Russian Lip Filler Technique – Benefits, Risks, Aftercare

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: July 24, 2024
Lip Fillers

Russian Lip Filler

If you’re into beauty and aesthetics, chances are you’ve come across the latest trend: Russian lips. Russian Lip Filler is a new technique and a hot new trend in lips treatment shaking up the game, that offers a different approach to traditional lip fillers. But, you must be wondering if it is worth trying or not.

Here, we’ll learn everything about the Russian Lip Filler technique, the outcomes it delivers, side effects, how it is different from traditional lip fillers & much more.

What Are Russian Lips? 

“Russian lips” is a technique that lifts the pink of the upper lip higher, while the lower lip drops lower creating a deep ‘V’ shape curve towards the chin. Rather than simply adding volume, this technique aims to lift the lip, which results in a flatter profile from the side. This shaping gives the look of a “Russian doll.”

What is the Russian lip technique?

The Russian lip technique focuses on enhancing height and contour, lifting and adding volume at the centre. To achieve this, lip filler is injected vertically, starting from the lip’s base in small droplets and extending it towards the lip’s borders. These small drops of product are carefully placed within the lip tissue, and this enhances, widens, and lifts the lip’s body in the target area. This meticulous approach yields beautiful & natural-looking results.

Russian Lip Fillers Vs Normal Lip Fillers

Both Russian and traditional lip fillers are suitable for specific face shapes. For instance, if you have a small face with delicate features, the Russian technique is ideal for you. It helps give your lips a subtle look than traditional lip fillers as more enhanced lips on a small face might seem disproportionate. Traditional lip fillers are better suited for individuals with a longer chin and nose, as adding volume to the lips helps them harmonise with the rest of the face.

The traditional lip technique gives plump and full lips, while the Russian lip technique makes the lips appear slightly larger and higher on the face. Russian lip fillers might cost more because they require more time and specific products. But, they are definitely worth the investment.

Aftercare Routine After Russian Lip Fillers

You will experience minor side effects with lip filler treatment in London involving needles. To help speed up your recovery, here’s a suggested aftercare routine:

  • Use ice packs immediately after your Russian lip filler treatment and continue for the next 24 hours. The ice pack helps narrow the blood vessels, which lessens blood flow to the lips where the lip filler was injected. This helps to reduce swelling and pain because it decreases the release of inflammatory signals.
  • Avoid hot environments like saunas and steamy showers for 48 hours because they increase blood flow to the treated lip area, which can make swelling and bruising worse after the procedure.
  • Wait for 30 minutes before putting on makeup to allow the tiny needle punctures to fully close, which prevents any chance of bacterial contamination.
  • Drink more water and reduce your intake of salty foods and alcohol to help your body heal better and reduce swelling.
  • Don’t rub or massage your lips to prevent the filler from moving.

Benefits Of Russian Lip Fillers

  • It is ideal for adding volume to the lips and achieving a contemporary look.
  • Add height and fullness without the risk of filler migration or the ‘trout pout’.
  • Boost confidence for those who are self-conscious about their mouth or seeking a subtle volume increase.
  • Address age-related volume loss in lips.
  • Provide a real-life version of makeup’s illusion of fuller lips, which creates balanced, heart-shaped pouts and corrects uneven contours.

Side Effects Of Russian Lip Fillers


Like any cosmetic treatment, Russian lip fillers may have potential side effects, such as:

  • Bruising may develop at the injection site but fade within a few days.
  • Swelling is common after fillers but usually diminishes within a few days.
  • Though uncommon, there’s a risk of infection at the injection site. Following post-procedure care guidelines is crucial to reducing this risk.
  • A few individuals might have an allergic reaction to the filler used in the Russian lip technique.
  • Incorrect injections may lead to an uneven or lumpy look.

Who Is Suitable For Russian Lip Fillers?

Russian Lip fillers are suitable for the following individuals – 

  • They are a great option for first-time lip augmentation, as they can be done subtly for a natural look. 
  • It is ideal for those wanting to enhance the center volume of their lips, define their Cupid’s bow, and achieve a more heart-shaped pout. 
  • Perfect for anyone seeking to enhance lip shape and volume without adding too much overall fullness like traditional fillers do.

Who Is Not Suitable For Russian Lip Fillers?

It’s best to avoid Russian Lip injections if:

  • You’re pregnant.
  • You have an oral infection, like herpes or canker sores, or any other mouth wound.
  • You’re allergic to ingredients in the filler.
  • You have unrealistic expectations and want drastic changes that aren’t suitable for your natural features.

If you’re considering natural lip fillers, go through our guide and get all the insights in one place. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Russian Lip technique hurt? 

A: Sometimes, getting injectables can feel uncomfortable. But,  a strong numbing cream will be applied on the treated area about 15 to 20 minutes before your injection to make it easier for you. Also, this special technique involves injecting the filler less deeply (only 1 to 2 mm), so it’s not as intense as regular lip fillers, which might make it more bearable for you.

Q: What is the downtime after Russian Lip fillers?

A: There’s not much downtime after getting Russian lip filler injections. You might have some swelling and small bruises, but they won’t stop you from doing regular activities because there’s no cutting involved. Using ice packs can help with the swelling & bruises.

Q: When will I notice the results of my Russian Lip filler?

A: You’ll see the effects of Russian lip injections right away as your lips become fuller and more contoured. But, the final shape and results will take 1-4 days to fully appear once the swelling and bruising have gone down. In the first few days, your lips might look uneven or larger than usual because of the swelling or bruising. Remember, this is normal and will improve as the swelling & bruising reduce.

Q: How long will my Russian Lip injection results last? 

A: The duration of your enhanced lips varies based on the type of filler used and how your body reacts to it, lasting between 6 to 12 months.

Q: Can I have Russian lip fillers if I already have them?

A: Yes, you can still have a Russian lip technique treatment if you’ve had lip fillers previously. Your lips will be checked, and you might require a hyaluronidase lip filler dissolving treatment beforehand. This safely removes the old filler so that the new Russian lip shape can be injected. 

Q: How long does a Russian Lip filler treatment take?

A: The procedure typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. But, you might need to wait a bit longer for any numbing cream to work before the treatment begins.

 

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About the Author

Catherine

Expert Aesthetic Writer At Perfect Skin Studio Catherine is an expert content writer. Specialised in the aesthetic industry, she deeply understands aesthetic concepts and crafts informative and accessible content about them. At Perfect Skin Studio, Catherine's writings cover diverse skin, eyes, beauty, and aesthetic concerns, providing clear insights and practical solutions. She explores and addresses the latest trends, techniques, and treatments to keep our readers informed and engaged.

View all posts by Catherine

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Director, Perfect Skin Studio

Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over 24 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is widely acknowledged as one of the most trusted and experienced practitioners in the UK. Her expertise, extensive training & compassionate approach have earned her the reputation as the preferred choice for patients seeking top-tier cosmetic treatments.

Dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty and instilling confidence at every age, Dr. Sabrina and her team customise treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Sabrina’s excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards like the UK Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for “Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2023” and the Aesthetic Award for “Highly Commended Consultant Surgeon 2022,” and “Best Consultant Surgeon 2021” & “Best Surgical Result 2021”. As a well-respected figure in aesthetics, she was honoured as one of the Global 100 Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioners of 2019 by the My Face My Body Awards.