately desired and the patient’s current lip shape. Other lip augmentation methods include:
- Russian Lips method – or flat lip modeling. It involves enlarging the red lip area rather than volumetrically correcting the lips in a convex manner. This allows for a very natural, non-exaggerated effect by gently curling the upper lip and making the cupid’s bow more pronounced.
- The French method – which is characterized by a pronounced accentuation of the middle part of the lips. Then you get the effect of very full, but at the same time not overly large lips. This type of augmentation is ideal for sad facial expressions, as it lifts the corners of the mouth gently and allows you to give the impression of a gentle smile.
- Baby doll – augmentation of the Baby doll type is a method that guarantees the enhancement of the cupid’s bow, the middle part of the mouth and the curling of the lower lip.
Lifting the corners of the mouth
This method involves the use of lifting threads and is an alternative to lip filling. The type of threads is chosen according to the patient’s desired results. They are used to contour and firm both the face and body. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed with local anesthesia. It involves implanting the threads under the skin using a thin and sterile needle. As with the Bullhorn Lip Lift, a prior consultation is necessary to ensure there are no contraindications to the procedure. Typically, the symptoms that occur with this type of interference, which are bruising and swelling, subside after a few days. During this time it is recommended to limit facial movements. The process of absorption of the threads takes about 8 months, but the skin is stimulated to increase collagen production for a much longer time, so the effect lasts even more than a year.
What to follow when choosing the type of treatment?
- Think about what effect you want to achieve and describe your expectations to your doctor in detail.
- Take into account the estimated recovery time after the procedure.
- Consult with your doctor, who will inform you of contraindications.
- Match the procedure to the expected duration of maintenance of the effects.
- Familiarize yourself with the possible side effects of the chosen method.
Conclusion
Finding the right lip augmentation method starts with knowing your goals. Each option—whether hyaluronic acid, fat transfer, mesotherapy, or the Bullhorn Lip Lift—offers unique benefits tailored to specific needs. From natural hydration to long-lasting structural changes, today’s treatments make achieving fuller, balanced lips more accessible than ever. The key is detailed consultation with a professional to align your expectations, recovery time, and desired results. With proper planning, you can select a method that enhances your lips’ appearance while prioritizing safety and balance. Beautiful, personalized results are within reach with the right approach.
