Russian, Bratz, or Natural? A Technical Guide to Lip Aesthetics

You’ve scrolled Instagram and seen the terms thrown around, but do you know the technical difference between a Russian Technique and a standard plump? Lip augmentation is not “one size fits all.” It requires analyzing your facial anatomy, the projection of your chin, and your natural lip tubercles. At A Lash Gallery, we sculpt, we don’t just fill. Let’s decode the menu so you can book the result you actually want.

The Natural Enhancement (1ML): The Foundation This service is focused on hydration and subtle structural support. We use a softer hyaluronic acid filler to smooth out vertical lip lines and add a “glossy” look without significantly changing the shape. Best For: First-timers or those with naturally thin lips who need to build a “base” before going bigger. The goal here is restoration, not alteration.

The Russian Technique: The “Heart” Shape The Russian technique is an advanced method that focuses on height rather than forward projection (the “duck” look). By injecting tiny micro-droplets of filler vertically into the lip body, we can lift and widen the lip tissue. The Result: A flatter side profile with a crisp, defined Vermilion border. This creates that coveted “heart shape” with a sharp Cupid’s bow. It requires a specific technique to ensure the filler stays in the body of the lip and doesn’t migrate.

The Bratz / Exaggerated Look This is for the client who wants volume and drama. We focus on building the “pillows” of the lips, creating a rounder, poutier aesthetic. This technique often involves reinforcing the oral commissures (corners of the mouth) to turn them slightly upward and packing volume into the center of the lip for that “doll-like” pout. Note: This often requires more than one session to achieve safely. We never want to overfill the tissue in one go.

Pain Management & Safety Fear of pain shouldn’t keep you from the lips you want. We use a high-strength topical anesthetic to numb the area completely before we begin. Most fillers also contain Lidocaine mixed into the gel, meaning the area becomes more numb as we work.

Your face is a canvas. Don’t choose a shape because it looked good on someone else; choose the shape that balances your features. Not sure which shape suits your face? Book a consultation with Anidra to map your perfect pout.