What's the best lip injection technique?

Lip injections can be performed to either restore the appearance of lips which have changed over time or 2 enhance the appearance of lips by making them a bit more full.  These goals are separate and distinct.  Injection of lips is something of an art.   When performed well the results are spectacularly.  I would recommend a finding an injector in your area who has an outstanding reputation for performing lip injections.  I would not micro-manage the injector by telling them exactly which technique they should use to treat you.

The lips should be viewed in balance wth the other facial features. Treatment goals can be very different depending on the age of the person and their goals. Reestablishing volume and definition in an older person is different from enhancing features in a younger person. The proper balance and proportion should also be maintained between the upper and lower lip. Ultimately it comes down to the aesthetic vision of the injector and experience in making the desired changes.  Sometimes the lip border needs definition and enhancement. Other times the lips need volume and fulness. The right product should also be selected. Anticipated swelling needs to be considered. Sometimes it is better to recheck and touch up areas after a couple  weeks when swelling has resolved.
Best to you,
Dr. Stephen Fink

You are correct that the exact technique of lip injection varies significantly from one physician to the next.  I agree with you that injecting the actual lip generally gives a more natural result, but sometimes injections in the vermillion can accentuate the lips in a natural and attractive way as well.  Good luck!

this is something that you need to have a consult with the doctor.  some people do injections, silicon, or lip implants. your doctor should know which option is best for you.

When you consider augmenting the lip, you really need to consider the entire lip and the surrounding area. Often it's not just the lip itself that needs to be filled, but the surrounding area that serves as structural support.If you have little volume loss in the lip body, you can sometimes get away with a small enhancement of the border and philtral column, but usually you'll need some additional fill to evert the lip so it's not tucked under - as happens often as you age.The goal is to stay natural looking and true to your own facial proportions. There are effective ways to enhance the appearance of your lips without sacrificing natural movement or projection.Downturned corners can be lifted with Botox or filler - this one step can make a big difference in how the size of your lips is perceived.We have to remember that the face is a compilation of many muscles, fat compartments and a complicated and ever-changing skeletal support so it's often not the best idea to try to select a single feature to change.

The "best" technique needs to be determined following a consultation and evaluation of your lips. In most cases, a small amount of filler is placed in the vermillion to add definition to the lip line. If you would benefit from more volume in your red lip then filler would be placed in that area as well. Your physician injector also needs to determine how much filler will be placed in the upper and lower lips to maintain an ideal balance between the two lips. The lower lip should be slightly more full than the upper lip. It is important to find an injector who won't overfill your lips and has the aesthetic sense to add volume and definition without making your lips look "done." That can take alot of experience. Seek an injector who has plenty of before and after photos of lips that you think are beautiful. Avoid those that create overfilled or unnatural looking lips. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. The technique is specifically chosen for each person and their individual goals. Schedule a consultation with an expert injector to discuss your options. Best,

I believe that you have to do both but you have to tailor the amount to each individual patient.  I inject the vermillion in almost every patient, but I am careful to keep the roll very small and in the area anatomically known as the white roll.  When you are trained in plastic surgery you learn about the anatomical subunits of the lips by doing lip reconstructions on children.  Many nurse injectors, and untrained physicians are never taught about the anatomy of the lips, and don't know what needs to go where.    I correct so many bad injectables, and I see the same issues you are talking about.  Ducky, trout pouts, sausage like lips, irregularities, etc.  The subunits of the lips need to be filled as needed for the particular goals of the patient.  I like doing injectables whereas many plastic surgeon have relegated this to midlevel staff.  I believe to get a good result you need a practitioner who understands anatomy and can reproduce great results over and over again. 

It should all be individualized based on your own anatomy.  I cannot say which is the best for you given there are no photos here.  I use both cannulas and needles depending on the persons lip and their own goals.  Sometimes not injecting the vermillion is good, sometimes its not.  Sometimes you need to injection above and below the lip and around the mouth and chin, and not go directly into the lip itself.  It all depends on the persons goals and aesthetics.  I suggest a formal consultation with someone who knows fillers and understands anatomy and what would make your lips look beautiful and not over done.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Rather than search for a specific technique, which varies according to what's appropriate for an individual patient, find a practice with excellent lip augmentation results. Look at before-and-after lip augmentation results, which you may be able to find on a practice's website before you make an appointment. If you have friends with great results, ask them where they go.Click on the link below to see a Juvederm Lip Augmentation case.