Written by the Dermapure specialist team. Last updated: 6 October 2026.
The term “flat lips” (in Polish, “usta na płasko”) has been doing the rounds on social media for several years, and quite different results go by this one name. We explain what the technique involves, how it differs from classic lip augmentation, what the treatment looks like here at Dermapure and when a different approach is the better choice.
What the “flat” technique involves
The aim is a fuller, more clearly defined vermilion (the red part of the lips) without pushing the lips forward. Hyaluronic acid is injected so that the lip fills out within its natural outline rather than protruding in profile. From the front, the lips look fuller. From the side, they stay flat, without the so-called duck pout.
This technique works mainly on the upper lip and the Cupid’s bow, while the lower lip is shaped more sparingly. The product is usually injected with a fine needle through many small injection points, placed vertically across the vermilion. Injecting in this direction makes the lip “spread out” sideways and upwards.
The terms “flat lips”, “usta na płasko” and “Russian lips” are sometimes used interchangeably, although different clinics understand them slightly differently. That is why at the consultation we talk above all about what kind of result the patient likes and how the lips should look in profile.
How it differs from classic lip augmentation
In classic augmentation, the product mainly builds volume, so the lips also become bigger when seen from the side. The flat technique focuses on the shape and proportions visible from the front: the lip border, the Cupid’s bow and symmetry.
At Dermapure we offer flat lip contouring, the flat lips effect method and contouring aimed at naturally full lips (natural lips effect). We choose the technique to suit the shape of the lips and the result the patient is hoping for. We don’t treat any of them as the only right one, and for many people we combine elements of several approaches.
Who the technique suits, and when another one is a better choice
The flat technique usually works well for people who:
- want fuller lips without noticeable protrusion in profile,
- have a narrow upper-lip vermilion or a poorly defined Cupid’s bow,
- want a clearer lip border and better symmetry.
It won’t give the expected result for everyone. With very small lips, one treatment is not always enough, and building fuller lips can be a process spread over several months. A lot depends on how stretchy the tissues are and how quickly the body absorbs hyaluronic acid.
It is also worth knowing that, naturally, the lower lip is usually a little fuller than the upper one. The flat technique often evens out these proportions. This is an aesthetic choice best made consciously, after talking to a specialist, rather than on the basis of a single photo from the internet.
We do not perform the treatment on people who, for example, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have skin inflammation around the mouth, have active cold sores or have certain autoimmune diseases. The treatment is generally intended for adults. Wearing braces is not a problem, as long as they will not be removed within the next 6 months. If braces are only being planned, it is better to have your lips enhanced after they are fitted, because braces change the shape of the lips. We write more about this in our article on contraindications to lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, and we go through the full list at the consultation.
What the treatment looks like at Dermapure
We start with a free, no-obligation consultation. The specialist asks about your health and expectations, assesses the shape of your lips and your facial proportions, and then suggests a technique.
A few days before the treatment, it is a good idea to stop taking supplements containing ginkgo biloba and vitamin E, and to avoid alcohol the day before. This lowers the risk of bruising. We discuss any medicines you take regularly, including acetylsalicylic acid, at the consultation. Do not stop taking them on your own. People prone to cold sores should discuss antiviral prevention with the specialist before the treatment.
We apply a strong numbing cream to the lips for about 30 minutes. For most people this is enough, and for those who are very sensitive, anaesthesia by injection is also possible. The specialist then injects hyaluronic acid with a fine needle at several points. The whole treatment usually takes about 60 minutes, including the medical history.
Does it hurt, and what are the first few days like?
The numbing cream makes the treatment comfortable. Many people mainly feel the first few needle pricks.
After the treatment the lips are swollen. The swelling usually lasts about 3 days, depending on the individual, so it’s a good idea to plan the treatment before a weekend. The lips can take up to two weeks to heal. Once healed, they are roughly a quarter smaller than on the third day, so large lips just after the treatment do not mean they will need to be dissolved. Redness and small bruises may also appear, and these usually fade after a few days. For this reason, we don’t schedule the treatment just before a wedding, a photo shoot or a family celebration.
In the first few days after the treatment, we recommend:
- not massaging the lips, as the product may shift (if the lips need it, the specialist will do this at the follow-up visit),
- avoiding very hot and very cold drinks, strenuous exercise, saunas and sunbeds,
- keeping things clean: changing your pillowcase and towel, and not holding pets close to your face.
If anything worries you, you can message or call us any day of the week.
When the result is visible and how long it lasts
You can see a difference right after the treatment, but the final shape is assessed after 2 to 3 weeks, once the swelling has fully gone down and the product has settled. After about two weeks you can come in for an optional follow-up visit.
Hyaluronic acid is gradually absorbed by the body, so the result lasts up to 12 months. How quickly this happens depends on your health and lifestyle. Results vary from person to person. When the result starts to fade, the treatment can be repeated.
Before and after photos of lip treatments carried out at our clinic can be found in our results gallery, in the Lip augmentation and contouring section.
What if you don’t like the result?
If needed, hyaluronic acid can be dissolved, and we do this at Dermapure as well. We also help people who have a problem after a treatment done at another clinic. We write more about this on our page about treatment of complications.
How much does flat lip contouring cost?
The price does not depend on what the technique is called. At Dermapure, lip contouring and augmentation costs 1300 zł. The price includes 1 ml of hyaluronic acid and an optional follow-up visit. The specialist assesses how much product is needed at the consultation. Current prices for all treatments are in our price list.
We see patients at our clinic at Grzybowska 3/U7 in Warsaw (Śródmieście). We have more than 10 years of experience, nearly 12,000 patients and more than 50,000 treatments performed. We write more about the treatment itself, contraindications and preparation on our page about lip augmentation and contouring with hyaluronic acid.
You can book a free, no-obligation consultation through Booksy or by phone: +48 576 079 976.
Frequently asked questions
Do flat lips look natural?
They can, if the amount of product and the technique are matched to the structure of the lips and face. The line between full and overdone lips is a fine one, which is why we prefer to build the result gradually. Results vary from person to person.
Are flat lips the same as Russian lips?
These names are often used interchangeably, and different clinics understand them slightly differently. At the consultation, the main thing we agree on is the result you want to achieve.
How much hyaluronic acid is needed?
It depends on your lips and the result you want; the specialist assesses this at the consultation. The price of the treatment at Dermapure includes 1 ml of product.
How long does the result last?
Up to 12 months, depending on your health and lifestyle. Results vary from person to person.
Can I go to work after the treatment?
Yes, but your lips will be swollen for a few days and a small bruise may appear.
Can I choose the technique myself?
At the consultation you can say which result you like and show a photo. The specialist chooses the technique after assessing your lips, sometimes combining elements of several methods.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist.
