# Lips – *naturally.*

> Why some lips look overdone and others do not: proportions (golden ratio, upper to lower lip), the right amount (usually 0.5–1 ml)

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-natural-lips-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-15

Most patients do not want more lip but a nicer lip. The difference lies in amount, layer and proportion – not in the product.

## What looks natural – and why.

**Proportion before volume:** natural-looking lips have an upper-to-lower ratio of about 1:1.6 (lower lip fuller). If the upper lip becomes larger than the lower, the 'overdone' impression arises. The relation to nose and chin matters too: lips that protrude clearly beyond the nose–chin line in profile look done.

**The amount:** the first time, 0.5 to 1 millilitre is usually enough. More than 1 ml in one session is rarely sensible; anyone wanting more should proceed in two steps four weeks apart. The lip swells in the first days – the final result shows after two weeks.

**Techniques:** *contour* (along the lip border) for definition without volume; *body* (into the middle of the lip) for fullness; *philtrum* and *mouth corners* for refinements. Placed deep into the muscle the gel stays invisible; too superficial produces lumps or a white rim. A cannula causes less bruising than a needle.

**The right product:** soft, lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid that moves. Firm cheek fillers do not belong in the lip. Durability six to twelve months – lips break down filler faster than other areas because they are constantly moving.

**'Duck lips' and migration:** arise from too much material, the wrong layer or repeated topping up without a break. The gel migrates over the lip border into the upper lip ('filler moustache'). Correction: dissolving with hyaluronidase, a break, restart with less.

**Lips after 40:** here it is usually not about volume but about moisture, fine lines and the inward-rolled lip border. Skin boosters or minimal amounts at the contour look more natural here than fullness.

## The essentials.

- **Proportion:** upper to lower ~1:1.6
- **Amount:** 0.5–1 ml the first time
- **Durability:** 6–12 months
- **Correction:** dissolvable with hyaluronidase

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**Does it hurt?**

Most lip fillers contain lidocaine; plus numbing cream. Most describe it as quite bearable.

**Can I work the next day?**

Yes. Swelling and possible bruising are visible for one to three days; important appointments better a week later.

## Related.

- [Lip treatment](https://www.vivaderm.de/lips-en.html) – Treatment
- [Filler myths](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-filler-myths-en.html) – Guide
- [Tyndall effect](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-tyndall-effekt-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [NHS: Dermal fillers – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/)
- [MPDG – German medical devices act (fillers are medical devices)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/mpdg/)
- [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/)
- [DGPRÄC – German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons](https://www.dgpraec.de/)
- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.