What Kind of Lips Would You Like?

On social media and across various platforms, we see many different examples of lip fillers. Sometimes the results are so exaggerated that people considering lip augmentation may feel intimidated. Especially partners often react with concern, saying, “I hope it won’t look like that,” which creates hesitation toward the procedure. Since subtle, face-harmonious lip fillers are rarely seen, the general perception of lip augmentation in society is often shaped incorrectly.

The essential point we must remember is that lip augmentation is a medical procedure. It is not something that should be performed simply based on “I want it this way.” Not every lip structure is the same; the same amount or technique cannot achieve the same result in every lip. The skin, muscle structure, vascular anatomy, and overall facial proportions must be assessed carefully to determine the most appropriate amount and technique for each individual.

Especially in very thin lips, trying to create a dramatic shape in a single session is a mistake. This approach can lead to an unnatural and unappealing appearance—commonly described as “sausage lips” or “duck lips”—where the filler migrates upward. In such cases, the correct approach is to allow the tissue time to adapt, let the skin gradually expand, and apply the filler in smaller, staged increments. If necessary, these sessions can be scheduled at three-month intervals.

Lip augmentation is a mutual evaluation process. The patient’s expectations are important, but the physician’s medical assessment and anatomical boundaries are equally significant. Sometimes a patient may request a completely different lip shape, but the anatomy may not allow it. At this point, it is the physician’s responsibility to explain what is feasible and what should not be attempted.

Lip fillers typically last 9–12 months. However, not every lip responds the same way. Because the filler gradually dissolves over time, some individuals may prefer small touch-ups at around 5–6 months. This is entirely based on personal need.

Ultimately, the answer to the question “What kind of lips would you like?” does not come solely from the patient. The true answer comes from the structure of the lips themselves, the facial proportions, and the underlying physiology. Our duty is to combine the patient’s expectations with these anatomical realities and our clinical experience to achieve the most appropriate result. Because sometimes, it is not only what the patient wants that matters, but also what the lips—and the face—are telling us.