If you told my 13-year-old self that in 2024 Lana Del Rey would still be leading the beauty trends, honestly I would have believed you. While the iconic, moody indie singer rose to prominence and ruled the Tumblr era circa 2012 with her hits like “Born to Die” and “Mountain Dew,” the influence of the alluring New York native has never slowed. Most recently, the star has found herself as the latest lip inspiration, with users all over social media dying for lips like Lana.
What’s hot in lip filler has changed drastically over the years, with heavily filled, Kardashian-like lips taking charge for years before the more minimalist, barely-there filler trends of today started to take hold. Now, a new lip filler trend is creeping onto our radar, as users all over TikTok are yearning for lip filler in what they’re describing as a “Lana Del Rey, sultry, pouty” way. Of course, asking for Lana lips when you go to your injector isn’t a surefire way to get that pouty look you want. Ahead, expert injectors break down exactly what you should ask for if you’re searching for the Lana lip look.
Featured Experts
- Michelle Henry, MD is a dermatologist in New York
- Sam P. Most, MD is a facial plastic surgeon in Stanford, CA
- Doris Day, MD is a dermatologist in New York
What should patients ask for if they want Lana lips?
While showing reference pictures can do you some good, the best way to ensure your results are exactly what you’d hoped is by knowing exactly what kind of lip filler you want. According to dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, “For a pouty, natural-looking enhancement reminiscent of Lana Del Rey’s lips, patients should ask for soft hyaluronic acid fillers. They should specify fillers that integrate well with this soft tissue and moves with the lip, not against it. I call this approach ‘lip gloss filler,’ where I place low volumes of a soft filler to add contour and hydration but not bulk.”
Facial plastic surgeon, Sam P. Most, MD, agrees, emphasizing that patients who want Lana lips should focus on softness and volume that emphasize the natural shape of the lips. “It is important for patients looking for Lana lips to communicate their desire for a balanced augmentation that emphasizes the central portion of the lips, particularly the cupid’s bow area, to achieve that characteristic pout.” In terms of what fillers Dr. Most recommends for this specific look, he explains that “Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane are often recommended because they offer a natural feel and can be easily molded. The best technique involves a combination of vertical and horizontal injections to create volume in the body of the lips while maintaining definition and structure to help achieve a soft, yet full and pillowy appearance.”
Like all things, though, Lana lips are not one size fits all, Dr. Day reminds. “While it’s good to bring in photos of what patients have in mind, they should also understand that lips that look great on one person may not look good on you.” While a large part of what lips work on your is genetic, it also has a lot to do with your smile, Dr. Day explains. “Lip shape and size is partially genetic, but it is also related to the condition and support of your teeth. Having mis-aligned teeth could make it all but impossible to have the lip shape you are hoping for.”
Balance is also a key factor in whether or not a certain type of lip will work for you. “There is a mathematical balance to the face and when the lips are out of balance, they can look unnatural and less attractive,” says Dr. Day “In many cases, treating the area around the lip does wonders for shaping the lips and creating more facial balance. I find that, often, the chin is receding and needs support and just by making a small adjustment there, the lips look much prettier.”
What should patients looking for Lana lips avoid?
When undergoing any cosmetic treatment, the best patient is the informed patient, so it’s not only important to know what you do want, but also what you don’t. When it comes to Lana lips, Dr. Most explains that “Patients should avoid overly aggressive filling or treatments that add too much volume too quickly, as this can lead to an unnatural or ‘over-filled’ appearance. It is crucial to steer clear of excessive product application around the borders of the lips, which can result in a sharp, unnatural outline. Also, they should be cautious of using too stiff or dense fillers that don’t blend well into the natural lip tissue. Consulting with a professional who understands the patient’s aesthetic goals and can provide a measured and artistic approach to lip augmentation is key to achieving this subtle, plump look.”
Dr. Henry agrees, emphasizing that slow and steady wins the race to Lana lips. “To avoid an over-filled, unnatural appearance, request a subtle enhancement that maintains facial harmony,” she notes. “Ask for [a] slow, gradual augmentation approach over multiple treatments. Never do too much at once—emphasize the importance of maintaining proper lip proportions.”
