Lips / Mouth corners / Chin

 

These are often the first areas that physicians learn to treat when they begin studying filler techniques.

Even though it may seem simple at first glance, in actual filler procedures, the lip line, proportions, and philtrum length all move in harmony as one unit.

 

The reason why the same amount of filler can produce different results lies in how this interconnection is designed.

 

My evaluation process follows this sequence:
Line → Proportion → Cupid’s bow → Philtrum / Chin → Mouth corners → Injection depth (layer).

Below, I’ll explain the key points along with how I approach before-and-after design planning.

 

Starting point of design: Finding the right balance for your face

 

As a general rule, the upper-to-lower lip volume ratio is kept around 1 : 1.2, with fine adjustments made according to each person’s facial structure.

 

It’s essential not to overlook factors such as volume asymmetry, dimple position, tooth exposure, and even habitual facial expressions in daily life.

 

Skipping these considerations can easily lead to:

• A result that looks as if “someone else’s mouth was pasted on,” or

• An overly voluminous and unnatural appearance.

 

When the philtrum or chin appears long:

Rather than simply adding more volume, it can often be more effective to gently evert (roll outward) the upper lip margin — a technique known as eversion.

 

By subtly lifting and supporting the upper border, it creates the illusion of a shorter philtrum and chin, while also softening the profile silhouette.

 

Key points by age and gender

 

With age:
Instead of evenly filling both lips, it’s better to focus on lifting the mouth corners and slightly enhancing the lower lip to create a natural transition.

 

For men:
Because the upper lip is often thinner, over-emphasizing the lower lip can create a feminine impression.
Designing around the upper lip contour helps maintain balance.

 

Technical foundation: safety zones and injection depth design

Too deep injection:
May irritate the vessels beneath the orbicularis oris muscle, leading to significant bruising and swelling, and in rare cases, ischemic risk.

 

Too shallow injection:
Can cause “white border” blurring along the vermilion line, which may gradually sag or appear uneven over time.

 

Recommended technique:
Inject in small, divided doses within the proper submucosal layer.

• Retrograde linear threading: inject while pulling the needle back to create a smooth, even line.

• Micro-bolus: place tiny, pinpoint deposits only where needed to refine texture and contour.

 

By combining these two methods appropriately, it’s possible to achieve both continuity of the lip line and a smooth, natural surface finish.

 

Case Example 1

Before:
The lower lip appeared thin, making the philtrum look longer.

 

Design:
A combination of mouth-corner lift and upper-lip eversion was used to create the visual illusion of a shorter

philtrum.

The lower lip was kept subtle, with only slight enhancement of the vermilion tubercle to harmonize the overall curvature.

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Case Example 2

Before:
The Cupid’s bow was unclear, with a slight asymmetry between the left and right sides.

 

Design:
The goal was to restore definition to the upper-lip line while making fine adjustments to the lower lip.

The mouth corners were lifted subtly—avoiding excessive upward angles—to preserve the continuous, natural curvature of the Cupid’s bow.

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The key to a “natural before-and-after” result is not volume, but design.

 

Instead of overemphasizing the outline, focus on aligning the facial proportions, mouth-corner angle, philtrum, and chin length for visual balance and harmony across the entire face.

Even when using the same product and the same amount, the result and longevity can vary greatly depending on the layer, injection angle, and distribution.

 

For first-time patients especially, focusing on precise diagnosis and design planning rather than just the brand name of the filler is the key to true satisfaction.

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📍 Primi Clinic
52, Seongsuil-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 3F (Primi Clinic)

 

📍 Primi Clinic
서울특별시 성동구 성수일로 52 3F（Primiクリニック）