Do you know how lips can contribute to facial feminization? Lips are one of the most defining features of the face. Their shape often differs between men and women. Female lips tend to be fuller, more projected, and have a well-defined contour, often known as the cupid’s bow. In contrast, male lips are generally thinner, with less volume and a flatter upper lip. These and other differences highlight the crucial role lips play in facial feminization.
The role of lips in Facial Feminization
The lips form the outer part of the mouth and shape our appearance. Made up of two musculo-cutaneous folds (muscle and skin), the upper and lower lips have several functions. Firstly, they are essential for eating, helping us to ingest food. Secondly, they are vital for speech and communication. But they also play a key aesthetic role. The shape and proportions of the lips largely influence whether a face appears more masculine or feminine. Fuller lips with a well-defined cupid’s bow, more volume and projection are typically associated with a feminine face. The distance between the upper lip and the nose, along with the folds in this area, are also indicators of femininity.
Lip lift surgery in Facial Feminization
During puberty, the male face lengthens and the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip increases. In females, this distance remains relatively short, similar to that of a child. For trans women with a long upper lip area, shortening this distance can be the key to complete their facial feminization process. This is achieved through a lip lift surgery, which removes a small section of skin beneath the nose. The resulting scar is hidden at the base of the nose, making it almost invisible and yielding a very natural result. This procedure also exposes more of the upper lip, giving a more feminine and sensual appearance. If performed alone, it is a quick procedure of around 20-25 minutes, though it is often combined with other facial feminization surgeries.
Lip augmentation and contouring in Facial Feminization
Full and sensual lips have long been a standard of beauty and femininity. From Nefertiti to modern times, well-defined and voluminous lips are seen as a symbol of attractiveness. Lip augmentation is therefore one of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments among trans women. This technique uses microinjections of hyaluronic acid to increase volume, better define the shape of the lips (through contouring), enhance projection, improve hydration, correct asymmetries or highlight a more feminine shape.
These procedures are not all the same and require different techniques and expertise. For example, the currently trending “Russian lips” technique enhances central volume without excessive projection. Meanwhile, “lip hydration” with hyaluronic acid adds juiciness without significantly increasing volume. Lip contouring allows for a more defined shape, especially of the upper lip.
Not all lip treatments in facial feminization have the same goal. It is important to understand the different techniques to achieve the desired results.
If your goal is to feminize the mouth, a personalized combination of techniques is often the best option. That is why it’s important to visit a gender-specialized center, such as IM Beauty by IM GENDER for lip augmentation. These aesthetic medicine techniques are always carried out by an experienced aesthetic doctor and typically take about 30 minutes. The type of hyaluronic acid used – crosslinking and density – will depend on the desired result. As it is a resorbable product, results last 6 to 12 months and require periodic maintenance.
Lips for attraction and expression
Did you know lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body? They contain millions of nerve endings and their red or pink colour is due to rich blood supply. That is why they bleed easily when dry or chapped. 
A healthy lip can range in tone from light pink to brown, and their appearance can reflect internal health. For example, blue or purple lips may signal hypothermia, while pale lips could suggest dehydration.
Lip colour can also convey sexual attraction. A study by the University of Louisville (UK) found that our lips become more vibrant when we feel attracted to someone. Lipsticks try to replicate this natural effect.
How to care for your lips?
Lips don’t sweat because they lack sweat glands. That means they dry out easily and need consistent hydration. One of the most overlooked habits is using sun protection for the lips. Just like we apply SPF to our face or body, we should also protect our lips year-round. Lip balms with SPF are essential and should be used even in winter.
Are you considering lip augmentation? Do you want to know more about lip treatments in facial feminization? Book your consultation today without commitment.