3 weeks ago
Lip Fillers: What First-Timers Need to Know
Some people want their lips to look fuller or bigger.
A doctor can help them do this in a clinic, which is called lip augmentation.
It is one of the most popular beauty treatments that does not need surgery.
A doctor named Dr Shilpi Bhadani says it is best to start with just a little change, because small changes often look more natural.
There are two main ways to make lips fuller.
One way uses a special gel called hyaluronic acid filler, which usually lasts between six and twelve months.
The other way uses a little bit of fat from the person's own body, and it can last longer.
However, the body may absorb some of that fat, so people might need two or three visits.
Like any treatment, lip fillers can cause swelling or bruising, so it is very important to choose a doctor with lots of experience.
Lip augmentation remains one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures, according to plastic surgeon Dr Shilpi Bhadani.
Dr Bhadani advises first-timers to start conservatively, because 'less is more' when it comes to lips.
Common risks include bruising, swelling, temporary asymmetry and small lumps; a rare but serious complication occurs if filler enters a blood vessel.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular option, generally lasting between six and 12 months.
Fat grafting can provide longer-lasting results but is less predictable and may require two or three sessions as the body absorbs some transferred fat.
- Who
- Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr Shilpi Bhadani, founder of SB Aesthetics in Gurugram, shared guidance on lip augmentation with Rediff.
- What
- An expert guide covering lip augmentation options (hyaluronic acid fillers and fat grafting), associated risks, recovery and how long results last.
- Where
- Gurugram, India, where Dr Bhadani's clinic SB Aesthetics is based.
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Why
- To help first-timers achieve safe, natural-looking results by understanding the options and risks before getting lip fillers.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Fat Grafting
Preferred option for lips
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Fillers are generally the preferred choice for most patients because the highly mobile lip area suits their predictable, natural-looking results.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting remains a viable alternative in selected cases and can provide longer-lasting results.
Predictability and sessions
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Fillers give predictable results and last between six and 12 months.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is less predictable because some fat is absorbed by the body, so patients may need two or three sessions to achieve desired volume.
Procedure complexity
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Fillers are a routine injectable procedure that should be performed by advanced injectors trained to manage complications.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is a much more advanced procedure that should only be performed by a plastic surgeon.
Key facts
- Procedure
- Lip augmentation (non-surgical cosmetic procedure)
- Expert
- Dr Shilpi Bhadani, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon, founder of SB Aesthetics
- Most popular option
- Hyaluronic acid fillers
- Filler results last
- Six to 12 months
- Fat grafting results
- Potentially longer-lasting but less predictable; may require 2-3 sessions
- Common side effects
- Bruising, swelling, temporary asymmetry and small lumps
- Serious rare risk
- Filler entering a blood vessel and reducing blood supply to the lip
- Key advice
- Start conservatively and choose an experienced injector











