15 Types of Lip Filler Compared: Benefits, Costs & Results

Hyaluronic-acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane remain the UK’s favourite route to fuller lips: they deliver instant, natural-looking volume, typically cost £250–£450 per syringe and last around six to twelve months. Alternatives that stay put for years—or for good—do exist, from fat transfer and silicone to collagen-stimulating calcium hydroxylapatite, but each carries its own price tag, maintenance schedule and risk profile.

Choosing between them can feel overwhelming. That’s why this guide compares fifteen of the most widely used lip-enhancement materials and brand families side by side. You’ll discover how every filler works, the results you can expect, how long those results stick around, what they’re likely to cost across the UK, and the pros and cons your practitioner should cover before any syringe comes near your mouth.

Read on, weigh up the facts, and decide which route to a balanced, confident smile feels right for you.

1. Juvederm Ultra & Juvederm Volbella (Hyaluronic Acid)

Ask any injector what tops their shelf of lip products and Juvederm usually appears first. The brand’s two hero formulas—plumping Ultra and feather-light Volbella—cover most patient goals without feeling stiff or artificial.

What Juvederm is and how it works

Both gels are cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) produced by Allergan and carry CE/FDA approval. Ultra is slightly thicker for obvious volume, while Volbella (and its UK twin Vollure) is finer, ideal for line-blurring and contour. Because HA is identical to the body’s own sugar, results are reversible with hyaluronidase if needed.

Typical results

Volume appears straight away, then softens over the next three to five days as water binds to the gel. Expect a crisp Cupid’s bow, smoother lipstick lines and a hydrated sheen rather than obvious “done” lips.

Longevity & UK cost

Ultra lasts around 9–12 months; Volbella can edge toward 15 months thanks to higher cross-linking. Average clinic pricing sits between £280 and £450 per 1 ml, with central-London practices at the top of that range.

Pros, cons & safety

• Pros: silky texture, integrated lidocaine for comfort, easily dissolved, reliable worldwide supply.

• Cons: transient swelling or bruising; repeat visits once a year to maintain shape.

• Safety: identical to other HA types of lip filler—low allergy rate but vascular occlusion remains a rare yet serious complication that demands an experienced practitioner.

2. Restylane Kysse & Restylane Silk (Hyaluronic Acid)

Galderma’s Restylane family has long been the go-to for subtle, soft lips. The two formulae aimed at lip work—Silk for fine-line detailing and Kysse for pillowy but natural volume—sit halfway between “barely there” and “noticeably enhanced”, making them favourites with patients who fear the duck-lip stereotype.

Unique XpresHAn technology

Both gels use Galderma’s XpresHAn (pronounced “expression”) cross-linking, which allows the HA network to stretch and recoil with facial movement. That flexibility keeps the lips feeling supple when you smile, sip or speak.

Best-fit patients & look

Ideal for mature mouths or smokers’ lines, Silk adds whisper-light hydration, whereas Kysse lends a cushioned, “kissable” finish without over-projection.

Duration & UK price

Silk lasts 6–9 months; Kysse can push to 12. Typical fees run £250–£400 per 1 ml.

Advantages, drawbacks & safety

• Pros: natural texture, lower swelling, fully dissolvable

• Cons: limited lift for those wanting dramatic size Usual HA safety profile; hyaluronidase can reverse if required.

3. Belotero Balance & Belotero Lips

Belotero is the “whisper” of hyaluronic-acid fillers: it slips so smoothly into the upper dermis that even trained injectors struggle to feel where gel ends and tissue begins. The range comes from Swiss manufacturer Merz and, unlike chunkier gels, uses a Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) that spreads out in micro-layers rather than sitting in a lump.

What makes Belotero different

CPM technology lets the HA weave through very superficial planes, reducing the risk of the bluish Tyndall effect and allowing feather-light placement just under vertical lip lines.

Results & ideal uses

Expect a hydrated glaze, softened smoker’s lines and a perfectly defined vermilion border—ideal for clients who want refinement rather than extra size.

Cost & longevity

Plan on £250–£380 per 1 ml with results lasting about six months; thinner gels metabolise faster, so top-ups are usually twice a year.

Pros & cons

• Pros: seamless blend, minimal lumpiness, low risk of colour change

• Cons: short lifespan, not enough lift for very thin or volume-hungry lips Reversible with hyaluronidase like any HA filler.

