Should I put 1 ml or half ml of filler in my lips for a natural look? (Photos)

The effect of the service and its natural appearance is largely dependent on the artistic skill of the injector. Yes, technique really does make a difference. Also which product you get is critical. Many injectors use a so-called "smooth" filler. That is marketing speak for runny. Why are runny fillers so popular? Most injectors make lumps and bumps when they inject product. They lack the skill to work with the high G prime fillers. The runny fillers have low G prime, a measure of how the products functions as a solid in the tissue. The runny fillers spread out after injection and they tendency corrects lumps and bumps left by the injector. Sounds good but it is not. The problem is that the tendency of these products to spread means that instead of getting a product that precisely hold where it has been placed, a characteristic critical for a natural result, product immediately spreads to places it should not. That is how one gets a lip treatment that leads to lip shelf-fullness above the lip that looks anything but natural. Products that cause this include Juvederms, Belotero, Restylane Silk, Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne. Products that don't do this: Restylane. Note that Restylane Lyft has a G prime so high that it should not be used at the lip edge. Know your products and your injector. 

Hi @bellelola! I recommend 1 syringe. Technique and product choice is critical. Best of luck to you, Dr. Nima!

Hi and thank you for your question. Most patients in my practice are very happy starting out with the 1cc as your body will metabolize the product over time. From there, you can always add more later and either build up to the look you want or just maintain the lips. I hope this helped! Best wishes.

Thank you for your question! Many patients find that they can still retain a natural look with 1ml. Make sure that you are being injected by an experienced injector who can place the filler in the appropriate places with the appropriate amount to help you achieve the look you are going for. We wish you the best!

I would start with 1 cc and add a 2nd cc in about a week.  The upper lip alone needs 1 full cc in your case as well as 1 cc in the lower lip. If you under do the lips then you won't notice any improvement in a week and it won't last but a month or so. It still will look totally natural.

Thank you for your question. Generally, most patients are happy with 1cc syringe. Depending on the look you want to aim you can always add more filler later.

You can always add more filler if you need it.  Volbella comes in a smaller 0.6cc syringe perfect for conservative results.

Most doctors will start with one-syringe to avoid overfilling. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical and full lip. PDO NovaThreads can also be used to improve shape and also provide lift. Fat or implants are a permanent alternative. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Because each filler maintains different properties, it is difficult to make a recommendation without knowing your goal appearance and which filler will be needed.  In general it is always easier to start smaller and add incrementally.  Hope this helps.

Dear bellelola,
I typically use Juvederm for my lip sculpting. You can start with 0.5 mL and you always have an option to add more. There are two main focuses of lip injections, adding volume and actually sculpting the shape. Both involve injecting the filler in different areas of the lips and patterns.
I would recommend finding a plastic surgeon to perform you lip injections. Most of my patients have results that last at least 6 months.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery