Lip Filler
What Is It?
Lip filler uses hyaluronic acid based products to adjust lip volume, border definition and proportion. The aim is not to enlarge the lip but to build a balance that suits its own structure: the ratio between upper and lower lip, the definition of the lip border, the direction of the corners and the projection in profile are each considered separately.
Lips lose volume with age, the border softens and the corners turn down. In a younger person the question is usually about adding volume; later it is more often about restoring a lost border and lost support. These are not the same procedure.
How Is It Done?
Treatment begins with lip analysis. The upper-to-lower ratio, the state of the border, the philtrum, how much gum shows on smiling and the profile are all assessed. The desired appearance is discussed; if it does not suit the person’s anatomy, that is said at the outset.
Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand, with a regional block added when needed. Product is placed in different layers according to the intended effect: at the border for definition, in the body for volume, at the corners for support. A fine needle or a cannula is used. The procedure averages 15-20 minutes. Symmetry is checked both at rest and while smiling.
Who Is It For?
Suitable for people with volume loss, asymmetry, a softened border or downturned corners who want to balance lip proportions. The amount is set by facial proportions — a large volume does not look natural on a small face.
It is not performed while a cold sore (herpes) is active; in people with a history of cold sores, preventive treatment may be planned beforehand. It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in bleeding disorders, uncontrolled autoimmune disease and known allergy to the product. Blood-thinning medication increases the likelihood of bruising and forms part of the assessment.
Process & Recovery
Analysis and planning
Lip proportions, border condition and profile are assessed; the desired appearance is discussed and the amount is agreed together. Baseline photographs are taken.
Treatment day
Topical anaesthetic cream is left on for 15-20 minutes, with a regional block added if needed. Product is placed in the planned layers; the procedure takes 15-20 minutes.
First 48 hours
The lips have a rich blood supply, so swelling is pronounced and bruising is common. Cold compresses, plenty of water and avoiding heat and intense exercise are advised on the first day.
Days 3-7
Swelling subsides quickly and the lips approach their true volume. The appearance in the first days is not the final result and no assessment is made then.
Week 2 review
Once the product has settled, a review is carried out. Symmetry and border are assessed and a small top-up is planned if needed.
Results & Duration
The volume effect is immediate, but because swelling is more pronounced here than elsewhere the final appearance becomes clear at about two weeks. Duration varies with the product, the amount used and individual metabolism; the range generally reported is 12-18 months.
The lips move constantly with speech and eating, so product breaks down faster than in most areas and renewal may come up sooner.
What Is Not Promised
Lip filler does not change the fundamental shape of the lip; a lip structure that is not yours is not promised. It does not correct a gummy smile, does not on its own erase fine lines around the mouth, and does not gather lax skin in the perioral area.
No particular volume, appearance or duration is guaranteed. Volume beyond what the lip can carry compromises a natural result, so the amount is planned around your facial proportions and expectations are discussed alongside your anatomy.
Key Benefits
- Natural volume
- Symmetry
- Moisture increase
“With lips the aim is proportion, not attention. A well-treated lip is noticed as a rested face, not as “someone who has had filler”.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lip filler painful?
Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand, with a regional block added if needed. The lips are sensitive so pressure is noticeable, but the procedure is short.
How much swelling is there and when does it settle?
Swelling is pronounced in the first 48 hours and bruising is common. It subsides quickly over 3-7 days; the final appearance settles at two weeks.
Will it look natural?
It stays natural when the amount is set by facial proportions. What compromises a natural look is placing more volume than the lip’s own structure can carry.
Will I get “duck lips”?
That appearance usually comes from excess volume or from product placed in the wrong layer. It is not expected with planned, measured treatment.
How long does it last?
The range generally reported is 12-18 months. Because the lips move constantly, most people need renewal sooner.
Is it reversible?
Hyaluronic acid based products can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed — an important safeguard when a lip result is not what you wanted.
What if I get a cold sore?
Treatment is not carried out while a cold sore is active. In people with a history of them, preventive treatment may be planned beforehand; this is asked at consultation.
Who is it not suitable for?
It is not performed with an active cold sore, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in bleeding disorders, uncontrolled autoimmune disease and known allergy to the product.