Lip fillers
Fuller, well-shaped lips in balance with your face. Built up subtly by the doctor, with a choice of basic and premium fillers.
from€125
Fillers
Russian lips in Rotterdam
Russian lips, also called Russian lip filler or the Russian method, is a lip filler technique in which hyaluronic acid is placed vertically in the lips, so they gain height and look lifted without pushing forward. At Zalat Clinics in Rotterdam, this precise technique is performed by our BIG-registered doctor personally. The aim is a refined, balanced shape that suits your face.
- Treatment time
- 45–60 minutes
- Results visible
- immediately, final after about 2 weeks
- Results last
- on average 6–12 months
- Downtime
- swelling for 2–4 days, sometimes small bruises
- Price
- from €199
What are Russian lips?
With a classic lip filler, the filler is usually placed horizontally along and within the lip, which mainly adds volume. With Russian lips, the doctor injects the filler in small vertical droplets, from the edge of the lip inwards. This lifts the upper lip: the lips become taller and show more of their red part, while the profile stays relatively flat.
The result is often described as a heart-shaped or doll-like lip with a clearly defined Cupid's bow. We deliberately apply the technique with restraint: the shape has to work with your nose, chin and the width of your mouth. That is why the doctor sometimes recommends a modified version or a classic lip filler instead.
Russian lips use the same CE-marked hyaluronic acid fillers as a regular lip filler. A 0.5 ml treatment is available from €199, and 1 ml costs €289. The exact price is agreed beforehand at the free consultation.
Russian lips vs normal lip filler: the differences
Russian lips and a classic lip filler use the same product, hyaluronic acid. The difference lies in the placement and therefore the shape. Side by side:
A variation you often see online is ‘Russian flat lips’. This refers to a lip that mainly gains height and stays almost flat in profile, without pushing forward. That can look refined with a slim profile, but with lips that have little volume or a receding chin a completely flat result can look unbalanced. The doctor therefore discusses with you how much projection suits your face.
- Technique: Russian lips use small vertical injections from the lip border; a classic lip filler is usually placed horizontally in and along the lip
- Effect: Russian lips mainly add height and lift the upper lip; a classic lip filler mainly adds volume and some projection
- Profile: with Russian lips the profile stays fairly flat; with a classic lip filler the lip comes forward a little more
- Treatment time: Russian lips about 45–60 minutes; a classic lip filler about 30–45 minutes
- Swelling: often slightly more after Russian lips, because of the larger number of small injections
- Price: Russian lips from €199 (0.5 ml) or €289 (1 ml); a classic lip filler from €125 (0.5 ml)
Russian lips 0.5 ml or 1 ml: how much is typical?
For a first treatment, 0.5 ml is often enough for a clear but natural effect: the upper lip becomes slightly taller and the outline sharper. Russian lips with 1 ml allow both lips to gain more height and some volume to be built; this is mainly useful for thinner lips or if you have had filler before and want to strengthen the result.
More is not automatically better. Many people start with 0.5 ml and build up gradually after a few months. During the consultation the doctor advises which amount suits your lips and your wishes, and you hear the fixed price in advance.
Who are Russian lips suitable for?
Russian lips are suitable from age 18 for people who want a lifted lip shape and already have a reasonable base of lip volume. Very thin lips sometimes need building up with a classic lip filler first, and the result is then often reached in two sessions. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with an active cold sore or inflammation around the mouth. The technique often suits:
- a flat or downturned upper lip that you would like to give more height
- a wish for a more defined Cupid's bow and outline
- lips you would like to look fuller without them projecting forward
- people who previously had lip filler and now want a different shape (after assessing the old filler)
How does the treatment work?
- 01
Free consultation
The doctor assesses your lips, facial proportions and any previous fillers. You get honest advice on whether Russian lips suit you or whether another approach would work better. You receive a fixed price.
- 02
Numbing
The lips are numbed with an anaesthetic cream. The filler usually also contains a local anaesthetic.
- 03
Treatment
The doctor places the filler in small vertical injections along the lip, checking the shape and symmetry throughout. Because the technique is precise, it takes a little longer: about 45–60 minutes.
- 04
Free check-up after two weeks
After two weeks the swelling has settled. At the free check-up the doctor assesses the result and discusses whether a small top-up would be worthwhile.
Aftercare and possible side effects
Because of the many small injections, swelling after Russian lips is often a little more noticeable than after a classic lip filler. For the first few days the lips may look fuller and feel tender; this usually settles within a few days. Small bruises can occur and fade within a week to ten days. If you have questions, you can reach the doctor via WhatsApp.
Serious complications are rare. Very rarely, filler can block a blood vessel (vascular occlusion). The doctor works carefully, knows the anatomy of the lips and knows how to treat this immediately. Contact us straight away if you notice increasing pain or pale, bluish or blotchy skin.
- for the first 24 hours: no lip make-up, exercise, sauna or alcohol
- for the first few days, do not massage, kiss or press firmly on the lips
- a cool (not ice-cold) compress can help reduce swelling
- judge the shape only after two weeks, once the swelling has gone
Medically reviewed by Dr. Pravesh Gadjradj, BIG 39924163701.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Russian lips and normal lip filler?
The difference is the technique, not the product. With Russian lips the filler is placed vertically, so the lips mainly gain height and look lifted; a normal lip filler mainly adds volume and makes the lips project more. Both use hyaluronic acid, which can be dissolved if needed.
How many ml of filler do I need for Russian lips?
Usually 0.5 to 1 ml, depending on your starting point. For a first treatment 0.5 ml is often enough; Russian lips with 1 ml give more height and volume. With thin lips we often reach the result in two gradual steps.
What are Russian flat lips?
Russian flat lips is a variation of the Russian method in which the lip mainly gains height and stays almost flat in profile. It suits some faces well, but not everyone. The doctor advises how much projection suits your profile.
Can I have Russian lips if I already have lip filler?
Often yes, but the doctor first assesses the existing filler. If old filler has migrated or sits unevenly, it may need to be dissolved before a new shape is built.
How long do Russian lips last?
On average 6 to 12 months, the same as a classic lip filler. The filler is gradually broken down by the body. Many people choose a small top-up once the effect starts to fade.
Won't it look unnatural?
That depends on how the technique is applied. The doctor works with small amounts and tailors the shape to your face. If a pronounced Russian lips shape does not suit you, we will tell you honestly.
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