We’ve all witnessed overly filled, constantly pouty lips that evidently aren't a result of genetics. However, identifying exemplary cases of lip injections can be rather challenging, and this is reasonable, as for many, the aim is to retain a natural, enhanced look. And it can be even more arduous to distinguish a proficient injector or injection technique when relying solely on photos: “It’s highly challenging to capture photos of the lips that precisely mirror their actual appearance in real life,” remarks New York City board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich. If the camera adds 10 pounds to the body, then the opposite is true for the lips; in reality, lips can be up to twice as large as they seem in photos, he states. So, what are some distinctive indicators of quality lip filler? Ahead, five crucial aspects to observe in lip filler before and after photos.
1. Consistent lighting and no makeup
Though this is a universal principle for any sort of cosmetic before and after photos, it holds particular significance for lips. Dr. Vasyukevich asserts that lighting is the simplest means to enhance the appearance of any feature on the face, including the lips, so ensure the lighting is uniform in both the before and after shots.
Similarly, make certain there’s no lipstick or lip gloss on the lips in either set of photos (you’ll find it difficult to come across doctors who don’t apply some kind of balm for the after photos, but the less shiny, the better). The reflection from the gloss can make the lips appear more prominent, Dr. Vasyukevich points out. Dr. Samuel Lin, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Boston, adds that lipstick can conceal any odd puckering or wrinkling as well as lumps or bumps that might suggest a subpar injection technique. At this point, while they can be more challenging to notice in photos than in person, lumps and bumps are also a warning sign, indicating that the filler has been injected too superficially, Dr. Lin adds.
Makeup can also mask the texture of the lips, another significant aspect to consider. Ideally, they should still seem soft and have some wrinkling: “Excessively smooth lips are a sign that an excessive amount of filler has been used and it’s pulling the skin overly tight,” explains Dr. Lin.
2. A profile photo
Lip photos are frequently taken from the front, directly. Nevertheless, both doctors emphasize the significance of seeking out profile pictures too. “Excessive filler injected in the vermilion border leads to a less natural protrusion of the upper lip over the lower lip,” explains Dr. Lin. That distinct ‘duck lip’ effect is blatantly obvious in person but is actually quite difficult to identify in a frontal-view photo, notes Dr. Vasyukevich. You’ll want to observe how the injected lips look from both the side and the front.
Related: 4 Reasons to Get Lip Filler—Even If You Don’t Desire Big Lips
3. The contour of the lips
Good injection technique involves using filler to increase the volume of someone’s lips – but not to the extent that it starts to move beyond the natural boundary and alters the shape of the lips, explains Dr. Vasyukevich. “Look not only at how full the lips are but also the contour. If they’ve been overfilled, there will be a loss of the subtle tapering at the center or bow of the top lip,” he says. “We aim to make the lips look fuller but without significantly modifying the lips’ natural structure. Compare the contour in both photos. It should either look precisely the same or just slightly enhanced and defined in the after.”
4. A photo of the full face
While lip size essentially depends on personal preference, both doctors concur that the most natural and aesthetically pleasing outcomes occur when the lip size is proportionate to the rest of the face. As a general guideline, fuller lips look better on those with fuller cheeks, whereas those with more hollow cheeks look more suitable with slightly smaller lips, notes Dr. Vasyukevich. But this can only be determined by viewing a photo of the patient’s full face, both before and after lip filler. The lips may seem fine up close, but when you step back and view the entire face, it can rapidly become evident that they are overdone, says Dr. Lin.
5. A time stamp
Swelling is a common side effect of filler injections on any part of the face, but the inherently vascular nature of the lips makes them even more prone to swelling. That’s why you shouldn’t panic if your lips look overly large immediately after injection; for the same reason, a good after photo shouldn’t be taken immediately. “I’ve seen after photos where you can still see the injection marks. This isn’t an accurate portrayal of the long-term results,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. Ideally, look for before and after photos where the after is taken approximately two weeks after injection, sufficient time for the swelling to completely subside in 2024.
