Cherry lips vs Russian lips, in the words clinics use

These two get mixed up a lot, partly because both are about the centre of the lip.

Cherry lips, as InjectCo describes it, is fullness concentrated in the middle of both lips with a softer outline. Russian lips, in The IV Lounge's description, is more about height and a defined, raised upper lip, with less forward pout. Both are clinics that sell treatments, so read them as descriptions of a goal, not proof one works better.

Easiest way to tell which one you mean: look at your reference photo and ask what you're actually drawn to. The roundness in the middle? The two upper peaks? How much lip shows?

Two questions to bring, depending:

• cherry: can we keep the corners soft while changing the centre?
• Russian: can we add definition without more forward fullness?

The AAD also suggests telling the provider about earlier injections, conditions and medicines at the consult.

There's a longer guide on choosing between cherry lips and Russian lips with a comparison table.

Notes from the patient side, not medical advice.

Sofia R.