Can lip fillers look natural?
By Dr Anand Raman · Published · Updated · 3 min read
One of the biggest concerns people have when considering lip fillers is, ‘can they look natural?’
This concern comes from the large number of bad results that are seen on reality TV stars and personalities. These results are caused by overfilling the lips and a lack of understanding of the natural shape of the lips.
Dr Raman has over 18 years of experience performing lip augmentation with dermal fillers and has seen the changes in products used, trends and techniques used to enhance the lips.
Lip filler treatment involves an appreciation for anatomy, science and art. The key to this treatment is the doctor’s appreciation for the natural lip ratio.
Generally speaking, the perfect lip will have a 1:1 ratio between the outer corner of the top and bottom lip. The middle of the lip and outer corner should be 2:1.
The aesthetic treatment of lip augmentation is a truly artistic process. It takes years of practice to develop the skills to produce high-quality natural-looking lips. Dr Raman has trained with some of the most respected injectors in the world, having attended International courses and conferences where the latest techniques are discussed.
Dr Raman prides himself on creating natural, fuller, healthier-looking lips that consider the balance of the rest of your face. He looks to create a subtle enhancement of the lips that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, more youthful and healthy.
Lip fillers have been on the market for over 15 years. During this time, the number of products available has increased significantly, and the quality of the filler available has vastly improved.
It is important to select a filler that has a similar consistency to your natural lip mucosa. Dr Raman favours a softer filler, as it will create a more natural-looking result and feel more natural for the client. Firmer fillers may create more volume, but they can create the stuck-on appearance you see with some treatments.
An appreciation for anatomy is also essential; following a patient’s natural lip shape allows you to create natural-looking results. It is important to understand that we can enhance what you have rather than create something completely different.
The amount of filler used is obviously key to keeping the result looking natural. Dr Raman rarely uses more than 1ml for a lip augmentation treatment. The classic trout pout and reality TV lip look have usually occurred due to an inexperienced or unscrupulous practitioner injecting 2-3mls of filler in one session. In rare occasions where more than 1ml is required, Dr Raman would recommend performing the treatment in a step-by-step approach allowing the skin to settle and then reviewing as you have had a chance to get a feel for how the lips look and feel after a few weeks.
The saying less is more – really does apply to lip augmentation. 1ml of soft filler is more than enough for most clients if performed by a skilled, experienced practitioner who understands the anatomy and perfect lip ratios.
In summary, lip filler treatment is an art. It requires genuine skill and experience. The number of bad results you may notice on TV or in your day-to-day life reflects the number of inexperienced practitioners offering lip filler treatments.
However, there are countless celebrities and people you meet in day-to-day life whose results are not detectable because they look so natural, having been performed by an experienced, knowledgeable aesthetic doctor such as Dr Raman at Dr Raman Medical Aesthetics in Clapham and Balham.
Feel free to book a no-obligation consultation with Dr Raman at Dr Raman Medical Aesthetics in Clapham South if you have any further questions or concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Can lip fillers look natural?
Yes, when a skilled, experienced practitioner who understands lip anatomy and natural lip ratios does the treatment. The aim is to enhance the lips you already have, not to create something completely different. Many people have lip filler results that nobody can detect because they look so natural.
Why do some lip fillers look fake or overfilled?
Bad lip filler results usually come from overfilling the lips and a poor understanding of their natural shape. The 'trout pout' look usually happens when an inexperienced practitioner injects 2 to 3ml of filler in one session. Firmer fillers can also give a stuck-on appearance.
How much lip filler do I need for a natural look?
For most people, 1ml of soft filler is more than enough. Dr Raman rarely uses more than 1ml in one lip treatment. If more is needed, he recommends a step-by-step approach: the lips settle for a few weeks before a review, so you can see how they look and feel.
What type of lip filler gives the most natural result?
A softer filler usually gives the most natural look and feel. The filler should have a consistency similar to the natural lip tissue. Firmer fillers can add more volume, but they can create a stuck-on appearance.
What are the ideal lip proportions for natural-looking lips?
Generally, the outer corners of the top and bottom lip have a 1:1 ratio, and the middle of the lip compared with the outer corner is 2:1. A doctor who understands these natural ratios can enhance the lips while keeping them in balance with the rest of the face.
