Lip Filler
Injections
FDA-approved Hyaluronic Acid fillers (Restylane suite) that add volume, definition, and hydration to the lips. Multiple techniques available based on your anatomy and goals.
Injection Techniques
Lip fillers use FDA-approved Hyaluronic Acid (HA) gels — like Restylane Kysse — to add volume and hydration to the lips from the inside out.
Our nurse injector customizes each treatment to your anatomy and goals. We offer several injection approaches:
What It Does
Volume & Shape
Adds volume to naturally thin lips or restores what's been lost over time. Creates a more defined shape and balanced profile.
Immediate Results
Visible volume increase right after treatment. Final, settled results appear at 7–10 days once swelling resolves.
Minimal Downtime
Most patients resume normal activities the same day. Minor swelling or bruising typically subsides within 48 hours.
Lip Concerns We Treat
Some patients are born with naturally thin or flat lips that lack volume and projection. Lip filler adds controlled volume to both the upper and lower lips, creating a fuller shape that's proportional to your facial structure. One syringe is typically enough for a noticeable but natural result. See our full dermal filler page for additional facial balancing options.
Most people have some degree of natural asymmetry between their upper and lower lip, or between the left and right sides. Targeted filler placement can balance uneven lips by selectively adding volume where it's needed, correcting discrepancies in shape, height, or projection without overfilling the larger side.
Lips naturally lose volume and definition with age as collagen production declines. The vermillion border (lip line) flattens, and the lips themselves appear thinner and less hydrated. HA filler restores lost volume and resharpens the lip border for a refreshed appearance. For broader facial volume loss, see our anti-aging treatments page.
Vertical lines that radiate from the lip border — commonly called smoker's lines or perioral lines — develop from repeated muscle movement and collagen loss. Small amounts of filler placed along and just above the lip border smooth these lines while restoring structure. For deeper perioral lines, a lip flip with Botox can complement filler by relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle.
A flat or poorly defined cupid's bow can make the upper lip appear shapeless. Precise filler placement at the two peaks of the upper lip and along the philtral columns creates a sharper, more structured "V" shape. This technique works well on its own or combined with overall volume enhancement for a balanced result.
If previous lip filler from another provider has migrated, become lumpy, or produced an uneven result, we offer correction services. Existing HA filler is dissolved using Hylenex (hyaluronidase enzyme) to return lips to their natural baseline. After a healing period, fresh filler is placed with controlled technique for a clean result. See our before & after gallery for examples.
What to Expect
Aftercare Essentials
- Avoid touching, pressing, or massaging your lips for at least 24 hours post-treatment
- Apply ice gently (wrapped in cloth) for 10 minutes at a time to manage swelling
- Avoid strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and alcohol for 24–48 hours
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night to reduce morning swelling
- Do not apply lipstick, lip gloss, or other products to the lips for 6–8 hours post-treatment
- Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks after lip filler injections
Full aftercare instructions are provided at your appointment. Visit our post-care instructions page for reference.
Treatment Options
We maintain a 1-syringe minimum and do not offer half syringes. Your injector will recommend a treatment plan based on your anatomy and goals.
Lip Filler
Average Needed:
1 Syringe
Filler Dissolve & Refill
Who Performs This Treatment
Thao Nguyen, RN BSN
How Often & How Many
One syringe (1 mL) of Restylane is the standard starting point for most first-time lip filler patients. This provides a noticeable but natural increase in volume that suits the majority of lip anatomies.
Because the lips are a high-movement area, filler metabolizes faster here than in the cheeks or jawline. Most patients return for a maintenance session every 6–9 months to sustain their results, though some find their filler lasts up to 12 months.
Patients seeking a more dramatic result may choose to add a second syringe at a follow-up appointment 2–4 weeks after the initial treatment. Building volume over multiple sessions gives your injector greater control and reduces risk of overfilling.
Your injector will recommend the right amount of product and timeline during your consultation. View all injectable options on our services page.
Lip Filler vs. Lip Flip
Lip filler and the lip flip are the two most common cosmetic lip treatments, but they work through entirely different mechanisms. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach — or combination — for your goals.
Lip Filler Reviews
"This was my first ever cosmetic procedure, and my anxiety was so high! I really emphasized I wanted natural but full lips and I got exactly that! Thao was very gentle and talked me through it all."
"Nurse injector Thao is super sweet and very professional. I love the results and she knows how to do this so well—I did not end up with a bad sausage mouth but with beautifully shaped enhanced lips. Thank you!"
"Nurse Thao was amazing and she was really chill, we went over my lip expectations and told her exactly what I wanted. She executed it flawlessly. My lips are amazing and definitely will be coming back."
"First time ever getting lip filler…Thao made the experience easy and painless! She did a great job making sure they looked natural, yet enhanced, just what I wanted! Thanks so much Thao!"
"I had lip filler done by nurse Thao Nguyen 2 weeks ago and I am in love with my results! She was so kind and walked me through the process. I will definitely be coming back!"
"My experience was great! Thao is the BEST & Christian was AMAZING! My lips & skin look flawless, thanks ladies! See y'all soon!"
"I recently had the pleasure of visiting Thao for a lip filler removal and reapplication. She expertly dissolved my old filler that had migrated. Her technique was gentle... I'm so happy with my new lips!"
"Visited the beautiful ELLEMES Med Spa for full face balancing done by Nurse Thao. From my cheek bones to my chin to my lips, everything turned out more than perfect. Thank you so much for bringing back my confidence!"
"I wanted a more youthful, elongated face and to balance out my lips. It was incredible to see instant results! My face looked awesome and Thao helped me gain my confidence back!"
"Love this place! Thao is knowledgeable, kind, and incredible at injectables. I always leave in awe of the work she's done. These people know what they're doing and will make you look beautiful!"
"Thao was great! It was my first time getting filler so I didn't know what to expect, but she answered all of my questions and walked me through the process and aftercare. I'm loving my results!"
"I came to get dermal fillers and Botox for the very first time. Nurse Thao did a very good job at listening to what I wanted and bringing those results to life. I felt very comfortable throughout the whole process."
Common
Questions
What to know before booking Lip Filler at ELLEMES.
We customize every treatment to your anatomy. The most popular requests are the Russian Lip technique (vertical height, flat side-profile), the Classic Plump (soft, all-over volume), and Cupid's Bow Enhancement (crisp, defined upper lip borders).
We apply a medical-grade topical numbing cream for 20–30 minutes before injections. The Restylane fillers also contain lidocaine, which numbs the area further during treatment. Most patients report only mild pressure or a slight pinch.
Because the lips are a high-movement area, filler breaks down faster here than in the cheeks. On average, lip fillers last 6 to 12 months depending on your metabolism.
Not with our approach. We customize treatment to your specific facial proportions for a soft, balanced result — explicitly avoiding the overfilled look.
For most first-time patients, one syringe (1 mL) is the right amount for a natural result. We maintain a 1-syringe minimum to ensure a complete, even outcome and do not offer half-syringes.
You'll see an immediate increase in volume after treatment. Lips will swell over the first 24–48 hours. Final, settled results appear around 7 to 10 days post-treatment once swelling resolves.
Yes. Because we use Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers, the product can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. We also perform filler corrections for patients who received poor results elsewhere.
To reduce bruising risk, avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) and alcohol for 3–5 days before treatment. Drink plenty of water and arrive with clean, makeup-free lips.
When You're Ready
Schedule a consultation and your injector will assess your anatomy, discuss technique options, and recommend a treatment plan.
Book a Consultation