Beautiful lips are the perfect combination of science and art. What human beings consider to be the most aesthetically attractive lips is not just a matter of preference; it’s based on a mathematical concept known as the golden ratio. Guided by the golden ratio, experts can beautify, fill, refine, and shape the lips usinglip fillers.
What is the Golden Ratio?
The golden ratio is a mathematical principle that states that the most attractive proportion between two things is a ratio of 1 to 1.618. Sometimes referred to as the “golden mean” or “divine proportion”, the concept of the golden ratio has been traced back thousands of years, even as far back as the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid. This ideal ratio regarding our perception of beauty is seen across a wide range of cultures and ethnicities. The ratio also appears abundantly in nature, with leaves, flower petals, and even snail shells showcasing natural beauty that is based on these proportions.
But what does the golden ratio mean, exactly? Put simply, a ratio of 1 to 1.618 means that the second object is 1.618 times larger than the first. Our perception as humans attributes more beauty to faces that are based on the golden ratio. For example, the most beautiful faces meet the golden ratio in width to height, as well as in other aspects.
The Golden Lip Ratio
The golden ratio as it applies to the lips means that for optimal beauty, the following lip characteristics should all be as close to this ratio as possible:
- The bottom lip should be 1.618 times larger than the top lip.
- The top lip should protrude 1.618 times more forward than the bottom lip (as seen from a side view).
- The lips should be 1.618 times wider than the nose.
How Fillers Can Give You the Perfect Lips
An understanding of the golden ratio is critical to achieving the perfect lips with lip fillers. Using precision, an artistic eye, and knowledge of this mathematical golden mean, a skilled expert can use injectable fillers to bring your lips as close to this ratio as possible.
At Kirsch Dermatology, we use both JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance the lips. Strategic injection can improve the volume of thinning lips, enhance lip fullness, slightly alter lip shape, and refine the lips in other ways to bring them ever closer to the golden ratio and heighten your facial beauty.
Considering the golden ratio’s importance in history and in nature, it is important to work with someone who truly understands the golden ratio as it should apply to the lips. Those who do not have an appropriate level of understanding and experience risk overexaggerating this ratio and creating an unnatural, fake appearance (such as “duck lips” or “trout pout”). Fillers should be used strategically to enhance your natural anatomy, and a true expert will know how to work with your anatomy to best achieve those divine proportions. Choose aboard-certified dermatologistor plastic surgeon for the best possible results for your lip fillers.
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Brandon Kirsch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in clinical drug development and medical innovation. He is the founder of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida and is also the Chief of Dermatology at the Naples Community Hospital.
FAQs
Lip fillers cost vary based on the types of lip fillers used and other factors like your geographical location, but it typically costs between $500 and $1000 per syringe.
What is the golden ratio for lip fillers? ›
The perfect size for lip fillers starts with the bottom lip ideally being 1.618 times larger than the top lip. The lips should be 1.618 wider than the width of the nose and the top lip should project 1.618 more than the bottom lip.
What filler do the Kardashians use in their lips? ›
Juvederm Ultra Plus is a hyaluronic acid filler that is injected into the lips. It's intended to plump up the lips, but it can have side effects. The most common side effect of Juvederm Ultra Plus is swelling, which can cause bruising and discoloration.
How much is in one syringe of lip fillers? ›
Most filler syringes contain 1.0 ml (milliliters or cc) of product. This includes products such as Restylane and Juvéderm–which also includes Voluma, Vollure, Ultra, and Volbella. Some fillers do come in larger (e.g., Radiesse-1.5 ml) or smaller sizes but let's discuss the vastly more commonly used 1.0 ml syringes.
Is lip enhancement better than lip fillers? ›
Lip fillers aren't the only option for lip augmentation. Fillers are temporary, providing volume to the lips for about six months. Patients who want a longer-lasting solution may be interested in lip implants. Much like a breast implant, a lip implant is a medical device surgically placed into the lip.
How much does 0.5 lip filler cost? ›
Injections Price List
| Performed by an RN, NP or PA | Performed by Dr. Karapetyan or RN Stephanie |
|---|
| Juvederm Ultra Plus XC 0.5 ml | $330 | $350 |
| Voluma 1ml | $600 | $650 |
| Voluma 0.5 ml | $350 | $350 |
| Volux 1ml | $600 | $650 |
27 more rowsDespite current trends in social media to substantially increase the lip volume and alter lip proportions, the most accepted ratio for beautiful lips is 1:1.6, with the lower lip being larger than the upper lip.
What is the most popular lip filler technique? ›
The most popular method of applying lip filler is with regular needles. Your practitioner will use needles to inject dermal fillers into a number of specific places.
What is the best lip filler technique for natural look? ›
One of the primary advantages of the microdroplet technique is its ability to achieve a naturally plump appearance without the risk of overfilling or creating an artificial look. It is ideal for those seeking to subtly accentuate their lips, rejuvenate their appearance, and maintain an entirely natural aesthetic.
What is Princess lip filler? ›
Princess Filler Lidocaine is a filler with O. 3 Lidocaine cross-linked hyaluronic Acid perfect for adding volume and defintion to the lips. Almost everyone is suitable for HA fillers. Princess® can be used in different areas of the face to create individualised and natural-looking results.
"During Kylie's pregnancy, she wasn't getting her usual fillers or putting on much makeup," the source explained. "Kylie really fell in love with the natural look, and wanted more of that, so she decided to stop putting filler in her lips."
How many syringes for Kylie lips? ›
Subtle Enhancement for Natural Looking Lips
You want a lip that's tasteful and more plump but without looking “done.” On average it can take anywhere from 1-2 syringes to see a pleasing and noticeable improvement.
How noticeable is one syringe of lip fillers? ›
Generally speaking, however, a half syringe of lip filler will give you a subtle result, which is great if you want your lips to be more natural-looking, to correct minor asymmetry or to add hydration. A full syringe will provide a more full and noticeable result, but won't leave you with overfilled lips.
Which lip filler is best? ›
Dermal Fillers: the gold standard
The top injectors at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic highly recommend hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane, for lip augmentation. These fillers are renowned for their ability to add volume, plumpness, and definition to the lips while maintaining a natural appearance.
Is a half syringe of lip filler better than a full syringe? ›
A half syringe of lip filler is typically 0.5 milliliters, which may be enough for those who have naturally full lips and want to add a bit of volume or definition. However, if someone has thin lips or wants a more significant change, they may need a full syringe or even multiple syringes.
How long do lip enhancements last? ›
Lip fillers typically last 12 to 18 months. However, it depends on your age and how fast your body breaks down calories into energy (metabolism). Younger people tend to burn calories faster, so lip fillers don't last as long.
Can you get permanent lip enhancement? ›
While injections don't provide permanent results, permanent lip augmentation is possible to achieve. A surgical lip lift effectively treats a thin upper lip and extended philtrum or vertical space between the lip and the nose. Because this is a surgical correction, a lip lift does offer patients permanent results.
Are lip injections worth it? ›
The Final Takeaway
Lip fillers are a great option for plumping up deflated lips or enhancing your natural lip shape. The treatment has a fairly easy recovery process with minimal side effects (outside of bruising and swelling). Another plus is that it's not permanent.
Is a lip lift expensive? ›
According to RealSelf, the average cost of lip lift surgery is $3,450. Lip lift prices can range up to $6,500, depending on a few key factors.
