Profile balancing: treating lips and chin together

We often focus on one feature at a time. Perhaps your lips feel thin or your chin seems small. Yet the face works as a whole. Treating one area on its own does not always give the most balanced result.

Profile balancing looks at the lips and chin together. The aim is to bring the lower face into proportion so it looks harmonious from the front and from the side.

Why the lips and chin are linked

The lips and chin sit close together and affect how each other look. A small chin can make the lips look as if they stick out. Fuller lips without enough chin support can look too large for the face.

When both are in proportion, the nose, lips and chin tend to line up in a pleasing way. This is often what people mean when they say a face looks balanced.

Who profile balancing can suit

You may benefit if you:

• Feel your profile looks weak or unbalanced in photos
• Have a small or receding chin
• Would like lip filler but worry it will look too much on its own
• Notice your nose looks more prominent from the side
• Want a subtle overall change rather than one obvious feature

How the treatment works

We start with a consultation. I look at your face from the front and both sides. We talk about what you would like and I explain what I think would help. Photos can be useful so you can see your profile clearly.

On the day, a firmer filler is usually placed in the chin to give structure and projection. A softer filler is then used in the lips to add shape and volume. Doing the chin first helps me judge how much the lips really need.

Often people need less lip filler than they expected once the chin is supported.

What results look like

The changes are usually subtle on their own. Together they can make a noticeable difference to the overall shape of your face. Many people say they look more refreshed and confident in photos without anyone being able to tell what has changed.

Side effects and recovery

Swelling and bruising are common in both areas for a few days. The lips usually swell more than the chin. Tenderness is normal and settles within a week or so. Less common risks include lumps, infection and blood vessel problems. I go through all of these with you before treatment.

For the first 24 to 48 hours it helps to avoid alcohol, hard exercise and pressing on the treated areas.

How long it lasts

Results vary from person to person. Lip filler often lasts around six to twelve months. Chin filler often lasts 12 to 18 months for many people. This means the lips may need a top-up sooner than the chin.

Keeping it natural

Profile balancing is about harmony rather than changing who you are. Small amounts placed with care tend to look far more natural than a large amount in one area. I would always rather build gently than overdo it.

If you have ever felt your profile is a little out of balance, I would be happy to take a look with you. Book a free consultation with Lucy in Addlestone and we can talk about whether profile balancing suits you.