4. Teosyal RHA 2 & RHA 3 (Resilient HA)

Think of Teosyal’s RHA range as a springy cushion for your lips: Swiss-made gels that flex with every laugh, kiss or coffee sip instead of sitting rigid under the skin.

Science of resilience

A low-stress manufacturing process preserves long HA chains and adds light cross-linking, so the filler stretches then recoils—keeping shape without cracking or lumping when the mouth is in motion.

Who benefits & expected finish

Perfect for naturally expressive speakers, younger clients, or anyone wanting a barely-there feel. Expect a smooth, hydrated pout with subtle volume rather than dramatic size.

Longevity & cost

Results typically hold for 9–12 months. UK pricing averages £300–£450 per 1 ml, depending on clinic location.

Upsides & downsides

Pros: dynamic movement, integrated lidocaine, minimal swelling. Cons: premium price and not stocked in every regional practice.

5. Revanesse Lips & Revanesse Versa

Canadian-made Revanesse has built a quiet cult following among UK injectors who value predictable volume without the next-day “blow-up”. Among the many types of lip filler on today’s market, it wins points for keeping post-treatment swelling to a minimum.

What sets Revanesse apart

Prollenium’s proprietary Thixofix cross-linking forms tiny, uniform HA particles that glide through a fine needle and attract less water afterwards, so bruising and puffiness are usually mild.

Look & feel

The gel is smooth yet shapable, delivering a crisp vermillion border and even hydration. Most patients say their lips feel “just like mine, only bouncier” rather than obviously padded.

Duration & price

Clinical data show persistence for 6–9 months. UK clinics charge roughly £250–£350 per 1 ml, positioning it between budget Korean HA and premium Swiss lines.

Benefits & limits

• Minimal swelling and downtime—ideal before events

• Integrated lidocaine for comfort Drawbacks: longevity is only mid-range, and product availability can be patchy outside major cities, meaning future top-ups might require a brand switch.

6. Revolax Deep & Revolax Fine

Revolax is a Korean-made HA filler that shot to UK popularity for giving reliable results at high-street prices—ideal for first-time lip patients.

Composition & origin

Deep and Fine are non-animal HA gels cross-linked with BDDE. Despite bargain pricing they carry a CE mark and pass strict EU testing.

Best uses

Fine smooths lipstick lines and adds moisture; Deep’s denser matrix defines the vermillion border and supplies moderate volume without stiffness.

Cost vs longevity

Prices hover around £150–£250 per ml, making Revolax one of the most economical types of lip filler. Results generally last six–nine months.

Pros & cons

• Pros: wallet-friendly, easy layering, widely available

• Cons: firmer texture than premium gels, occasional batch variability

7. Stylage Special Lips

Stylage Special Lips is a mid-premium HA filler favoured by injectors chasing crisp definition without lingering swelling.

Mannitol & antioxidant edge

Mannitol, an antioxidant sugar alcohol, is added to neutralise free radicals and limit post-injection puffiness.

Aesthetic finish & candidates

Glossy, subtle results suit delicate lips or clients who bruise easily and prefer polish over dramatic plumpness.

Longevity & cost

Expect six to nine months’ wear at £230–£370 per ml, slotting between Revolax and Teosyal on price.

Key advantages & cautions

Low swelling and comfy injections are pluses; downside is extra sessions if Kardashian-level fullness is desired.

8. Princess / Saypha Lips

Austrian manufacturer Croma Pharma re-branded its cult “Princess” line as “Saypha” in 2019, but the soft, low-viscosity hyaluronic-acid gel inside stayed exactly the same. It’s the entry-level option many clinicians reach for when a patient wants just a sip of volume rather than a full glass.

Product basics

Non-animal, lightly cross-linked HA that flows easily through a 30-gauge needle—great for first-timers nervous about pain or lumps.

Suitable outcomes

Adds gentle plumpness and surface hydration, perks up a deflated Cupid’s bow and smooths faint lipstick lines.

Duration & cost

Expect 4–6 months of wear. UK clinics typically charge £190–£300 per syringe.

Pros & cons

• Pros: budget-friendly, reversible, minimal swelling.

• Cons: shortest lifespan on our list, may need two syringes for noticeable drama.

9. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) – Collagen Stimulator*

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), marketed as Sculptra, stimulates your own collagen rather than adding gel. When hyper-diluted it can subtly refine lip texture.

How it works

Microscopic PLLA particles sit in the sub-mucosa, prompting fibroblasts to build fresh collagen over 4–6 weeks.

