Russian lips vs normal lip filler: what is the difference?
How does the Russian lips technique work?
With the Russian lips technique, also called the Russian method lip filler, the doctor places dozens of very small droplets of filler in vertical lines at the lip border, where the red of the lip meets the skin. These small deposits lift the lip border. As a result, the visible red lip becomes taller, while the lip stays relatively flat when seen from the side.
The centre of the upper lip and the Cupid's bow are usually lifted extra, while the corners of the mouth receive little or no filler. This creates the characteristic heart shape. The product is the same as with a normal lip filler: a hyaluronic acid gel, for example from Juvéderm or Stylage. The difference lies entirely in the technique.
What is the difference between Russian lips and normal lip filler?
With a normal lip filler, the filler is usually placed with fewer, longer injections or with a cannula, into the lip and along the outline. That adds volume and projection: the lips come forward a little more. Russian lips focuses on height and shape instead. The table sets out the differences.
| Russian lips | Normal lip filler | |
|---|---|---|
| Aim | height, lifted lip border, heart shape | volume, projection, natural outline |
| Technique | dozens of vertical micro-injections at the lip border | fewer injections or a cannula, into the lip and along the border |
| Seen from the side | relatively flat | fuller and more forward |
| Usual amount | 0.5–1 ml | 0.5–1 ml |
| Treatment time | about 45–60 minutes | about 30–45 minutes |
| Swelling | often a little more, 2–5 days | usually 1–3 days |
| Visible on average | 6–12 months | 6–12 months |
| Price at Zalat Clinics | from €199 (0.5 ml), €289 (1 ml) | from €125 (0.5 ml), €250–259 (1 ml premium) |
What are Russian flat lips?
Russian flat lips is a variant that puts even more emphasis on height and deliberately adds almost no projection. From the front the lips are clearly taller and sharply defined, but from the side they are hardly fuller. This variant suits people who do not want a ‘pout’, but do want a lifted, crisply outlined upper lip.
Whether flat Russian lips suit you depends strongly on your lip shape and its proportion to your nose and chin. Without enough natural lip volume, the result can look too tight or flat.
Who is Russian lip filler suitable for, and who not?
Russian lip filler usually suits people who:
- have a reasonably well-defined lip border;
- prefer a lifted, heart-shaped lip to a fuller profile;
- have a relatively long distance between nose and upper lip that may look shorter;
- have no or little old filler in their lips.
When is a normal lip filler the better choice?
Russian lips are not suitable for everyone. The doctor will often advise a normal lip filler or a different approach if:
- your lips are very thin with little natural tissue; some basic volume is needed first;
- old filler is still present or has moved beyond the lip border; it is then dissolved first;
- you mainly want to soften fine lines, add hydration or get a very subtle result;
- you actually find a pronounced heart shape too striking for your face.
How many ml do you need for Russian lips?
For a first, subtle Russian lips treatment, 0.5 ml is sometimes enough. For a clearly visible heart shape, 1 ml is usually used, which makes Russian lips with 1 ml the most common choice. More than 1 ml per session is rarely needed and increases the chance of an unnatural look.
If you have thin lips, it can be wise to build up over two sessions, at least 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Do Russian lips hurt more and swell more?
Because many more injection points are needed, most people find Russian lips a little more sensitive than a normal lip filler. A numbing cream and the anaesthetic already contained in most fillers make it very manageable. People usually describe it as prickly rather than truly painful.
Swelling is often somewhat stronger and lasts 2 to 5 days, peaking after 24 to 48 hours. Small bruises are also a little more common. After about 2 weeks you see the final result; that is also when the check-up takes place.
What are the risks of Russian lips?
The risks are similar to those of a normal lip filler. Common and temporary are swelling, bruising, tenderness and small lumps that usually soften by themselves. Less common are asymmetry, filler that moves, a flare-up of a cold sore or an infection. Very rarely, filler can block a blood vessel; this requires immediate treatment.
It is reassuring that hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you are unhappy with the result or in case of a complication.
What do Russian lips cost at Zalat Clinics?
At Zalat Clinics in Rotterdam-Zuid, Russian lips cost from €199 for 0.5 ml and from €289 for 1 ml. A normal lip filler costs from €125 for 0.5 ml and from €250–259 for 1 ml premium. The price difference reflects the extra time and precision the technique requires. The treatment is performed by a BIG-registered doctor. During the free consultation the doctor shows examples, you discuss which technique suits your lips, and the final price is agreed in advance. The check-up after two weeks is free.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: Russian lips or a normal lip filler?
Neither is better; they give a different result. Russian lips add height and a heart shape, a normal lip filler mainly adds volume and projection. Which technique suits you depends on your lip shape and what you find attractive.
Can I get Russian lips if I already have lip filler?
That depends on how much filler is still present and where. If old filler has moved beyond the lip border, it is usually dissolved first. The doctor assesses this during the consultation.
Is 1 ml enough for Russian lips?
For most people, yes. With 1 ml a clear heart shape can usually be achieved. With thin lips it can be wise to build up over two sessions.
Can Russian lips be dissolved?
Yes. Because Russian lips are done with a hyaluronic acid filler, the product can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. The effect is usually visible within 24 to 48 hours.