Lips: ½ syringe or 1 syringe, which should you choose?

It's one of the questions we hear most: "Do I need half a syringe or a full one?" The answer depends on your lips, what you want and your history.

First, how much is that?

A filler syringe usually holds 1 ml of hyaluronic acid, about a small teaspoon. A ½ syringe is 0.5 ml. It sounds like very little, but in the lips every tenth of a millilitre counts.

½ syringe: who is it for?

• A first time: we start gently to see how your lips respond and whether you like the result
• Hydrate and define: bring back glow, define the border or the Cupid's bow without really adding volume
• Maintenance: refresh an existing result

Full syringe: who is it for?

• More volume: thin lips or lips that have lost volume over time
• Correcting asymmetry: balancing the upper and lower lip, or a thinner side
• A more visible change in shape, while still looking natural

Our approach: build in steps

We always prefer to build a result gradually. It's easy to add product at a follow-up; it's harder to take it away. Many of our patients start with a ½ syringe and come back a few weeks later if they want a little more.

What to expect

• Appointment: about 30 minutes, with a numbing cream or anesthetic for comfort.
• Swelling: normal, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours. Lips can look bigger than the final result for a few days.
• Final result: about two weeks after treatment.
• How long it lasts: generally 6 to 12 months.
• Aftercare: avoid intense workouts, alcohol and heat (sauna, hot tub) for 24 to 48 hours.

Mostly want your upper lip to show more when you smile? A lip flip may be a better fit.

Not sure what you need? Book a consultation: we'll look at your lips together and give you honest advice. See also our lip filler page. Questions? Call us at 438 449-2380.