Results & ideal patient

Gradual lip thickening, softened barcode lines and a gentle lift suit patients seeking refinement, not dramatic volume.

Price & longevity

Two to three sessions cost £600–£1,200 in total, with results lasting 18–24 months.

Pros, cons & risks

Pros: long-lasting, natural feel, no foreign gel remains. Cons: delayed gratification, potential granulomas or nodules, irreversibility—making injector experience crucial.

10. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) Micro-dosing*

Once reserved for cheek sculpting, Radiesse is now hyper-diluted and feathered along the lip border to spark collagen.

Composition & mechanism

CaHA microspheres (30 %) are suspended in a smooth gel which disappears after months, leaving your fibroblasts busy producing new collagen.

Expected outcome

Micro-dosing blurs lipstick lines and firms thin vermilion rather than adding obvious bulk—think subtle refinement, not selfie-ready pout.

Cost & lifespan

Treatments average £350–£500 with effects lasting 12–18 months thanks to that collagen remodelling.

Pros & cautions

Long wear, syringe efficiency and no need for top-ups appeal to many; but remember it’s off-label for lips, irreversible and can form lumps if placed superficially.

11. Autologous Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)

11. Autologous Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)

Procedure overview

Your surgeon harvests a small amount of fat—usually from the abdomen, flanks or inner thighs—via gentle liposuction. The tissue is centrifuged to isolate pure fat cells, then micro-injected into the lips through blunt cannulas under local (sometimes twilight) anaesthetic. One session typically takes 60–90 minutes.

Results & good candidates

Because the grafted cells are living tissue, the lips feel completely natural once healed. Expect a soft, pillowy volume that can be layered over two sittings. Lipofilling suits patients already considering body contouring or those allergic to synthetic fillers.

Pricing & durability

UK fees range from £1,500 to £3,000, covering theatre time, lipo, and follow-up. Roughly 40–60 % of the transferred fat survives permanently after three to six months; any lost volume can be topped up at a reduced cost.

Key pros & cons

• Pros: uses your own tissue, no allergy risk, potentially lifetime longevity, economical long term if you desire substantial size.

• Cons: minor surgery with bruising and one-week downtime, variable resorption (touch-ups common), results are not reversible, small risk of lumps or asymmetry if cells don’t “take”.

12. Silicone (Permanent Fillers)

Medical-grade silicone injections sit at the opposite end of the spectrum from temporary HA gels: a permanent, non-absorbable option that remains in the tissue for life.

What they are

Tiny polydimethylsiloxane micro-droplets are placed in serial passes; the body forms a collagen capsule around each bead, locking filler in place.

Outcome & feel

Volume builds gradually over several sessions; once set, lips feel firm, not spongy, and shape changes are tricky.

Cost & permanence

Clinics charge around £300–£600 per session; once the course is complete the result is permanent, eliminating top-ups.

Pros, cons & serious risks

Pros: one-off investment and lifelong volume. Cons: cannot be dissolved, high rate of granulomas, migration and asymmetry; surgical excision is the only remedy.

13. Bovine & Bio-Engineered Collagen Fillers

Collagen was the first injectable lip filler offered in UK clinics.

Composition history

Classic Zyderm/Zyplast contained bovine collagen; successors like Evolence used porcine, and CosmoDerm bio-engineered human collagen.

Ideal uses & results

The thin gel simply softens smoker’s lines—little true volume—and requires a mandatory skin-test four weeks earlier.

Cost & longevity

Expect £250–£400 per syringe with benefits lasting only three to four months.

Pros & cons

Ultra-soft texture and zero overfill risk are nice, but short lifespan and higher allergy rates mean collagen fillers are now almost obsolete.

14. Combination HA Fillers with Additives (e.g., Neauvia Stimulate)

Hybrid HA fillers marry classic lip plumping with collagen-friendly extras, giving patients a multitasking option when they want more than volume alone.

What’s inside

Neauvia Stimulate mixes medium-density HA with 1 % calcium hydroxyapatite; other brands add vitamin C or peptides for antioxidant support.

Anticipated results

Delivers immediate HA fullness plus softer lines and a mild firmness that develops gradually over the next ten weeks.

Cost & lifespan

Expect £300–£450 per ml; plump effect lasts 8–12 months, while collagen benefits can linger a little longer.

Pros & cautions

• Pros: two benefits in one syringe, may reduce follow-up visits.

