Home > Treatment > Lip Fillers - Guide to Lip Augmentation in Singapore

Medically reviewed by Dr Hoe Ying Min Medical Director

Lip Fillers

Cost: From $388/syringe (1cc)

Results: Immediate

Treatment Regimen: One time or two sessions

Downtime: Lip swelling for 2-3 days

Discomfort: Moderate (numbing cream applied)

What is lip augmentation and lip fillers?

Lip augmentation refers to the medical procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the lips. This is typically performed with lip filler injection, where lip fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA) gel are injected into the lip to add volume, define the lip border, correct assymmetry and enhance the shape of the lip.

With the ageing process, lips lose volume, become hydrated and develop fine lines

Ageing process of the lip (Asian individual)

Ageing and the lips

As we age, the lips lose volume and collagen, become dehydrated and develop fine lines. This process is accelerated in smokers. Thin, wrinkled and dry lips can make an individual look older and less attractive, whereas full and voluptuous lips signify youth and beauty.

Actress Angelina Jolie is known for her full, voluptuous lips

Singer Ariana Grande posing with a “duck face” where lips are pouted to give volume

Lip fillers and pop culture

The popularity of lip fillers can be attributed to celebrities, social media and pop culture. For example, Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie is known for her full and sexy lips, and we regularly get clients asking for “Lips like Angelina Jolie”. In recent years, it has become popular amongst the Gen Zs on social media to pose with a “duck face” where the lips are pouted to give an impression of volume- we too have met Gen Z clients come in asking for “pouty lips” after being inspired by celebrities on social media.

Who Should Get Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are ideal for individuals who:

Desire Fuller Lips: If you've always wanted fuller, more voluminous lips, lip fillers can help you achieve your desired look.
Want to Enhance Lip Definition: Lip fillers can define the lip border and Cupid's bow, creating a more sculpted and refined appearance.
Want to Correct Lip Asymmetry: Lip fillers can be used to balance uneven lips and create a more symmetrical smile.
Want to Reduce the Appearance of Lip Lines: Lip fillers can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, creating a more youthful appearance.
Have Lost Lip Volume Due to Aging: As we age, our lips naturally lose volume. Lip fillers can restore this lost volume and rejuvenate the lips.

Lip fillers may not be suitable for individuals who:

Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding: It's generally recommended to avoid fillers during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Have an Active Lip Infection: If you have an active infection, such as a cold sore, you should postpone your lip filler treatment until the infection has cleared.
Have a Bleeding Disorder: Individuals with bleeding disorders may be at a higher risk of bruising and complications.

Lip filler anatomy and lip design

Lip filler is one of the more technically difficult procedures for doctors to master due to the intricate anatomy of the lips, as well as the various ethnic and cultural differences in lip shape and lip aesthetics.

Lip fillers are typically injected into the lip tubercles (body of the lips) to enhance volume and pout. They may also be injected along the lip border and philtrum to improve lip definition. Sometimes, they may be injected at the corner of the mouth (oral commissure) to give a slight resting smile to the lip or to address downturned lips

Vascular supply of the lip is from the superior and inferior labial artery, branches of the facial artery. Due to the rich vascular supply of the lips, it is common to encounter bruising after lip filler procedures. Knowledge of vascular anatomy is essential to avoid causing vascular occlusion from lip filler procedures.

Lip sizes and aesthetics vary by ethnicity and culture. For example, Caucasians generally have thinner lips, yet Western culture places a premium on full lips- hence, in our practice, a significant proportion of the clients are Caucasian.

Vascular supply of the lip, important to know when performing lip fillers

Different ethnicities have different lip shapes, and lip aesthetics may vary by culture

Choice of Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body, making these fillers biocompatible and well-tolerated. HA fillers add volume and hydration to the lips, creating a soft, natural look. HA fillers can also be dissolved with hyaluronidase if you're not satisfied with the results. When choosing an HA filler brand, we usually recommend a “softer” and more “natural” filler, such as Juvederm Volbella, which is less likely to cause lumps or nodules.

Note: Do NOT get filler materials such as silicone or collagen biostimulators (eg Sculptra or Ellanse) injected into the lip; there is a high chance of irreversible nodules! We have encountered such cases (done at overseas clinics), and there is little that can be done after it occurs.

Lip Filler Techniques We Do at Bay Aesthetics Clinic

Based on your lip profile and aesthetic goals, we’ll do one or a combination of these lip filler techniques.

