I really think lip shape comes down to personal taste. Some people love a bold, full lip; others want something so subtle nobody can tell they've had anything done. My own taste leans towards a balanced shape with small details, rather than a lot of added volume. But these are your lips, not mine. We have to start with what you actually like.

The details I tend to notice

I pay attention to the lip border, the centre of the Cupid's bow, the little vertical columns under the nose and whether the mouth corners could look a touch more lifted. A very pronounced central pout isn't necessary for everyone. Sometimes I prefer a light outline—or none at all. On the lower lip, I look at how both sides sit together so the lip doesn't appear to hang down. It's about shape and balance before sheer size.

Why I am careful about adding too much

Lips move all day long when we speak, eat and smile. I don't like the idea of loading a lot of filler into one spot simply to use up a syringe. In my experience, a modest amount can sometimes make a visible difference. That doesn't mean there is one volume that suits everybody. We still have to consider the original lip tissue, the product and the result the person wants.

What if your dream lip is fuller than my personal preference?

Let's talk about it. I'm not here to impose my taste on you. If you prefer a more defined or fuller look, I want to understand exactly what you mean and explain what might reasonably suit your natural lip shape. The goal is something you feel happy wearing in everyday life, without ignoring the limits of the tissue or the risks.

A sensible product doesn't have to be the most expensive

I often work with appropriate Korean filler products because I care about keeping treatment plans within a realistic budget. It isn't about claiming one country is better than another. The product has to be genuine, appropriately registered and suitable for the intended use. I'd rather explain that clearly than sell a product name as if the label guarantees a better outcome.

Let's talk before—and after—the injections

Tell me about previous filler, health conditions, medicines, allergies and anything that has caused a problem before. Swelling and bruising can happen. Although uncommon, filler can also cause serious vascular complications, so severe pain, pale or dusky skin and visual changes are warning signs that need urgent attention.

Lips need to look good when they move

A lip photographed perfectly still doesn't tell me how it will look when its owner laughs or speaks. I like to look at the face in motion and talk about which parts of a reference photo you actually like. It's better than copying another person's lip line by line.