• Cons: CaHA portion is not dissolvable; limited long-term data.

15. Needle-Free Hyaluronic Acid Pens (DIY Trend – Not Recommended)

They pop up on TikTok and market stalls promising “filler-like” lips without the needle: a spring-loaded pen that fires pressurised bursts of hyaluronic-acid serum through the skin. In theory the jet pushes nano-droplets 0.2 mm deep; in reality most product sits on, or barely under, the surface, giving patchy swelling that fades within days.

Typical outlay is £80–£150 for the pen plus single-use cartridges. Because absorption is minimal, results rarely last beyond two or three weeks—hardly value for money compared with professional types of lip filler.

Risks outweigh rewards: uncontrolled depth, sterility issues, bruising, infection, even accidental embolism. These gadgets are not CE-approved medical devices, and UK regulators have issued repeated safety warnings. Leave your lips to qualified injectors, not viral gimmicks.

What to remember before booking

Lip goals are personal, but the homework is universal: understand what is going into your body, how long it stays there and who is holding the syringe. A five-minute price chat is never enough—use the checklist and questions below to steer a thorough, safety-first consultation.

Key decision checklist

• Desired longevity versus comfort with regular top-ups

• Reversible HA gels or permanent/long-term stimulators

• Realistic budget, including the number of syringes likely required

• Clinic credentials, complication-management protocol and on-site hyaluronidase

• Allergy history (collagen, lidocaine, bee stings) and need for patch testing

• Lifestyle timing: smoking, big events, downtime and bruising tolerance

Questions to ask at consultation

• “Which filler do you use most often for lips and why?”

• “How many syringes will I probably need to reach my goal?”

• “What is your immediate plan if a vascular occlusion occurs?”

• “Can I see before-and-after photos of cases similar to mine?”

At-a-glance comparison table

Filler type	Material	Longevity	Cost per ml (UK)	Reversible?	Best for	Key drawback
Juvederm Ultra / Volbella	HA	9–15 mths	£280–£450	Yes	Versatile volume	Needs yearly top-ups
Restylane Kysse / Silk	HA	6–12 mths	£250–£400	Yes	Natural movement	Limited dramatic plump
Belotero Balance / Lips	HA	~6 mths	£250–£380	Yes	Line smoothing	Short span
Teosyal RHA 2 / 3	HA	9–12 mths	£300–£450	Yes	Expressive lips	Premium price
Revanesse Lips / Versa	HA	6–9 mths	£250–£350	Yes	Low swelling	Moderate wear
Revolax Deep / Fine	HA	6–9 mths	£150–£250	Yes	Budget volume	Firmer texture
Stylage Special Lips	HA	6–9 mths	£230–£370	Yes	Low bruising	Subtle effect
Princess / Saypha	HA	4–6 mths	£190–£300	Yes	First-timers	Short lifespan
Sculptra (PLLA)	PLLA	18–24 mths	Course £600–£1,200	No	Gradual collagen	Slow results
Radiesse (CaHA)	CaHA	12–18 mths	£350–£500	No	Lip-line firming	Off-label, irreversible
Fat transfer	Autologous fat	Permanent	£1,500–£3,000	No	Large, soft volume	Surgical downtime
Silicone	Silicone	Permanent	£300–£600/ session	No	One-off fullness	High complication risk
Collagen fillers	Bovine/porcine	3–4 mths	£250–£400	No	Fine lines	Allergy test needed
Combo HA + additives	HA + CaHA/Vit C	8–12 mths	£300–£450	Partly*	Plump + firm	Limited data
Needle-free HA pen	HA serum	<1 mth	Device £80–£150	N/A	DIY curiosity	Safety issues

*HA portion can be dissolved; CaHA cannot.

Ready for fuller, beautifully balanced lips?

From a half-millilitre of gentle Saypha to life-long silicone, the 15 options above prove there’s no one-size-fits-all lip filler. Each material brings its own blend of feel, longevity, upkeep and risk, so the ‘best’ choice is the one that suits your anatomy, budget and tolerance for maintenance.

Whether you want whisper-soft hydration, a sharply contoured Cupid’s bow or a statement pout, our clinicians can map out a treatment plan that ticks your boxes without compromising safety. At Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics we use only CE-marked products, carry emergency hyaluronidase on site and offer 0 % finance to spread the cost.

Ready to talk lips? Book a consultation with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics and take the first step towards beautifully balanced confidence.