We live in a moment in time where trends can take on a life of their own. This is especially true for those that have to do with the cosmetic industry—think Kylie Jenner’s lips or Kim Kardashian’s curvy behind. We’re all intrigued when we see something that can enhance our beauty and make us feel really great about ourselves.
The newest beauty trend that has hit social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok is the Russian lip technique. What is the Russian lip exactly? Picture subtle heart shaped lips, which you might see on a Russian matryoshka doll. Russian lips tend to hold more volume in the centre of the lips. What gives the look that wow factor is the lift that the strategically injected lip filler provides.
What’s the secret to the look? Well we plan to demystify it for you here, but your injector needs to be a bit of an artist to pull this look off. So if you’re interested in trying this out, you definitely want to go somewhere where you know your injector is highly skilled, and ask if they’re trained in the Russian lip technique.
What is the Russian lip technique and how is it achieved?
When you come in for a regular lip filler treatment, filler is typically injected into the lip horizontally; with the Russian lip technique your injector will inject very small amounts of filler vertically into the lip.
With this technique your injector will use a smaller syringe in order to have more control over the exact placement of filler and, as a result, more control over how the lip is shaped. What you don’t want happening with the Russian lip technique is to have filler spreading to unwanted areas of the lip. You want the majority of the volume to be in the centre of the lips.
At MD Beauty Clinic all of our injectors are trained in the Russian lip technique. In skilled hands, this technique will lift, widen and open up the body of the lip.
Is the Russian lip technique for me?
Russian lips are not for everyone. Everyone is different and at MD Beauty Clinic, natural is what we always strive for. So if it’s not going to suit your face, we will recommend against it while working to create a beautiful result you’ll be madly in love with.
That said, if this is the look for you there are a few things you need to keep in mind. If you’ve had lip filler before, that filler will have to be dissolved 2 weeks prior to getting the Russian lip. For this look, our injectors need a blank canvas.
This is because with the Russian lip technique your injector doesn’t start from the lip border working their way in, they actually do the opposite. They work the product from the inside out and so they won’t want you to already have filler at the border of the lips. With the Russian lip technique you’re really focusing on filling in the centre of the lip as opposed to the entire lip.
On that note, if you aren’t a Russian lip newbie and are coming in to maintain your Russian lip result, this would not have to be dissolved prior to your treatment.
Should I expect anything different with the Russian lip technique?
Getting Russian lips is pretty much the same as getting a regular lip filler treatment. The treatment can take a little longer, anywhere from 30min-1hour, because it necessitates more precision. You may also have a bit more bruising and swelling following your treatment, but this is totally normal.
Will these lip injections hurt?
No. There are actually fewer injections needed for this look and only one that is placed at the lip border, which is where we find patients are most sensitive, plus your injector will apply a topical anesthetic to ensure you feel no discomfort and are as comfortable as possible.
How long does the Russian lip last?
You can expect the Russian lip to last as long as regular lip filler; anywhere from 6-12 months. The cost is a little higher, though, as it often requires more filler and more treatment time.
Want to find out if this is right for you? Come in for a free consultation and one of our expert injectors will assess you in person and talk about your goals in detail.
