Injectable treatments · performed by Dr. Adè

Lip filler that honours your lips

Subtle enhancement rooted in natural anatomy. We work with the unique shape of your lips — not against them.

40 minutes Performed by Dr. Adè 2-week top-up included Fully reversible

What is lip filler?

Enhancement that starts with your anatomy

Lip filler uses hyaluronic acid — a substance your body produces naturally — to add definition, volume, and hydration to the lips. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds moisture, giving a soft, natural feel rather than a stiff or overfilled result.

At Arca, all lip filler treatments are performed by Dr. Adè. Your appointment includes a thorough assessment of your lip anatomy, tissue quality, and the result you're hoping for. The product is chosen to suit your lips — not the other way around.

A two-week review and top-up is included in your treatment price. Lips can swell after filler, which temporarily affects the appearance. The top-up appointment allows Dr. Adè to assess the settled result and add a small amount of product if needed — at no extra cost.

40 minutes per session including assessment
1 appointment covers assessment and treatment
2-week top-up review included in your price
Reversible hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if needed

Our approach

The Scandinavian technique

Inspired by Scandinavian aesthetic philosophy, Dr. Adè's approach to lip filler is rooted in restraint, precision, and deep respect for natural anatomy. The goal is never to transform — it is to enhance what is already there.

Principle 01

Work with natural anatomy

Every lip has a unique architecture. Dr. Adè maps your natural lip structure before placing any product, using it as the blueprint rather than overriding it with a template result.

Principle 02

Respect the tubercles

The natural peaks and curves of the lip — known as tubercles — give lips their character. Dr. Adè enhances these features rather than flattening them, preserving the individuality of your smile.

Principle 03

Prevent migration

Overfilling and poor placement technique lead to filler migration — product spreading beyond the lip border. Precise, anatomy-led placement and appropriate product selection keeps your result clean and defined over time.

"I want your lips to look like your lips — just the best version of them. My job is to see what's already beautiful and bring it forward, not to reshape what nature gave you."
— Dr. Adè, Medical Director, Arca Wellness

Results

What we can achieve for your lips

Lip filler at Arca addresses a range of concerns — from very subtle improvements to more noticeable enhancement. Dr. Adè will discuss exactly what is achievable for you during your assessment.

Definition & shape

Enhance the outline and border of the lips for a more defined, precise appearance — with or without adding noticeable volume.

Fuller appearance

Add volume to lips that feel naturally thin or that have deflated with age, restoring a more youthful, balanced look.

Improved symmetry

Subtle asymmetries between the upper and lower lip, or left and right side, can be gently corrected for a more balanced result.

Cupid's bow enhancement

Define or restore the upper lip's natural bow — the signature curves that frame the philtrum — for a more expressive, feminine lip shape.

Hydration & texture

Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the lip tissue, improving texture, reducing fine lip lines, and giving lips a softer, healthier appearance.

Proportional balance

Adjust the ratio between upper and lower lip, and the lips in relation to the rest of the face, for a result that feels naturally correct.

Products we use

Your product is chosen for you

There is no single "best" lip filler product — the right choice depends on your lip tissue, natural structure, and desired outcome. Dr. Adè selects from a range of premium hyaluronic acid fillers after assessing your lips in person.

Restylane

Kysse

A flexible, soft-feel filler designed specifically for the lips. Kysse moves naturally with the lips and integrates smoothly into the tissue, giving a voluminous yet natural result with excellent longevity.

Chosen when

Volume and a naturally soft result are the primary goal, particularly in lips that move expressively.

Restylane

Refyne

A light, highly flexible filler that supports natural lip movement. Refyne is ideal for subtle enhancement — refining the outline and adding gentle definition without adding obvious bulk.

Chosen when

A very natural, understated result is desired, or for patients wanting their first experience with lip filler.

Restylane

Defyne

A firmer, more structured filler that provides clear definition and lasting shape. Defyne is suited for more precise work — sculpting the lip border, enhancing the cupid's bow, and supporting the philtrum columns.

Chosen when

Definition and lip border precision is the priority alongside volume, or when a longer-lasting structure is preferred.

Juvéderm

Ultra 3

A versatile, well-established HA filler known for its smooth consistency and ability to deliver noticeable volume. Ultra 3 integrates naturally into the lips and is a trusted choice for fuller enhancement.

Chosen when

Depending on lip tissue characteristics and the volume of enhancement the patient wants to achieve.

Some products are also available with Lidocaine (anaesthetic) already included in the formula — marked with the suffix Lido. Dr. Adè will advise on the most appropriate option based on your comfort needs and treatment plan.

