In Depth
Lip Filler in Detail
Proportion guides the plan. In most faces the lower lip is fuller than the upper, and the lips sit in balance with the nose and chin. Lips that look overdone usually break one of those relationships: an upper lip larger than the lower, a border blurred by volume, or lips projecting well beyond the chin in profile. That is why the chin and nose are part of a lip assessment.
The lips are supplied by the superior and inferior labial arteries, which run within the lip, most often on its inner side. Depth and technique are planned around them, product goes in slowly and in small amounts, and hyaluronidase is kept on site. Vascular events in the lips are uncommon, but early recognition matters, and every patient leaves knowing the warning signs. [1,2]
Lips swell more than any other site on the face after filler. The result on the day is not the result; it is judged at about two weeks, and any small adjustment is made then.
What We Look At
| Concern | What helps | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lips look thinner | Border definition, then a little volume | Volume alone can blur the border |
| Flattened cupid's bow | Fine placement along the bow and philtral columns | Small amounts |
| Downturned corners | Support at the corners | Sometimes combined with relaxing the muscle that pulls them down |
| Vertical lip lines | Very fine placement or skin treatments | Lines are partly skin quality |
| Uneven lips | Asymmetric placement | Perfect symmetry is not natural |
| Dry, fine-textured lips | Hydrating placement with very soft product | Little or no added volume |
Border first, shape second, volume last.
What Happens on the Day
- AssessmentFront and side view, at rest and smiling. The lips are judged against the nose and chin, and any previous filler is felt for.
- NumbingNumbing cream for 20–30 minutes; most lip fillers also contain local anaesthetic.
- PlacementSmall amounts, border and shape first, with the result checked from several angles.
- Before you leaveThe colour of the lips and the surrounding skin is checked.
- Review at two weeksOnce swelling settles, the result is reviewed and any small adjustment made.
Risks and Side Effects
- Swelling, often uneven, for the first few days
- Bruising and tenderness
- Small lumps that usually settle or can be moulded
- A cold sore flare in people prone to them; tell us beforehand
- Product drifting above the border over time if too much is placed
- Rarely, blockage of a blood vessel
Warning signs. Contact the clinic immediately if the lip or nearby skin turns pale, grey, dusky or blotchy, or if pain increases rather than settles.
Aftercare
- Cold compresses for the first day
- No lipstick for the rest of the day, and avoid pressure on the lips
- Avoid heavy exercise, saunas and alcohol for 24–48 hours
- Avoid dental treatment for two weeks
Lip Filler — Common Questions
References
- Beleznay K, Carruthers JDA, Humphrey S, Carruthers A, Jones D. Update on avoiding and treating blindness from fillers: a recent review of the world literature. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(6):662-674
- Beleznay K, Carruthers JDA, Humphrey S, Jones D. Avoiding and treating blindness from fillers: a review of the world literature. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41(10):1097-1117
- Fratila A, Schenck T, Redka-Swoboda W, Zilinsky I, Pavicic T, Cotofana S. The anatomy of the aging face: a review. Facial Plast Surg. 2016;32(3):253-260
- Health Sciences Authority, Singapore — medical device regulation
- Singapore Medical Council — Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors
General information, reviewed by Dr. Sin Yong, Medical Director, on 6 Oct 2026. It is not a substitute for a consultation, and individual results vary.