Classic Lip Augmentation: This technique focuses on adding volume to the entire lip, creating a fuller and more hydrated appearance.
Russian Lip Technique: This technique emphasises height and definition in the center of the lips, creating a doll-like pout.
Lip Flip: This technique uses small amounts of filler injected along the lip border to subtly lift and roll the lip, creating the illusion of more volume without actually adding significant filler.
Needle injection: Using a fine, sharp needle provides more precision but comes with a higher risk of bruising
Cannula injection: Less painful and less bruising, but also less precise

Needles or cannulas will be used to inject lip filler

No overfilled faces or duck lips, please! Lip filler results should be natural looking

Risks of lip filler

Vascular occlusion: Vascular occlusion develops when filler is injected into a blood vessel, causing blockage of the blood vessel and tissue necrosis (tissue death). This is a medical emergency and needs to be addressed urgently.
Infection: Lip fillers may become infected and require treatment with antibiotics
Delayed inflammatory response: This condition is a non-infective inflammation of lip fillers, thought to be immune mediated response to antigens in the filler material. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory medications
Lip filler migration: Due to the dynamic movement of the lips, it is common for lip fillers to migrate
Assymmetry, unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome: This is also common due to the delicate nature of the lip anatomy (and the high expectations of lip filler clients)
Nodules and lumps: Excess amount of lip filler injected into a single site may result in a nodule or lump
Overfilling, duck lips: Overzealous patients who do too much lip filler may develop overfilled duck lips. This may be seen as attractive or desirable in certain cultures.

What to Expect During Your Lip Filler Treatment at Bay Aesthetics Clinic

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities at Bay Aesthetics. Here's what you can expect during your lip filler treatment:

Consultation: You'll meet with our doctor to discuss your concerns and goals. We'll assess your lip shape and recommend the best filler options and techniques for you.
Preparation: Your lips will be cleansed and disinfected. A topical numbing cream will be applied to minimise discomfort.
Injection: Our doctor will carefully inject the filler into the targeted areas.
Post-Treatment: You may experience some mild redness, swelling or bruising, which typically resolves within a few days. We'll provide you with the necessary aftercare instructions.
Follow-Up: We'll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your results and ensure you're happy with your treatment.

Our treatment philosophy and approach to lip fillers at Bay Aesthetics Clinic

Less is more: We typically only use 1 syringe (1cc) of filler to achieve a natural looking result. Many of our clients are surprised when we refuse to do 3-4 syringes of filler as per their request.

Slow and steady: We perform our lip fillers of 1 cc over 2 sessions, injecting ~0.5-0.7cc in the first session and reserving the rest for a touch up treatment in 1-2 weeks. This allows for the swelling to come down and for any residual asymmetry or imperfections to reveal itself for touch up.

Safety first: Our doctors have years of experience and have performed hundreds of lip filler cases, with experience comes wisdom and we know how to avoid common pitfalls during the lip filler procedure that may lead to complications.

Personalised approach: We take time to listen to the client and understand their goals, reviewing photos of their desired outcome before crafting a customised treatment plan.

Cost of Lip Fillers at Bay Aesthetics Clinic

The cost of lip filler treatment depends on the type of filler used and the amount needed. In general, 1 syringe of filler costs $400-700. During your consultation, we'll provide you with a detailed cost estimate based on your treatment plan.

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, we believe that aesthetic enhancements should enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. We take a holistic approach to facial aesthetics, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to your particular features and goals.

Whether you're looking to subtly plump your lips, define your jawline, or refresh your under-eye area, we're here to help you achieve your aesthetic aspirations with natural-looking results.

FAQs

Is there downtime after lip filler?

Expect 2-3 days of mild swelling and discomfort, avoid hot or spicy food. Generally the downtime is not that bad as we do not inject too much each session

Is lip filler painful?

Yes lip fillers can be uncomfortable with numbing cream, our clients generally tolerate the procedure well. Our doctors are quick and usually can complete the procedure within 10-15minutes

How long do results last?

This depends on several factors such as metabolism, amount of filler injected etc- typically the results last for 6-9 months.

Lip filler versus Botox lip flip?

This dependsBotox lip flip uses small amounts of Botox injected into the lip muscle (orbicularis oris) to produce a subtle pouting effect. Lip fillers give much more visible and significant results. These two treatments may be combined together. on the client and will be discussed during the consultation, with factors such as treatment areas, treatment expectations and budget being taken into consideration and a treatment plan agreed upon.