Hello.
I’m Park Tae-oh, the chief director of Relive Clinic, and I worry that filler might hurt even though I’ve never had it myself.
“Does it end with 1cc?”
“Please make it natural.”
When consulting about lip fillers,
many people tend to think of lip filler as a light procedure because of the short treatment time and quick recovery.
This is even more so because there are so many photos and reviews, making it seem like an easy, simple procedure.
The procedure itself usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and recovery is relatively quick,
but in actual practice,
the lips are one of the most delicate areas of the face.
Because the lips are a structure that moves every moment when speaking, smiling,
eating, and making facial expressions,
even a small change can feel significant, and a difference of 0.1cc can change the overall impression of the face.

Lip fillers are not a procedure for simply adding a little volume
The lips are a three-dimensional structure in which thin skin, mucosa, and multiple muscles work together.
It is difficult to achieve a natural result by simply increasing thickness.
The ratio between the upper and lower lips, the height of the central volume,
the distance from the philtrum, and even the protrusion angle from the side profile all need to be considered together.
If the upper lip is excessive, the philtrum may appear shorter,
and if the lower lip is emphasized, it can create the impression that the chin is pulled back.
So it is not right to look at the lips separately.
They need to be designed in balance with the nose, jawline, and width of the face.
Lip filler is not a procedure that simply makes the lips plumper; it is a process of adjusting them so they suit my face.
Whether you want a sophisticated look, a soft impression, or a more defined atmosphere...
the design direction changes depending on the image you want.

What determines the result is not the 'amount'
The filler used for the lips is mostly hyaluronic acid (HA).
It is a substance found in the skin that attracts moisture and is naturally broken down over time.
If necessary, the filler can also be dissolved, which is one aspect that increases its safety.
However, even within hyaluronic acid fillers, the viscosity, elasticity, and particle structure differ.
Attiere, Juvederm, Neuramis, Restylane, and so on...
There are many types of fillers that can be used for the lips, so some people find it difficult to decide.
(In Apgujeong Relive, we mainly use 'Restylane Kysse' filler.)

Because the lips move a lot, you need to choose a formulation that is flexible yet has shape-retaining power.
If it is too hard or clumps excessively, the facial expression can immediately look awkward.
Another important factor is 'placement.'
It is not a matter of filling 1cc of lip filler all at once;
instead, it is injected in a segmented way depending on whether the goal is to enhance central volume, sharpen the lip line, or make a subtle correction at the corners of the mouth.
For thin lips, plans may sometimes involve 2cc or more,
but in most cases, it is much more natural to check the progress after the first treatment and then make gradual corrections and touch-ups.

The injection depth is also important.
The lips have thin skin and abundant blood vessels, so if the depth is even slightly off, the filler can show through or become uneven. That is why the layers must be clearly distinguished, and the speed and direction must be controlled during injection.
And the molding process after injection completes the result.
It is the stage where the filler is settled, the lines are refined, and left-right balance is adjusted.
If these delicate details are missed, smiling may look awkward or an internal foreign-body sensation may be felt.

Satisfaction with lip fillers is not determined by price or injection amount.
The difference comes from the design process that continues through facial harmony, formulation selection, depth control, and finishing.
The lips are an area strongly influenced by trends, but a trend is not necessarily the shape that suits me.
Excessiveness may look glamorous for a moment, but it is difficult to be satisfied with it for long.

If this is your first time considering lip filler and you feel unsure or are still only thinking about it,
please come in for a consultation and we will help you achieve natural harmony and a design that suits you.
Thank you.
This was Director Park Tae-oh of Apgujeong Relive Clinic.