Treatment process

How your lip filler treatment works

Your 40-minute appointment is designed so that assessment and treatment happen in a single session — no separate consultation required before booking.

Lip assessment & product selection

Dr. Adè examines your lip anatomy, tissue quality, and natural structure. Together you discuss your goals and she selects the most appropriate product from her range.

Topical numbing & preparation

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the lips and surrounding area to maximise comfort during treatment. The treatment area is then cleaned and prepared.

Careful, precise filler placement

Dr. Adè places filler using fine needle or cannula technique, working methodically through the lip structure to achieve a balanced, natural-looking result.

Review & aftercare guidance

The result is assessed immediately and gentle massage applied where needed. You receive full aftercare instructions and your 2-week top-up appointment is scheduled.

After your treatment

What to expect

Lip filler results evolve over the first two weeks. Understanding what is normal prevents unnecessary concern and helps you get the most from your included top-up appointment.

Day 1 – 3

Swelling & initial result

Lips will be noticeably swollen — this is completely normal and expected. The result at this stage will appear larger than the final outcome. Some tenderness and minor bruising may occur.

Day 4 – 7

Swelling reduces

The majority of swelling resolves within the first week. The lips begin to feel more natural and settled. Any bruising typically fades by days 5–7. Results start becoming clearer.

Week 2

Settled result — top-up review

By week two, the filler has fully integrated and the final result is visible. Your included top-up appointment takes place at this stage. Dr. Adè reviews the outcome and adds product if needed.

6 – 12+ months

Result longevity

Lip filler typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on the product used, your metabolism, and lifestyle. Maintaining results with regular top-up treatments usually requires less product over time.

Important note on lip swelling: Lips swell more than most other treated areas after filler. It is normal to feel you look "too big" in the first few days — this always settles. Please wait until your 2-week top-up before assessing whether you need any adjustment. Dr. Adè will assess the true result at your review appointment.

Pricing

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing

One price covers everything — your assessment, treatment, and your 2-week follow-up review with top-up filler if needed.

Lip Filler — Full Treatment
R5,000

per session

  • Comprehensive lip assessment by Dr. Adè
  • Product selection tailored to your anatomy
  • Full lip filler treatment (40 minutes)
  • 2-week follow-up review and top-up if needed
  • Aftercare protocol and guidance
2-week top-up is always included. Because lips swell significantly after treatment, a follow-up review is essential to assess the true result. Top-up filler at this appointment is included at no additional cost.

Common questions

Lip filler FAQs

Everything you need to know before your appointment.

  • Lips are sensitive, but topical numbing cream is applied before treatment to significantly reduce discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain. Some products also contain Lidocaine in the formula, which provides additional comfort during injection.

  • Lips typically swell more than any other injectable area. Swelling can be quite pronounced in the first 1–3 days and may feel alarming — but it is normal. The swelling resolves over 7–14 days, revealing the true, settled result. This is why we include your 2-week top-up review as standard: to assess the actual outcome once swelling has resolved.

  • You can resume normal activities immediately, but visible swelling and possible bruising mean most patients prefer to have their treatment on a day when they don't need to look their best. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and heat (saunas, hot showers) for 24 hours after treatment.

  • Yes — the Scandinavian technique is specifically designed to produce natural-looking results by respecting your lip's inherent anatomy and avoiding overfilling. Dr. Adè places filler conservatively, working within the natural boundaries of your lips. Overfilled, duck-lip results are a product of poor technique and excessive volume — not of lip filler itself.

  • Hyaluronic acid filler is fully reversible. If you are unhappy with your result once swelling has fully resolved, Dr. Adè can dissolve the filler using hyaluronidase — an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid quickly and safely. Dissolution is a medical procedure performed at Arca and is not included in your treatment price.

  • Results typically last 6–12 months, though this varies significantly depending on the product used, your metabolism, activity level, and lifestyle factors. Lips are highly mobile and tend to metabolise filler faster than areas with less movement. Maintaining your result with regular treatments over time generally requires less product per session.

  • No — you can book directly. Your 40-minute appointment includes a thorough assessment at the beginning of your session. Dr. Adè will examine your lips, discuss your goals, and select the most appropriate product before any treatment begins. If during the assessment Dr. Adè feels the treatment is not appropriate for any reason, she will advise you accordingly.

  • Avoid blood-thinning supplements (e.g., fish oil, Vitamin E, aspirin) for 5–7 days before your appointment if possible, as these increase bruising risk. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment. Come to your appointment with clean skin and no lip liner or lipstick. Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your treatment.

Ready to book your lip filler?

No prior consultation needed. Book your 40-minute appointment directly and your assessment, treatment, and 2-week top-up are all taken care of.