Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

As seen on

logo-nine
logo-seven
5-1
logo-ten-hq_1_x85
logo-sunrise-2
4-1
logo-smh
9
11-1
13
Contour-Clinics-on-OK-Mag
logo-gq
ABC-Australian-Broadcasting-Corporation
14
hack-logo-home-link-thumbnail
7-1
Contour-Clinics-on-Costhetics-85-1
logo-2gb
logo-phalloboards-hq_1_x50_1_200x
8
logo-cleo
3-1
Ra2f01a936f19469a298d1727c5c9c739_x50
2-1
6-1
Australian Financial Review
news.com.au logo
Why Lip Volume and Shape Change - answered by cosmetic doctors at Contour Clinics

Why Lip Volume and Shape Change

Lip volume and shape come down to a few key anatomical features including the: 

  • Ratio between upper and lower lip volume 
  • Vermillion border – the edge between the lip and surrounding skin
  • Philtrum columns – the vertical lines connecting the nose and lips
  • Cupid’s bow – the double curve at the centre of the upper lips, directly beneath the philtrum columns

These features vary naturally from person to person. No single “ideal” shape applies to everyone – which is why a good practitioner reads your individual anatomy before deciding on an approach.

As we age, lips typically lose structural volume and definition – the border can soften, height can reduce, and the balance between upper and lower lip can shift. This is a normal part of ageing for most people, though the rate and pattern varies with genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle factors. 

Significant weight loss can also affect facial fat distribution, including the lips. For most people, lip changes over time are driven more by structural and skin-quality shifts than by weight alone.

Lip volume enhancement and Golden Phi Ratio Sydney & Brisbane

What is The Golden (Phi) Ratio for Lips?

At Contour Clinics, our lip shape and volume consultations are guided by the Golden Phi Ratio for lips, beginning with a 3D facial photographic assessment.

The Golden Ratio, or Phi Ratio is a mathematical proportion of approximately 1:1.6, widely associated with aesthetically pleasing facial proportions. I.e. your bottom lip is 1.6 times fuller than your top lip. Lips that sit close to this ratio often display a naturally balanced, harmonious appearance. Elements of the Phi Ratio discussed during your consultation may include:

  • A slightly fuller lower lip compared to the upper lip
  • A clearly defined cupid’s bow
  • Subtle upward lift at the lip corners (oral commissures)
  • Gentle fullness in the central lip region

We use advanced Vectra 3D imaging  to accurately assess your lips and show possible lip shapes. This detailed visualisation helps in planning your treatment, clearly communicating what’s achievable and ensuring alignment with your individual goals and overall facial balance. 

Lips are like fingerprints – uniquely yours, and naturally different. Our priority is always what suits your individual anatomy, movement patterns and preferences, with safety and suitability guiding every recommendation.

Golden Phi Ratio for lip volume enhancement at Contour Clinics in Sydney & Brisbane

Contour Clinics’ 7-Step Lip Assessment

Our practitioners use a detailed 7-step lip assessment to work towards tailored, natural-looking outcomes. We particularly focus on harmony between your lips, nose and chin, instead of considering your lips in isolation.

During your consultation, your lips are evaluated with a 3D photographic assessment for:

  1. Vertical lip height – ensuring optimal balance between upper and lower lips
  2. Golden Phi Ratio – measuring your upper-to-lower lip proportions against the phi ratio (1:1.6) in consideration  of ethnicity and gender. This ration is widely recognised as a benchmark for balance 
  3. Mouth width – in relation to your facial dimensions, for harmonious alignment with your unique features
  4. Lip projection – examined from both frontal and profile views, weighing natural fullness against facial harmony
  5. Lip harmony – ensuring upper and lower lips complement one another
  6. Symmetry – addressing any unevenness or asymmetry
  7. Lip border – assessing definition and contour

Your practitioner will explain the options that may be suitable for you, outline realistic expectations, and discuss any associated risks – tailored specifically to your anatomy and goals.

Lip Volume Enhancement Sydney and Brisbane with Contour Clinics

Lip Volume, Lip Flip or Russian Lips – Which Is Right for You?

These three approaches are often confused because they can look similar in photos, but they target different things. Working out which one matches what you’re after is part of your consultation, but here’s a general guide:

Your Goal Starting Point
Overall lip shape, proportion, height and projection Lip Volume & Shape (this page) 
A subtle upward curl to the upper lip, without added volume Lip Flip or Bioremodeller 
A structured, defined lip border with added height Russian Lips
Fine vertical lines around the mouth, separate to lip shape or volume Smoker Lines and Bioremodeller

If you’re not sure which applies to you, that’s a normal starting point for a consultation – it’s exactly what the assessment below is for.

