Lips are almost never about more volume. It's about proportion, defining the lip line, hydration, and symmetry. Anyone who comes to me wanting significantly larger lips will first have an honest conversation about how that would affect the rest of their face.
What makes a good lip treatment
Lips look harmonious when the ratio of upper to lower lip suits the face, the contour is clear, and the vermilion border remains visible when smiling without protruding. Therefore, I usually work with small amounts and build up the effect over several appointments, rather than forcing a result in one session that could only be assessed after the swelling subsides.
Not every lip needs the same thing.
„"Lip augmentation" is a general term for very different starting points. What makes sense for you depends on what bothers you:
- Lost volume. Lips become thinner with age, and the vermilion border rolls inwards. The goal here is to bring the lips outwards again—not to enlarge them.
- Unclear outline. The lip line loses definition, lipstick bleeds. This requires very little product, precisely placed at the edge.
- Asymmetry. Almost every lip is asymmetrical. Small differences can be corrected; complete symmetry is not a realistic goal and would not look natural.
- drooping corners of the mouth or a tired look around the mouth. This is often not a case for fillers in the lip itself, but for treatment of the surrounding area.
- Dryness and fine wrinkles. Volume is not what helps here, but moisture — for this, soft, highly water-binding preparations in the smallest quantity are suitable.
This distinction is the reason why I look closely before every treatment: Two people with the same wish often need two completely different treatments.
The process
- Analysis: Proportion, contour, tooth position, resting and smiling position.
- Information, written consent.
- Numbing cream; the preparation also contains a local anesthetic.
- Treatment with a needle or blunt cannula, usually 20 to 30 minutes. Typical amount at a first appointment: half a milliliter to one milliliter.
- Follow-up examination after two weeks, when the swelling has completely subsided.
What I work with
I exclusively use cross-linked hyaluronic acid—a material that the body breaks down naturally over months and that can be selectively dissolved again if needed. For the lips, I choose soft, elastic preparations: they should move with speech and laughter and shouldn't feel like little balls. Firmer products, like those used for Jawline While certain features are useful on the chin, they have no place on the lip.
I will tell you which medication will be used before the treatment. You can find basic information about the substance on the page. Hyaluronic acid in Vienna.
Why I don't use permanent fillers
Permanent and semi-permanent implants appear attractive at first glance because they don't break down. But that's precisely the problem: the face changes over the years—the implant doesn't. Nodules, hardening, and inflammation can develop even years later, and such implants can often only be removed surgically.
Hyaluronic acid is the more conservative option. It doesn't last forever, but its effect is controllable and, if necessary, can be targeted with the enzyme hyaluronidase. re-dissolvable. I also do not offer lip augmentation using the patient's own fat: it is not possible to reliably predict how much of it will grow.
Swelling, healing and durability
Expect significant swelling for two to five days. During this time, your lips will appear fuller than the final result—this is normal and no reason for an immediate touch-up. Bruising is possible. We will assess the final result after two weeks. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six to twelve months in the lips; the lips are a highly mobile area and degrade more quickly than other areas.
Risks
- Swelling, pressure sensation, bruising
- Tangible irregularities, mostly temporary
- Asymmetry — correctable during follow-up examination
- Reactivation of cold sores. If you are prone to herpes, please let us know beforehand so we can treat you preventively.
- Rarely, infection or delayed inflammatory response
- Vascular occlusion is very rare. Hyaluronidase is available in the office, and you can reach me by phone after the treatment.
Treatment is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in cases of active cold sores, inflammation in the treatment area, and in cases of known hypersensitivity.
Aftercare — what to keep in mind
- Keep cool for the first few hours, no ice directly on the skin
- No sports, no sauna, no tanning bed for 24 hours
- Do not knead or massage.
- No dentist appointment for the first two weeks
- Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment — it increases swelling and bruising.
What happens in the initial consultation
Every treatment begins with a consultation—even if you know exactly what you want. I'll examine your lips calmly and in motion, and ask about any previous treatments: whether, when, and with what material was previously applied. You'll receive an assessment of what's realistic in your case, the amount I would suggest, and the cost—all in writing, before the treatment.
There are two things you absolutely must tell me: whether you are going to Cold sores predisposition — an injection can trigger a flare-up that can be prevented — and whether you blood thinning medication Take these medications. Please never stop taking such medications on your own; we will simply schedule the appointment accordingly.
If I get the impression that treatment on that day is not advisable, I will say so. You are under no obligation.
Cost
Lip treatment with hyaluronic acid: 380 € Each appointment lasts approximately 25 minutes. A later appointment Dissolving with hyaluronidase It costs €100.
All prices can be found at Prices; The cost estimate provided during the initial consultation, prior to treatment, is decisive. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance. The initial consultation lasts approximately 25 minutes.
Questions about the treatment? Call us at +43 690 1025 2545 — or book an appointment directly.
If the lip alone is not the answer
Often, what bothers you in the mirror isn't actually the lip. A tired expression more often comes from the... Tear trough than from the mouth; a narrow-looking lower jaw can be seen via the Jawline to balance; a tense expression around the eyes with Botulinum toxin. You can find an overview of all prices at Prices.
I don't treat all these areas on the same day. We start with what makes the biggest difference and assess the result after two weeks before moving on.
When I advise against it
If the desired size doesn't suit your face, or if a lot of filler is already applied and your lips have lost their definition, then dissolving it is a better first step than refilling. And before important events: allow at least three weeks before your wedding, photoshoot, or presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
With numbing cream and the anesthetic contained in the preparation, most people find it quite bearable. Unpleasant, but short.
Is it immediately obvious that I've had something done?
Yes, during the first few days due to swelling. After that, it depends on the amount. With half a milliliter and good contouring, you primarily see a well-groomed lip.
Can lip fillers be dissolved?
Yes, with hyaluronidase. This applies to my material as well as to material placed elsewhere. Dissolving the implant requires a separate appointment and consultation.
How often do I need to have follow-up treatments?
Those who want to maintain their lip contour usually come once or twice a year. There's no obligation: if you skip it, your lips will return to their original shape.
How much will be injected at the first appointment?
Usually half a milliliter to one milliliter. The proportion is crucial, not the quantity—you can always add more, but taking it away is more difficult.
Is there anything I need to do before the appointment?
Alcohol the night before and intense exercise immediately beforehand increase the tendency to bruise. Please do not discontinue any blood-thinning medication on your own; inform me first. And please do not schedule the appointment too close to an important event.
From what age do you offer treatment?
From age 18. I am particularly cautious with very young patients — not every wish that seems urgent at 19 is still the same at 25.
Lip filler, lip augmentation or lip injections — are they the same thing?
Yes. In everyday language, "lip filler," "lip augmentation," "lip injections," and "lip correction" all refer to the same treatment: the injection of hyaluronic acid into the lips and lip contour. I use the term "lip treatment" here because it's usually not about injections, but rather about proportion and contour.
Are you considering lip augmentation? Let's start with a conversation about proportions.
Medically responsible: Dr. Jan Gumilar, General Practitioner — Private Practice for Aesthetic Medicine, Brandstätte 3, 1010 Vienna. Member of the German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum and Filler Therapy (DGBT).