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What You Need to Know Before Getting Russian Lip Fillers

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Dr. Hardik Soni

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Every person has a unique lip shape that makes it more appropriate to some lip enhancement styles than others. Lip fillers are versatile treatments that can reshape the lips in a number of ways – and thanks to the recent trends and techniques in the cosmetics industry, more patients are becoming more curious about getting Russian lip fillers. 

So what exactly are Russian lip fillers? Russian lips refer to the minimally invasive lip enhancement procedure that first became popular among Russian women. With this treatment, small amounts of lip filler injections are administered into multiple areas of the lips – resulting in more defined heart-shaped lips similar to Russian nesting dolls. 

What is Russian Style Lip Filler?

According to the ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, about 3.4 million soft tissue filler treatments were performed in the country alone – including lip filler treatments for patients who want to reshape their lips or restore the lost lip volume. What’s great about this non-surgical lip enhancement treatment is that patients can alter the shape of their lips without looking obvious or overdone.

Fillers reshape a patient’s lips using hyaluronic acid-based gel in several different ways, depending on how much filler is injected and which parts of the lips are treated. Some of the most common lip shapes for lip filler treatments are classic, full, gull wing, sausage, and others but more patients are also becoming more intrigued by Russian-style lip fillers.

If you’re also interested in trying lip fillers using the Russian technique, here’s everything to know about the procedure first:

Russian Style Lip Filler vs. Normal Lip Filler

The Russian-style lip filler is a specific technique that shapes the lips into a more defined heart – a full pout but with more volume towards the center, like a Russian doll. It’s the ideal lip shape for first-time lip filler patients who want a more natural finish.

What makes Russian lip fillers different from traditional lip filler treatments is the manner of administering the dermal filler injection – instead of the usual horizontal application, the Russian lip filler involves a vertical injection of the lip filler. It also requires multiple tiny injections around the lips to create a more pronounced heart-shaped curve near the patient’s philtrum columns. 

With the Russian lip filler technique, the cupid’s bow becomes enhanced while the rest of the lips stay almost the same. The mid-lip pout is popular among many people, but not everyone has the right lip shape for Russian lips. The art of injecting the filler is also quite advanced, so it’s crucial to find a skilled injector who can perform the treatment correctly.

Do Russian Style Lip Fillers Use the Same Materials?

Russian lip fillers use the same fillers as traditional treatments because it’s only the injection technique that’s different. Most providers use hyaluronic acid injections for enhancing the lips because they’re safe and easy to mold in place if needed.

The Russian lip filler technique works best for patients who already have good lip shape but still want more volume. It might not work well with thinner lips and small mouths, so it’s crucial to consult an expert first before getting lip fillers. Providers may also recommend using more than one filler type to achieve better results for some patients.

Choosing Between Russian Technique vs. Normal Lip Fillers

While the trendy Russian lip filler technique has promising results, it might not be the best option for some patients. Others simply don’t have the right natural lip shape for it so forcing the lip filler shape might only result in unnatural-looking results – which might look awkward with the rest of the facial features.

Choosing between a traditional or Russian-style lip filler treatment still depends on the patient’s desired results and lip anatomy. A skilled lip filler injector can help you identify the best lip shape and perform the treatment safely for you.

How to Do the Russian Lip Filler Technique

The Russian-style lip filler technique is a unique way of administering fillers to emulate the beautiful lip shape that most Russian women possess – which are typically taller, flatter, and wider. This advanced injection approach increases lip plumpness vertically without looking overdone.

Tissue Tenting in the Russian Method Lip Filler

Russian-style lip fillers are based on the idea that dermal lip fillers can be used as pillars to support the tissues in the injection site. When the filler injection is administered to the lips, it can stretch out the skin in the area in a process known as “tenting.”

The “tenting” process comes from the objective to use the filler as a tent pole in the middle of the lips, laying out a structure that enhances the overall appearance of the lips and supports its vertical extension. Tissue tenting also serves as the biomechanical form that resists the natural compressive force of the patient’s lips.

Technical Aspects of Russian Lip Fillers

Russian-style injection technique involves vertically injecting the hyaluronic acid dermal filler into the base of the patient’s lips. This approach draws the filler in a linear retrograde manner to the lip’s outer edge.

Russian lip fillers create an upturned lip shape and draw more attention to the center – unlike other lip tenting techniques that focus on giving the lips more volume at the sides. They also enhance the cupid’s bow in the upper lip without making it look “ducky.”

What Results and Risks to Expect for Your Russian Lip Fillers

Most patients notice beautifully contoured lips similar to Russian dolls immediately after their treatment session, but their results may continuously improve over the next few weeks as the filler injection settles and increases collagen production in the treated site.

Like other lip filler techniques, it’s also normal for patients to experience mild side effects like bruising, swelling, and slight pain. These symptoms subside on their own after a few days, but patients are advised to call a doctor immediately if they persist or worsen within 2 weeks after their appointment.

Other side effects like filler migration, allergic reactions, and lip infections are quite serious but also unusual. The best way to avoid these complications is to find an experienced provider who uses high-quality products and utilizes the right injection techniques.

How Long Does Russian Lip Filler Last?

Although Russian lip fillers last long, they’re still not a permanent lip enhancement solution. Most patients enjoy their enhanced lip shape for a couple of months before needing additional lip injections. The longevity of Russian lip fillers is typically affected by factors like the type of filler used, the patient’s metabolism rate, and lifestyle choices.

Does the Russian Lip Filler Injection Hurt More?

The technique used in a Russian lip filler treatment doesn’t worsen the pain experienced by a patient. Each person has a different pain threshold so what’s painful for them can be tolerable for others.

But according to some experts, Russian lip fillers can even be less painful because it doesn’t reach as deep as traditional lip filler treatments do. Another good news is that most lip filler injections already come with lidocaine, a local anesthetic that reduces pain and discomfort during the procedure.

How Much Is a Russian Lip Filler Treatment?

The average cost of Russian lip fillers falls somewhere between $700 to $1500 per treatment session. Since Russian lip fillers require a more precise application, some patients are required to spend a little bit more for this treatment than traditional lip fillers.

The exact cost of Russian lip fillers varies per patient because of factors like the provider’s experience, the location of the clinic, the type of filler used, and the amount of filler injected into the lips. To get a close estimate for your lips, make sure to consult an experienced provider soon.

Try Russian Lip Filler Treatments At Ethos Spa

Russian lip filler treatments give patients a beautiful, heart-shaped pout without the need for plastic surgery. But since the technique requires precise filler application to achieve the best results, it’s crucial to find an experienced injector to perform the treatment for you – like Ethos Spa.

Our experts at Ethos Spa are highly trained in different lip filler techniques, so you can trust us to help you achieve your desired results. To find out if you’re a good candidate for this treatment, book a consultation with us today.

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

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