What to Expect in Your Lip Volume Consultation at Contour Clinics

What to Expect in Your Lip Consultation

  • A 1:1 discussion about your natural lip shape, proportions and what you’d like to enhance or refine
  • Medical history and suitability screening, including relevant medications and health factors
  • An anatomy-led assessment of your lips – including the cupid’s bow, vermillion border and upper-to-lower ratio – in the context of your wider facial structure
  • Standardised clinical photography and, where appropriate, Vectra 3D imaging to map your proportions and establish a baseline
  • A practitioner-led discussion of the options that may be suitable for you, including limitations, trade-offs and realistic expectations
  • Clear explanation of risks, aftercare and recovery considerations, tailored to your circumstances
  • A written plan and next steps you can review in your own time, with space to ask questions and decide without pressure

Your consultation is complimentary. A $75 deposit secures your booking and is credited to your treatment if you proceed, or refunded in full if you decide not to. Same-day treatment may be available depending on availability.

How Much Do Consultations for Lip Shape and Volume Enhancements Cost in Sydney and Brisbane?

Costs for lip shape and volume consultations in Sydney and Brisbane cannot be published online due to Australian medical regulations. Pricing is discussed in full during your consultation, once your practitioner has assessed your anatomy and can give you a clear picture of what may be appropriate for your goals.

Consultations at Contour Clinics are complimentary, comprehensive and obligation-free. A $75 deposit is payable upon booking your appointment and is credited to your treatment if you proceed, or refunded immediately in full if you decide not to. 

There is no expectation to proceed with treatment after your consultation – your practitioner will provide you with a tailored, written plan that you can take away and decide on in your own time. If you would like to proceed, same-day treatment may be available depending on availability. 

For further information, call, send us a message or book a consultation.

Prices

Lip volume enhancement aftercare instructions

Aftercare for Lip Shape and Volume Enhancement

Following your lip volume enhancement treatment for volume and contour, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your treating practitioner to help promote optimal results and reduce the risk of side effects. As a guide, aftercare for cosmetic lip treatments may involve:

8 Hours Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip enhancement patients avoid the following:

  • Applying makeup on or around the treated area
  • Touching or rubbing the treatment sites
  • Massaging the treated area, unless specifically advised by your practitioner
  • Sleeping directly on your lips or face; sleeping on your back is recommended

A covered ice pack may be gently applied to the treated area for no longer than 10 minutes at a time to help reduce bruising or swelling.

24 Hours Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip volume enhancement patients avoid the following:

  • Strenuous physical exercise
  • Consuming alcohol

48 Hours Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip enhancement patients avoid the following:

  • Exposure to excessive heat, including direct sunlight, solariums, saunas, and hot showers or baths
  • Swimming
  • Applying significant pressure or force to the treated area

2 Weeks Following Treatment

It’s recommended that lip enhancement patients avoid the following:

  • IPL and laser therapies, including laser hair removal
  • Facial waxing
  • Facial treatments, including facials, chemical peels, or dermabrasion

Always follow the specific advice provided by your treating practitioner. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Contour Clinics directly.

The Contour Clinics Guarantee

At Contour Clinics, we’re committed to providing safe, ethical, and personalised cosmetic care. Our experienced doctors focus on delivering balanced, realistic consultations tailored specifically to your needs.

Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss suitability, cosmetic options and experience the patient-focused care that sets Contour Clinics apart. Individual results can vary, and your practitioner will guide you through what could be achievable for you.

  • Complimentary, obligation-free consultations with experienced doctors
  • Strict safety and hygiene protocols aligned with industry-leading standards
  • Advanced 3D photography to aid in a collaborative, comprehensive facial analysis
  • Products and technologies selected based on quality, safety, and efficacy
  • Medical-grade clinical environments thoughtfully designed for patient comfort and convenience

Frequently Asked Questions

Lip flip consultation in Sydney and Brisbane at Contour Clinics

Lip Flip

Personalised consultations to discuss lip shape and proportion, with suitability and expectations explained one-to-one.

Men’s Lip Enhancement

Whether you’re after a subtle lift or a more defined look, our qualified clinicians tailor options to suit your features and goals.

Russian lips consultation in Sydney and Brisbane with Contour Clinics

Russian Lips

Personalised consultations for Russian Lips, subtly enhancing lip shape for natural, balanced results.

Smokers lines consultations and options in Sydney and Brisbane

Smoker’s Lines Consultations

Personalised consultations with qualified cosmetic doctors to assess and address smoker's lines, enhancing lip-area appearance.

CONTACT US

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, pdf, heic, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Would you like to keep updated with Contour Clinic's latest news?

Are you ready?

Schedule Your Consultation


or call us on 1300 233 803