What kind of result do you want to achieve?

Sometimes the lips can look less attractive because they are too thin. With cheiloplasty (lip reshaping) you can refine the shape and increase volume in different ways: for example, you can enhance only the red portion (the vermilion) relative to the surrounding skin, or give more definition to the vermilion border and the so-called “Cupid’s bow”.

These refinements can be performed on both the upper and lower lips.

There are several surgical and non-surgical techniques for lip reshaping, and results can be temporary or definitive depending on the method chosen.

If you’re looking for a temporary effect

Hyaluronic acid filler

  • Procedure duration 10 minutes
  • Type of anesthesia Topical anesthetic / cold spray or local anesthesia
  • Recovery time Immediate

Hyaluronic acid filler is one of the most useful techniques to adjust lip volume or shape. It is a safe, non-allergenic, biocompatible substance that is slowly reabsorbed by the tissues.

Hyaluronic acid is injected with a very fine needle; to minimize discomfort, a topical anesthetic is applied first to reduce sensitivity.

Autologous fat filler

  • Procedure duration 45–60 minutes
  • Type of anesthesia Local anesthesia with sedation
  • Recovery time 3–5 days

For lip augmentation, your own fat can be used, harvested from small deposits (e.g., hips or abdomen) with a micro-instrument, following the Coleman technique.

The fat is then centrifuged to isolate the most viable fraction, and only this purified portion is injected into the lips.

This approach also corrects volume deficits in other facial areas and is appreciated for avoiding foreign substances while delivering natural-looking results.

If you’re looking for a definitive effect

Cheiloplasty (Aiache technique)

  • Procedure duration 30–45 minutes
  • Type of anesthesia Local anesthesia
  • Recovery time 2–5 days

When the vermilion is very thin, a minor surgical procedure—cheiloplasty with the Aiache technique— can enhance the red portion. The correction is performed on the inner surface of the lip.

Upper lip lift

  • Procedure duration 30 minutes
  • Type of anesthesia Local anesthesia
  • Recovery time 5–7 days

With aging, the upper lip tends to flatten and thin out, making the red portion less visible as the skin between the nose and lip lengthens.

A small, well-concealed skin incision shortens this distance and restores a pleasing look: the vermilion and vermilion border are highlighted in a very natural way.

FAQ

Do you have questions about lip reshaping?

Read here first.

The surgeon selects the best option case by case, based on the lips’ features and the result the patient wishes to achieve.

Absorbable fillers are not permanent, so you can adjust or change your result over time without being locked into a look you no longer want.

Hyaluronic acid has an excellent safety profile and very high biocompatibility. It is soft—like natural lips—and integrates very well.

Generally no. Before starting, a cooling spray or topical anesthetic reduces sensitivity, and the injection is performed with an extremely fine needle. Many products also contain a local anesthetic that eliminates discomfort during injection.

That look occurs only when excessive amounts of filler are injected. It’s not due to the material itself, but to using too much product to meet an exaggerated aesthetic request.

Hyaluronic acid is gradually reabsorbed and disappears without a trace. Tissues return to their pre-treatment appearance.

No. Hyaluronic acid is clear—like water—so it cannot be seen through the skin.

You may feel mild swelling or fullness right after treatment; this typically subsides within a few hours.

Refine the volume and shape of your lips with natural results

Book a visit with Prof. Bracaglia